different opinions; and as thus securing, by a well-balanced and intelligent representation of all the various classes of society, a permanent protection of the public liberties of the people, and a firm security of the private rights of persons and property.[1] Without, therefore, asserting, that such a mixed representation is absolutely, and under all circumstances, the best, it might be safely affirmed, that the existence of various elements in the composition of the representative body is not necessarily inexpedient, unjust, or insecure; and, in many cases, may promote a wholesome restraint upon partial plans of legislation, and ensure a vigorous growth to the general interests of the Union. The planter, the farmer, the mechanic, the merchant, and the manufacturer might thus be brought to act together, in a body representing each; and thus superior intelligence, as well as mutual good-will and respect, be diffused through the whole of the collective body.[2]
§ 585. In the judgment of the convention, this latter reasoning seems to have obtained a decisive influence,- ↑ Mr. Wilson in his Lectures, considers the inequality of representation in the house of commons, as a prominent defect in the British government. But his objections are mainly urged against the mode of apportioning the representation, and not against the qualifications of the voters.[a 1] In the reform now under the consideration of parliament, there is a very great diversity of electoral qualifications allowed, and apparently supported by all parties. Mr. Burke in his Reflections on the French Revolution, holds doctrines essentially different in many points from Mr. Wilson. See also in Winne's Ennomus, Dialogue 3, § 18, 19, 20, an ingenious defence of the existing system in Great-Britain.
- ↑ See Paley's Moral Philosophy, B. 6, ch. 7, p. 380; id. 394. See also Franklin's Remarks; 2 Pitk. Hist. 242.—Dr. Paley has placed the inequalities of representation in the house of commons in a strong light; and he has attempted a vindication of it, which, whether satisfactory or not, is at least urged with great skill and ingenuity of reasoning. Paley's Moral Philosophy, B.6, ch. 7, p. 391 to 400. See also 2 Pitk. Hist. 242.
- ↑ 1 Wilson's Lect. 130 to 433.
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