Cobbett's Parliamentary History of England Volume 4; From the Norman Conquest, in 1066 to the Year 1803 .... Comprising the Period from the Restoration of Charles the Second, in 1660, to the Revolution, in 1688 - William Cobbett

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1808 Excerpt: ...burgesses: electors, and elected also. There is another statute, that elections shall be freely and indifferently made, notwithstanding letters, &c.' which he has felt to his cost. Mr. Snynfin. You are on a good subject, and it deserves consideration. You have had several things moved, almost impossible to come to effect. It was never before thought of to make rules for boroughs, but to leave men to stand upon their ancient privileges. Some boroughs, by prescription, have a settled right by law. In some there is no burgage tenure: would therefore avoid these large considerations. If you make a general Vote, there will be as much douht on the interpretation, and be as full of dispute when it comes to be applied, as now. If you go about it, it is as much as to say you will have a bill that shall never come to effect. But there is one thing: that exorbitant corruption, amounting to no less than bribery: and it is better to allow to give 1000/. than to expend it so disorderly. It makes-the very parliament have reflections upon it; therefore Would have a Bill to restrain this giving or spending money before the election be made. 1'ho. Meres. As good make a coat for the moon, as alter the manner of elections; we have one burgess sits here'upon one point, and another upon another. Doubts that what we are about to do is impracticable. Those who wish not the parliament well, impute these things as a scandal to us. Therefore something should be done against drinking and bribery, and would have the Committee directed in it. The following form of a Vote or Order of the house was then read, and referred to.--N. B. The Committee of Privileges passed it, with a few alterations, the day before the session ended. Statute of 7 Hen. iv. was rend, at the committee, viz. &q...