regarded as the principal reformation in the
composition of the House of Commons since its legal maturity in the
time of Edward I. That principality had been divided into twelve
shires: of which eight were ancient,[5] and four owed their origin to
a statute of Henry's reign.[6] Knights, citizens, and burgesses were
now directed to be chosen and sent to parliament from the shires,
cities, and burghs of Wales.[7] A short time before, the same
privileges were granted to the county palatine of Chester, of which
the preamble contains a memorable recognition and establishment of the
principles which are the basis of the elective part of our
constitution.[8] Nearly thirty members were thus added to the House of
Commons on the principle of the Chester bill: that is disadvantageous
to a province to be unrepresented; that representation is essential to
good government; and that those who are bound by the laws ought to
have a reasonable share of direct influence on the passing of laws. As
the practical disadvantages are only generally alleged, and could
scarcely have been proved, they must have been inferred from the
nature of a House of Commons. The British constitution was not thought
to be enjoyed by a district till a popular representation was bestowed
on it. Election by the people was regarded, not as a source of tumult,
but as the principle most capable of composing disorder in territories
not represented.--_Cabinet Cyclopaedia_, vol. xix. _Sir James
Mackintosh's History of England_, vol. ii.

[5] Glamorgan, Carmarthen, Pembroke, Cardigan, Flint,
Carnarvon, Anglesea and Merioneth.

[6] Radnor, Brecknock, Montgomery, and Denbigh, 27 Henry 8 c.
26.

[7] 34 and 35 Henry 8. c. 26. s. 50.

[8] 34 and 35 Henry 8. c. 13.--"That the said county have
hitherto been excluded from the high court of parliament, to
have any knights and burgesses within the said court, by
reason whereof the inhabitants have sustained manifold damages
in their lands, goods, and bodies, as well as in the good
governance of the commonwealth of their said country; and for
as much as they have been bound by the acts of the said court,
and yet have had no knights and burgesses therein, for lack
whereof they have been often touched and grieved by the acts
of the said parliament, prejudicial to the commonwealth,
quietness, rest, and peace of your highness's bounden
subjects, inhabiting with