Observations on the Ministerial Plan of Reform (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1831. Excerpt: ... SECTION VI. WILL THE PROPOSED REFORM SECURE THE REMAINING INSTITUTIONS OF THE COUNTRY? I Come now to the assertion, that the Bill will not shake the essential institutions of the country, and will not destroy the influence of the higher classes, but only somewhat change its character. I confess I was surprised, shortly after the introduction of this Bill, to find impressions current among gentlemen friendly to it, both in, and out of the House, very different from those which I had immediately entertained of its highly democratic tendency. I was told in various quarters, "Oh you do not understand the measure, you "do not see its operation. It is a most Aristocra"tic Bill. The popular party may think that "they have established a fulcrum for their lever, "to overturn all the power of the Peerage, but "they will find themselves mistaken: our order "will be better and more firmly placed than ever. "The influence of the highest ranks will be "founded upon the most secure basis, and the "discomfiture, and disappointment of the Radicals "will be complete." I was more surprised, than re-assured at the intelligence of this aristocratic ambuscade. By principle, feeling, and education, attached, fervently attached to rational, and constitutional liberty, I should not view this Bill with less hostility, should I discover, that under pretence of satisfying the popular voice, it deceived while it fawned, and disguised an insidious encroachment of the powers it professed to curtail. One of the best arguments I know in favour of close boroughs, is, that they afford a field, a noble one for the fair play of intellect, and the free expression of thought, and that a private gentleman has through them an opening to declare his honest convictions, without subserviency to th...