his nature in general?--does it suit his nature as modified by his
habits?

The more frequently this affair is discussed, the stronger the case
appears to the sense and the feelings of mankind. I have no more
doubt than I entertain of my existence, that this very thing, which
is stated as a horrible thing, is the means of the preservation of
our Constitution whilst it lasts: of curing it of many of the
disorders which, attending every species of institution, would
attend the principle of an exact local representation, or a
representation on the principle of numbers. If you reject personal
representation, you are pushed upon expedience; and then what they
wish us to do is, to prefer their speculations on that subject to
the happy experience of this country of a growing liberty and a
growing prosperity for five hundred years. Whatever respect I have
for their talents, this, for one, I will not do. Then what is the
standard of expedience? Expedience is that which is good for the
community, and good for every individual in it. Now this expedience
is the desideratum to be sought, either without the experience of
means, or with that experience. If without, as in the case of the
fabrication of a new commonwealth, I will hear the learned arguing
what promises to be expedient; but if we are to judge of a
commonwealth actually existing, the first thing I inquire is, What
has been found expedient or inexpedient? And I will not take their
promise rather than the performance of the Constitution.

But no; this was not the cause of the discontents. I went through
most of the northern parts--the Yorkshire election was then raging;
the year before, through most of the western counties--Bath,
Bristol, Gloucester--not one word, either in the towns or country,