Minutes from the Cabinet Office

The Government is debating its second attempt at passing a reform act, formerly thrown back by the lords for its radicalism. The Prime Minister is concerned that without reform, the Chartist movement may spread. "Chartism is only the beginning", he states, "Before we know it, the Radicals, Repealers, and Chartists will join forces in an attempt to topple just and true government. We must act to nip this movement in the bud". The Viscount Melbourne suggests that the government should seek the support of the Whig block in the lords. He recommends a more radical bill, calling on radical support, that expands suffrage to all adult men of sound mind. His notion gains scoffs of derision from Lords Gouty and Seisllywig, who in turn state that the answer to the threat of chaotic governance is not to throw the government into chaos. Lord Marlborough points out that Melbourne's action would likely cause a mass rebellion from former Tories, being defeated in the commons, let alone the lords.

"We must seek agreement from the Tories. We can convince them that token concessions now will see off Chartism for good. We give them secret ballots, reform constituencies, and a token salary for MPs. We do not allow non-property owners a vote. It was extension of suffrage that caused our last bill to be thrown out", Seisllywig suggests. "Indeed, I think that democratic reform has gone far enough. Those without property can not be trusted with the responsibility of government, as they do no have a satisfactory stake in that government. Much of the Chartist claim stinks of envy".

"Well said, Sesley", chimes in Lyndhurst, "it is not proper, nor just, that these people be given sway undue to their station."

"Undue to their station? This is the 19th Century! I would have thought decent gentlemen such as yourselves would have moved past such bigotry", Melbourne chides, sanctimoniously, "The liberal principle is that humans are equal. This rank paternalism sickens me. It offends me. I am offended by this, and this offence will be shared by all Whigs!"

Marlborough clears his throat, "Not all Whigs, Melbourne... I for one agree with their suggestion, it is pragmatic. Good policy."

"and what of principle, George!? Principle!?"

"What is unprincipled about the belief in responsibility in government? What is unprincipled about a belief that our duty is to the nation, not a mob? What is unprincipled about justice, honesty, and integrity?" demands Gouty "You believe, with your newfangled liberal pretence that you have a monopoly on principle? I say no, sah!"

"Hear hear!" the room cries.

"That was well said, Gouty, well said indeed. That will be all for today. Gouty, Sesley, Marlborough, a word if you please", says the Prime Minister, dismissing the room at large.