A return presented to Parliament in 1866 shows that the
average cost of a county seat in England is 2,0411., and of a borough seat 950/. This is inclusive of incontested returns, and exclusive of all irregular—we do not mean illicit—expenses. Counting
these as an addition of 30 per cent. in the counties and 100 per cent. in the boroughs, the fine levied on a successful candidate ranges from 2,000/. to 3,0001., in addition to annual subscriptions, which are as obligatory as the expenses. In other words—as Par- liaments last about four years—a moderately successful profes- sional man must sacrifice one year's income in every three for the privilege of representing his countrymen in Parliament, and then we complain that the duty is too exclusively monopolized by the rich. If we do not alter this, we deserve a Cmsar, who would at least respect efficiency as much as cash.
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