This is a perpetual
dilemma into which they are thrown by the vicious, weak, and
contradictory principles they have chosen. Unless the people break
up and level this gradation, it is plain that they do not at all
substantially elect to the Assembly; indeed, they elect as little in
appearance as reality.
What is it we all seek for in an election? To answer its real
purposes, you must first possess the means of knowing the fitness of
your man; and then you must retain some hold upon him by personal
obligation or dependence. For what end are these primary electors
complimented, or rather mocked, with a choice? They can never know
anything of the qualities of him that is to serve them, nor has he any
obligation whatsoever to them. Of all the powers unfit to be delegated
by those who have any real means of judging, that most peculiarly
unfit is what relates to a personal choice. In case of abuse, that
body of primary electors never can call the representative to an
account for his conduct. He is too far removed from them in the
chain of representation. If he acts improperly at the end of his two
years' lease, it does not concern him for two years more. By the new
French constitution the best and the wisest representatives go equally
with the worst into this Limbus Patrum. Their bottoms are supposed
foul, and they must go into dock to be refitted.
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