* Others have proposed that each elector
should be allowed to vote only for one. By either of these plans, a
minority equalling or exceeding a third of the local constituency,
would be able, if it attempted no more, to return one out of three
members. The same result might be attained in a still better way if,
as proposed in an able pamphlet by Mr. James Garth Marshall, the
elector retained his three votes, but was at liberty to bestow them
all upon the same candidate. These schemes, though infinitely better
than none at all, are yet but makeshifts, and attain the end in a very
imperfect manner; since all local minorities of less than a third, and
all minorities, however numerous, which are made up from several
constituencies, would remain unrepresented. It is much to be lamented,
however, that none of these plans have been carried into effect, as
any of them would have recognised the right principle, and prepared
the way for its more complete application. But real equality of
representation is not obtained unless any set of electors amounting to
the average number of a constituency, wherever in the country they
happen to reside, have the power of combining with one another to
return a representative. This degree of perfection in
representation, appeared impracticable until a man of great
capacity, fitted alike for large general views and for the contrivance
of practical details- Mr.
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