322 TRANSACTIONS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. [VoL. II. 



and much consideration, he ventures to think that such a scheme as the 

 circumstances demand, could, without great difficulty, be arranged and 

 made perfectly workable ; that while conserving all that is good in our 

 present constitution, and without involving any radical or revolu- 

 tionary change, we could have presented to us a plan by which we would 

 realize in our parliamentary system the true idea of representative 

 government. 



In forming a new scheme of electoral representation, the central idea 

 should be to constitute Parliament so that in reality it will be "the nation 

 in essence." With this central idea constantly in view, it would be found 

 that no good purpose could be secured by giving exaggerated import- 

 ance, as is often done at present, to abstract political questions during 

 the period of a general election. It would be in the interest of the whole 

 community to choose men to sit in Parliament who are best qualified by 

 common repute to represent the electoral mind, and to leave the settle- 

 ment of all public questions to the assembled legislature. Representa- 

 tives ought not to be considered mere delegates to echo conclusions, dic- 

 tated perhaps by whim or passion, or formed on insufficient evidence 

 and immature judgment. It is well known that often during general 

 elections one question brought into prominence will decide which 

 party shall rule ; while in Parliament many questions arise, some of 

 which may involve far more important considerations than the one which 

 receives special attention at the moment of the election. It is not suffi- 

 cient that members should represent their constituents on the one question, 

 or on several questions. The electorate should be well and thoroughly 

 represented on all questions which may arise throughout the duration 

 of Parliament. What is needed in a member is a man of rectitude, good 

 ability and good sense, in direct touch with, and in full sympathy with 

 those whom he is called upon to represent. The duty of the electors is to 

 select the men who have the proper qualifications, and leave the final 

 settlement of every public question to Parliament. When Parliament 

 assembles, each representative should feel himself unpledged, and free to 

 speak and vote on his own clear convictions, unbiassed by preconceived 

 opinions, formed possibly upon incomplete information. In Parliament a 

 member following a debate has the means of acquiring a more perfect 

 knowledge of the subject under discussion than he previously had, or 

 which the generality of those, who have selected him to represent them, 

 could possibly have. The position of a member provides the best 

 opportunity of obtaining familiarity with all sides of a public question. 

 He will hear the most eminent men in public life, he will have access to 

 ihe best evidence which can be obtained. For all these r'easons, repre- 



