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MILL, John Stuart (1806-1873). Three autograph letters signed ('J.S. Mill) to Charles J. Grece, Blackheath Park, 18 April 1866 - 17 August 1867, reminding his correspondent of a previous discussion at India House, and the inquiry into 'electoral corruption at Reigate' and the proposed inquiry, the grant of electoral franchise and the impact on succeeding generations, and the possibility of parliamentary improvement, 7½ pages, 12mo, one integral blank, with autograph envelopes (torn).
Written after his election to Parliament in 1865, these letters contain something of the essence of Mill's outlook to franchise at a time when Gladstone's government was moving toward the Reform Bill of 1867. In the second letter dated 6 July 1966 he writes 'the electoral franchise ought to be regarded as the imposition of a duty much more than the concession of a right; and moreover that the duty is owed not to the existing generation alone or principally, but to the indefinite succession of future generations ... But the franchise is not and cannot be given to the permanent body, the family, as such; it can only be given to some passing individual or individuals'. (6)
Written after his election to Parliament in 1865, these letters contain something of the essence of Mill's outlook to franchise at a time when Gladstone's government was moving toward the Reform Bill of 1867. In the second letter dated 6 July 1966 he writes 'the electoral franchise ought to be regarded as the imposition of a duty much more than the concession of a right; and moreover that the duty is owed not to the existing generation alone or principally, but to the indefinite succession of future generations ... But the franchise is not and cannot be given to the permanent body, the family, as such; it can only be given to some passing individual or individuals'. (6)