The votes given by several of the Scotch Members since
the opening of the session, appear only to have confirmed the suspicions of their political honesty which were entertained at the time of their election. The pro- mises which were exacted from some candidates on the hustings to oppose or support certain men and measures, and to resign their seats when called upon by a majority of their supporters, prove the distrust with which they were regarded even then. But why did the Reformers elect men whose sincerity they doubted? In some cases, because they were at a loss for better candidates. And this is a difficulty which will occur again unless local predilections and prejudices are laid aside and the constituencies look beyond the narrow sphere of their own neighbourhood for a suitable representative—careless as to the place of his birth or private residence, anxious only as to his qualifications as a Member of Parliament. It was on this principle that the electors of Dundee acted, when they chose Sir HENRY PARNELL ; and they have never repented of their choice. It will not be easy to point out Sir HENRY'S equal in Parliamentary knowledge and real though unobtrusive efficiency ; but the services of men of his order of qualifications may, we doubt not, be had by a con- stituency anxious to possess them. For instance, there is Colonel TORRENS : we deem it a public misfortune that he is not now in Par- liament. He possesses talents and knowledge which rendered him a highly useful member of the Legislature. He is a decided, without being a violent, advocate of Liberal opinions—of the Ballot and Tri- ennial Parliaments ; is a first-rate political economist ; and has the faculty of clearly explaining to others what be understands perfectly himself—the principles and practice of free trade. He is besides secure of attention in the House of Commons—a point of great con- The requisition is in the following terms— ANDREW JOINSTOME, Esq. M.P.
"Sig—Your recent conduct omtrie question before the House of Commons relative to the disposal of the surplus revenues of the Irish Church, having excited our greatest dissatisfaction, we the undersigned Electors of Cupar, your supporters at the last elec- tion, now call upon you to vacate your neat, in terms of your public pledge to resign at any time when called on by a majority of your supporters in the district.—We.are,"&c.
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sequence in estimating the value- ofas‘Reprosentative. Having these and other quelitications so essesstialsto the effseient performaace of Parliamentary duties, it is, we repeat, matter of regret that .Colonel Toafteus should be excluded from the House-of Commons; 011(1 we IfIlSt that an opportunity will soon uffer to some enliglperied cortssi, tuency to return him. As long as .sueb men are to be had, it is. their own fault if the people are badly represented.
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