The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 37
Parliamentary Reform: What is it?
Parliamentary Reform: What is it?
[ unclear: A] the mere representation is a matter in itself of the most vereign indifference, except to those who may get votes at they may sell them—or to those who desire to gain [ unclear: p]portance by having theories to promulgate—or to the [ unclear: a]akminded, who, feeling that things are mismanaged, con [ unclear: -it] themselves with a generality.
Any reform of Parliament that does not include the restora [ unclear: tion] of the old rule of the House— That every member must present during the sitting of the House must clearly be no form at all, but a fraud only.
The office of Re-presentative of the people was in our English constitution a service and a burden.
Having become a means of distinction and advancement, [ unclear: pa]rliament, instead of being a check on malversation, has come its instrument.
It is not the less so, but the more so, the wider the basis extended. Every new borough added and every extension [ unclear: a] existing boroughs is simply the expansion of bribery, [ unclear: aud.] and perjury.
This is stopped from the moment that attendance of members is rendered compulsory; for then the service and the [ unclear: bur]den would be re imposed.
Any reform to be effectual must reconvert the House from Club into a Re-presentative and Legislative Assembly, rich will confine the Government to its executive functions, [ unclear: I] prevent its spending money by buying simple majorities.
(Urquhart, 1866.)