JB/109/070/001

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1819 May 19.

Parl Reform or Disfranchising

Edinburgh Review
Ballot
Objection adverse to liberty
15
In popular meetings
The momentarysympathetic affection
overcomes the calculating
self regarding interest

Their vices are a corrective of the deliberating selfishness of their superiors.
Their bad as well as good qualities, render them the portion of Society
the most susceptible of impressions and the most accessible
to public feelings. They are fitted to produce that democratic spirit
which, tempered in its progress through the various classes of the
community, becomes the vital principle of liberty. It is very true,
that the occasional absurdity and violence of these Meetings, often ☞ Admission. Democratic
spirit the vital principle
of liberty
alienate men of timid virtue from the cause of Liberty. It is enough
for the present purpose, that in those long periods to which political
reasonings must always be understood to apply, they contribute
far more to excite and to second, than to offend and or alarm, the enlightened
friends of the rights of the people. But Meetings for Election
are by far the safest and most effective of all popular assemblies.
They are brought together by the Constitution;- they have a legal character;-
they display the ensigns of popular authority:- they assemble men of
all ranks and opinions;- and, in them, the people publicly and conspicuously
bestow some of the highest prizes pursued by a generous
ambition. Hence they derive a consequence, and give a sense of self
importance, to their humblest Members, which would be vainly sought
for in spontaneous Meetings. They lend apart of their own seriousness
and dignity to other Meetings occasioned by the election, and even
to those which at other times, are really, or even nominally, composed
of Electors.

In Elections, political principles cease to be mere abstractions.
They are embodied in individuals; and the cold conviction of a truth, 18
They excite universal
interest like battles
or the languid approbation of a measure, is animated by attachment
for leaders, and hostility for adversaries. Every political possession is
warmed in the contest. Even the outward circumstances of the scene,
strike the imagination and effect the feelings. The recital of them
daily spreads enthusiasm over a Country. The various fortunes
of combat excite anxiety and agitation on all sides; and an
opportunity is offered of discussing almost every political question,
under circumstances where the hearts of hearers and readers take 19
Thus is formed democratic
ascendency
part in the arguments: and the issue of a Controversy is regarded by
the Nation with some degree of the same solicitude as the event
of a battle. In this manner is formed "democratic ascendency", which is 20
Reading, though useful
is not sufficient
most perfect when the greatest numbers of independent judgements influence
the measures of Government. Reading may, indeed, increase the number and
intelligence of those whose sentiments compose public opinion; but numerous
assemblies and consequently popular elections can alone generate the courage an zeal which form so
large a portion of its power.

Identifier: | JB/109/070/001"JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 109.
Date_1	1819-05-19	Marginal Summary Numbering	15-20
Box	109	Main Headings	Parliamentary Reform
Folio number	070	Info in main headings field	Parl. Reform or Disfranchising
Image	001	Titles
Category	Copy/fair copy sheet	Number of Pages	1
Recto/Verso	recto	Page Numbering	C5 / E5
Penner		Watermarks
Marginals	Jeremy Bentham	Paper Producer
Corrections	Jeremy Bentham	Paper Produced in Year
Notes public		ID Number	35725
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