'By an act, passed in the 9 year of the reign of queen Anne [1710],
it was provided that no person should be chosen a member of
parliament who did not possess in England or Wales an estate,
freehold or copyhold, for life, according to the following
qualifications: for every knight of a shire 600 pounds per annum,
over and above what will satisfy all incumbrances; and 300 per
annum, for every citizen, burgess, and baron of the cinque
ports. [...]
[1760] This restraint was by no means effectual. [...] political
perjury grew so common, that it was no longer considered as a
crime. Subterfuges were discovered, by means of which this law
relating to the qualification of candidates was effectually eluded.
Those who were not actually possessed of such estates, procured
temporary conveyances from their friends and patrons, on condition
of their being restored and cancelled after the election. By this
scandalous fraud the intention of the legislature was frustrated,
the dignity of parliament prostituted, the example of perjury and
corruption extended, and the vengeance of heaven set at
defiance. Through this infamous channel the ministry had it in their
power to thrust into parliament a set of venal beggars, who, as they
depended upon their bounty, would always be obsequious to their
will, and vote according to direction, without the least regard to
the dictates of conscience, or to the advantage of their country.'