On the record
If you examine carefully the lists of members, especially of the most prominent members, of either side of the House, you will not find that they are in general aristocratic names.
Said by
Walter Bagehot
Source
gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “If you examine carefully the lists of members, especially of the most prominent members, of either side of the House…”
Editor's note · Context
He emphasizes that the prominent members of Parliament are not typically from aristocratic backgrounds, indicating a shift in political representation.
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More from Walter Bagehot
But it is natural also that persons used to analyse political institutions should look at these anomalies with a little tenderness and a little interest.
It is natural that those who by special and admirable culture have come to look at all things upon the artistic side, should start back from these queer peculiarities.
Political philosophy is still more imperfect; it has been framed from observations taken upon regular specimens of politics and States; as to these its teaching is most valuable.
I cannot, therefore, join in the full cry against anomalies; in my judgment it may quickly overrun the scent, and so miss what we should be glad to find.
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