Men of large estates cannot but be men of wide concerns; and thus it is that they become known in proportion.
Extensive landed property entails upon the possessor many duties, and places him in divers relations, by which he undergoes a public trial.

Is a man just in his dealings?
Does he keep his promises?
Does he pay his debts punctually?
Has he a feeling for the poor?
Is his Family well governed?
Is he a considerate Landlord?
Does he attend to his own affairs; and are those of others, which have fallen under his care, diligently and judiciously managed?
Answers to these questions, where the Subject of them has but an inconsiderable landed Property, can only be expected from a very narrow circle of Neighbours;--but place him at the head of a large Estate, and knowledge of what he is in these particulars must spread to a distance; and it will be further known how he has acted as a Magistrate, and in what manner he has fulfilled the duties of every important office which he may have been called to, by virtue of his possessions.
Such are the general principles of reason which govern law, and justify practice in this weighty matter.

The decision is not to take place upon imagination or conjecture.

It is not to rest upon professions of the Candidate, or protestations of his Friends.

As a County Representative is to be voted for by many--many must have opportunities of knowing him; or, failing that intimate knowledge, we require the pledge of condition, the bond and seal of circumstance.