Title
[Document, 1810 October 25]
Library Location
Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University
Name
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Author)
Wilberforce, William, 1759-1833 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
October 25, 1810
Language
English
Physical Description
2 pages
Subjects
United States--History--1809-1817; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Has not sufficient data to form a decided judgment on the question of reform in Parliament. The English Constitution appears to require a fair apportionment of representatives among the electors, but nothing in it implies universal suffrage. Does not know precisely what the proposed reform entails. If it is to apportion representatives among districts according to the number of electors, this would be a just and constitutional measure. Is more inclined to this by the present state of the aristocracy, which excites the jealousy that it will obtain undue ascendancy. There is danger in the discrediting of democracy caused by the French Revolution; without it there can be no free government. There seems to be reason to apprehend that during the "Rage and Range" of Democracy the aristocracy received greater strength than safety and policy required. The Commons will therefore feel the influence of the Lords in a greater degree than the Constitution allows, this being an argument in favor of reform. Some Boroughs appear to have degenerated into a mere means by which opulent political leaders supply themselves with able and active advocates. Should borough holders appoint Representatives for the nation?
Identifier
columbia.jay.09278