Page:A Declaration of the People's Natural Right to a Share in the Legislature (1775) (IA declarationofpeo00shar).djvu/55

3) by the votes of the respective proprietors; since every Freeholder has a Right to vote; so that, in this one respect, the Representation is general; and, though far from equal, would still be a sufficient check against arbitrary power, and afford sufficient security for the lives and property of those persons who have no Vote, if the laws against parliamentary corruption (and especially that Act of 7 and 8 Wil. III. c. 4.) were duly enforced; and also if all persons, who are entrusted with the disposal of public Money, were required to render a strict account of it, and to be severely punished whenever convicted of exerting the influence of the public treasury against public liberty; which is the most baneful treachery and dishonesty that men in office (who arc the servants of