IN THE
CHOICE OF A RECORDER.
1733.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS IN THE CHOICE OF A RECORDER.
The office of Recorder to this city being vacant by the death of a
very worthy gentleman,[188] it is said, that five or six persons are
soliciting to succeed him in the employment. I am a stranger to all
their persons, and to most of their characters; which latter, I hope,
will at this time be canvassed with more decency than it sometimes
happeneth upon the like occasions. Therefore, as I am wholly impartial,
I can with more freedom deliver my thoughts how the several persons and
parties concerned ought to proceed in electing a Recorder for this
great and ancient city.
And first, as it is a very natural, so I can by no means think it an
unreasonable opinion, that the sons or near relations of Aldermen, and
other deserving citizens, should be duly regarded as proper competitors
for an employment in the city's disposal, provided they be equally
qualified with other candidates; and provided that such employments
require no more than common abilities, and common honesty. But in the
choice of a Recorder, the case is entirely different. He ought to be a
person of good abilities in his calling; of an unspotted character; an
able practitioner; one who hath occasionally merited of this city
before; he ought to be of some maturity in years; a member of
Parliament, and likely to continue so; regular in his life; firm in his
loyalty to the Hanover succession; indulgent to tender consciences;
but, at the same time, a firm adherer to the established church. If he
be such a one who hath already sat in Parliament, it ought to be
inquired of what weight he was there; whether he voted on all occasions
for the good of his country; and particularly for advancing the trade
and freedom of this city; whether he be engaged in any faction, either
national or religious; and, lastly, whether he be a man of courage, not
to be drawn from his duty by the frown or menaces of power, nor capable
to be corrupted by allurements or bribes.—These, and many other
particulars, are of infinitely more consequence, than that single
circumstance of being descended by a direct or collateral line from any
Alderman, or distinguished citizen, dead or alive.
There is not a dealer or shopkeeper in this city, of any substance,
whose thriving, less or more, may not depend upon the good or ill
conduct of a Recorder. He is to watch every motion in Parliament that
may the least affect the freedom, trade, or welfare of it.
In this approaching election, the commons, as they are a numerous
body, so they seem to be most concerned in point of interest; and their
interest ought to be most regarded, because it altogether dependeth
upon the true interest of the city. They have no private views; and
giving their votes, as I am informed, by balloting, they lie under no
awe, or fear of disobliging competitors. It is therefore hoped that
they will duly consider, which of the candidates is most likely to
advance the trade of themselves and their brother-citizens; to defend
their liberties, both in and out of Parliament, against all attempts of
encroachment or oppression. And so God direct them in the choice of a
Recorder, who may for many years supply that important office with
skill, diligence, courage, and fidelity. And let all the people say,
Amen.