The Press.
London, England, 1854-02-25 00:00:00

THE PRESS.

180

EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF A
RESPECTABLE RADICAL M.P.
FEBRUARY 18.—Recommenced my diary. Wrote to leading constituent,
JONES, as to new Reform Bill. " Step in the right direction." Not
commit myself to details; but inclined to approve as a whole, finding
the measure objected to by our bloated aristocracy. Heard, in confi-
dence, from HATTER, that the bill would necessitate a dissolution—to
bring it into operation, if carried ; to bring somebody else into office,
if not. Mem. : To communicate this to the county paper, and, before
the election, to find out who was my grandfather, and communicate
him to DOD for the new edition. Received deputation from Local
Marriage with Wife's Sister Association; promised them all places in
Speaker's gallery, and this an Eastern question debate ! Down to the
House ; dined there, at the invitation of a very agreeable Irish mem-
ber ; whisky excellent, as he observed, but sold without a licence.
Must draw attention to this : aristocracy's abuse of patronage ! Thought
the assistant-surgeons' debate a bore, all but Admiral BERKELEY'S ex-
cellent joke about the lady's maid. HUME said the matter lay in a
nutshell; HUME says so of every matter; must compliment him on
grasp of mind, in consequence. The Matrimonial deputation arrived,
and sent in cards of every variety of size ; could do nothing for them ;
Speaker's gallery crowded, and the deputation in disgust. LAYARD'S
speech too full of blue book, but LAYARD a well-informed man—wouldn't
make a bad Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Lord JOHN, I noticed,
asked for more confidence ; I thought he had plenty—negotiations
ecret—operations of war secret—aud intended result a secret : topics
for the Reform Association. Sir B. HALL concluded the evening with
a bill abolishing property qualification. Able man, Sir B. ; had just
been explaining to me why he was not in the Ministry, and why not in
the House of Lords. Refused the first out of regard for Marylebone,
the second out of pity for the bishops ; had been dreadfully pressed
on both points, but preferred, like Sir ROBERT PEEL, to be known as a
great commoner ; saw no difference between a peer and a baronet, but
might submit to elevation if the Government got so weak as to wish
it. Thought, if ABERDEEN retired, ARGYLE might occasionally like his
assistance. Considered the Duke a promising youth, very original in
thought, but too retiring in disposition.
February 19.—Heard a heated argument among Radical members as
to exportation of warlike stores. Clearly correct on principles of free
trade, and not contradicted by any other principles laid down in my
address. "No bishops, no church, no bloated aristocracy," nothing
about no exportation of warlike stores. Shall cheer if anybody asks a
question ; but must further consider the subject.
February 20.—Eastern question again. COBDEN made a wonderful
speech, showing clearly that we had nothing to fear from Russia yet.
COBDEN is always great on commercial questions, and fairly " crumpled
up " the Government when he asked, would they, on commercial prin-
ciples, "go into partnership with Turkey ?" A powerful argument,
but, unfortunately, not a clencher with the Opposition, who perplex
themselves with other principles besides those of commerce, and don't
allow a nation of shopkeepers, as of course we are, to rally round
nothing but the till. Was surprised at the end of the debate to find
that the discussion had been as to whether we should leave out all the
words after the word " That," in a motion " That the Speaker do now
leave the chair." Will mention this ironically at the Ballot Society
meeting, as illustrating the wisdom of our ancestors. Mem. again, to
find out my grandfather for DOD.
• February 21.—Puzzled about the Education for Manchester scheme.
Voluntary system I'm pledged to ; but as to education, people don't
seem to volunteer. Begin to think statistics delusive, and shall, for
some time, give silent votes. How to reconcile Reform Bill—the Right
of our Universal Intelligence and Education Bills—the need of our
universal ignorance, I can't at present see. Pledged to suffrage exten-
sion ; pledged to educational ditto ; but not pledged to give my reasons
foreither. Mem., to try and find out my reasons. Thought the Manches-
ter men strong, on their principles ; but wonder they don't start some
more principles for a change. Shall throw this out in a letter to the
county paper, and draw upon the literature of my infancy for the sug-
gestion that you should not weigh gold in buttery scales. Free-trade
bread may do, and looks philanthropic ; free-trade education sounds
well, and you can call it unsectarian ; but free-trade exportation of
warlike stores, on the same principles, requires a new justifying adjec•
tive, and quickly too, or people may call it something worse than
murder. That is my second opinion. Dined at the Reform Club, and
suggested the abolition of Lord CHARLES RUSSELL. The idea scouted,
on the ground that nothing under a lord would keep the Irish sup-
porters of the Government in due restraint; and that no other noble-
man could be found willing to undertake the task for the money.
Besides, Lord CHARLES was of no party, and his seat in the House was
as good as a freehold. His presence was a comfort to Lord JOHN, and
his salary a consolation to himself. Shall ask Sir B. HALL whether
the post would not suit his colleague in Marylebone ; propose a pen-
sion for Lord CHARLES, and recommend the abolition of the livery, and
the reduction of the wages henceforth. That will suit Radicals as
well as Financial Reformers.

THE ADMIRALTY WAGS will have it that Sir JAMES GRAHAM has been
very particular in ordering first-rate "spy "-glasses for the fleet; and
that he is the very last to overhaul the " sealed orders" previous to
transmission, in order that there should be no mistake. This shows
that Sir JAMES is well fitted, by training and natural inclination, for
- "posts " than one.

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