The Press.
London, England, 1856-02-02 00:00:00

98

quainted with the Continent, feel miserably dis
enchanted of their hopes .at finding that we
are to return to the status quo—for the result
is nothing better. These complainants lament
that the balance of power remains the same,
when the Prime Minister, four years ago,
talked flippantly about sketching certain
changes in the map of Europe. There is,
a'so, they say, an air of subordination to ex-
ternal influences which ill befits the greatness
of a country like England. At any time, they
reason, this appearance of weakness would be
unworthy of the national renown ; but after
the talk of Lord PALMERSTON, and the artifices
to which he had recourse, there is something
insulting in the cool assurance assumed by
the head of the Cabinet.

On the other hand, there is another class of
persons, less intelligent, and less familiar
with continental questions. These latter ranks
'look with commercial eagerness for some tan-
gible results proportionate to the national
sacrifices. Half our army was lost; a hundred
millions have been added to our colossal debt ;
vast personal sacrifices have been made—
what have we got? The capital sunk, the
scandals of routine, the vacillation of the
Coalition, the insincerity of Lord JOHN
RUSSELL (connived at by the Premier, until
Lord JOHN blabbed upon himself). These
are points on which loud and angry words are
heard in the public meetings of the
deluded democrats who looked up to Lord
PALMERSTON as a great upholder of the rights of
nationalities. Lord JOHN RUSSELL, some years
since, talked of " the jargon of nationality."
The phrase was not without felicity, when
applied to the style of speeches and demon-
strations encouraged by the Prime Minister.
It cannot be wonderful that such a Minister
—playing such a part—always inconsistent,
and often most indiscreet, should cause strong
feelings of disappointment. Vast numbers
feel that they were hurried beyond them-
selves in hurraying for the Premier. Lord
PALMERSTON is now found out and seen
through even by classes removed from high
political life. It is now felt that the gentlemen
of England, Whig and Conservative, were
always right in keeping him for his life from
• the leadership of party.

MR. DISRAELI'S DINNER.

THE union now happily prevailing among
the leading members of the Conserva-
tive party was signally shown this week
by the guests who responded to Mr.
DISRAELI'S invitation on Wednesday. Never
before did the banquet of any Opposition
Leader in the Lower House at the open-
ing of session exhibit such an array of
names, repr(3entative of rank and property,
and associated with proud historical associa-

Lions. The great ducal houses of Richmond,
Marlborough, Rutland, and Montrose, were
represented by the Earl of MARCH, the Mar
quis of BLANDFORD, the Marquis of G

:ember

quis 01 ZLANDFORD, the Marquis of GRANBY,
and Lord WILLIAM GRAHAM. The rising aris-
tocracy of the age, combining capacity for
affairs with first-rate connections, was seen in
the Marquis of CHANDOS and Lord STANLEY,
Lord ROBERT CECIL also, 011 whom so
mnny eyes are fixed as a future chief, and who
bids fair to uphold his great English name,
• was amongst the guests of the Member
for Bucks. The Marquis of DOWNSHIRE, and
the great Protestant connection of that distin-
guished family, was represented by Lord
• . EDWIN HILL. Nor was the powerful race of
the Lowthers without a gallant representative.
\ . Sir WATKIN WYNNE could testify how warmly
A . s• , **.great Commoners of the principality feel
. ;.. - ---
.'
I,N,lt..jra!ds the brilliant Leader of the Conserve
4, 4 •
*Vain the House of Commons. The eminent
• . et Sir JOHN YARDE BULLER, on whom Sir
-7 - T ,BEEL used to lavish so many compli-
tßin
'-;' ' also there to answer for the manly
rii,
%.. tlieL,_. -
at' . . evon ; and so were Sir WILLIAM
dttl wi ll wait a throng, of the " uucoronetted