JB/023/104/002

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Now for inconsistency : and in this inconsistency behold
another proof of that in the adjustment of this matter reason had
no share. Age at which a man shall have in his hands the
whole integral power of government, 18: Age before which he shall not
possess this small fraction, by the Charter, 40 ; by the amen-
ment, 30.

Look at the history of the English parliaments. Was there ever
so much as a single instance in which a measure detri-
mental to the interest of the community had or was ever alleged
or now suspected to have had for its cause the predominance
of members of too early an age, whether by means of their
speeches or their votes? Was there ever so much as an
instance where so much any the slightest inconvenience
had in the instance of this or that member taken singly this or that mode of behavior of which the relative imma-
turity of his age appears to have been the cause? Look as
long as you please, no such instance will you find.

Look now to the several status of the Anglo American union
In the body in which deputies from all the states are met toge-
ther —in a word, in the Congress,— in that one of the two branches
of it which is called the senate and is composed of members depicted
House of Representatives, true it is that the age required is 25 years.
Look to that branch which is called the senate and is composed of
members deputed by a different set of Electors : true it is that there
the exclusion is put upon all who have not attained 30 years. Part of either exclusion was experience in any instance the real
ground? was it so much as the alleged ground? no : it was
mere theory : theory nothing else ; theory without relevant facts for
the support of it ; theory, having no more opposite ground than vague notions of wisdom in general, without consideration
had of the particular sort of business for the transaction of
which the trustees in question are employed.

In requiring an age beyond this of one and twenty as a
condition of eligibility, what is it that is looked for? Is it not
appropriate aptitude? appropriate in one or more or all of
its four branches— moral frame of mind, quality and quantity of
knowledge suited to the business, and active talent suited to the
business? Take then any one of the longest terms which in this
character are in use to be employed or recommended— take the
25 years— take the 30 years— take even the 40 years: for the exist-
ence of appropriate aptitude in any one of these same branches
can the additional length be firstly regarded as a necessary or a requisite security? No such thing. Look at it closely,
instead of security for appropriate aptitude, you will

Identifier: | JB/023/104/002 "JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 23.
Date_1		Marginal Summary Numbering
Box	023	Main Headings	lord brougham displayed
Folio number	104	Info in main headings field
Image	002	Titles
Category	copy/fair copy sheet	Number of Pages	2
Recto/Verso	recto	Page Numbering	e3 / e4
Penner	james mill	Watermarks	street & co 1830
Marginals		Paper Producer	antonio alcala galiano
Corrections		Paper Produced in Year	1830
Notes public		ID Number	7975
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