The Press.
London, England, 1858-06-12 00:00:00

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572 Tll E PRE S S, JUNE 12, 1858.
up, and publicly announced the nest day. None of my obstinate and unyielding divisions. During the last few the whole, conducted with singular propriety se well a-
agents were in town. I had no time to bout up my years you will find that Conservative and independent talent, and the Standard newspaper, which advocates
-
country friends and consult them, and I think you will Liberal members have spoken on the same side and voted Conservative c pinions, has an enormous circnlation, and
all admit that I acted as became a true representative in the same lobby. In the ahsorhing interest of the now penetrates large masses of the Population which ' were
of a party end as a loyal gentleman when I said at once, Russian war their hearts beat in the same cause, they never approached by a Conservative organ under the old
"Rather let me forego this high appointment than incur mourned for the same disasters, they exulted in the same system. I now come to the questioe of Parliamentary
the slightest possible risk of inflicting any damage, in achievements ; and in the course of that national Byrn • Reform. When I accepted in 18,52 the requisition of the
the chance of a contested election, into which I had pathy they discovered that, while there were indeed points Conservative electors that I should stand fur this county,s
no time to inquire, on the cause which I desire to assist and on which they materially differed, there were points in do. I thought it fair and right, in order to prevent all futur
the friends who have sought to do me honour." (Cheers.) 1 mestic and foreign policy on which they could honourably misunderstanding, that 1 should address a letter, which I
repeat that if I bad then had twelve hours to consider, agree. It is quite true that the Conservatives are distin- accordingly did, to the Chairman of the Conservative Ass°.
1 should have come to a different decision. Bat I had not guished by a love for our ancient institutions ; but the ciation, in which I stated that, though during the ten or
an hour before me ; and I tun sure there is not a more a man loves his own house the more he must desire eleven years that I had been out of Parliament and
smock-frock in that crowd who will blame a member to keep it in repair, and so far to adapt it to modern con- alienated from any political party I had modified certain
for Hertfordshire if he was no greedy hunter after place, venience as to give his children no excuse to pull it down. %kw, of mine its to certain details of Parliamentary Re.
but was over timid lest he might injure his friends, (Cheers.) Well, nothing can be more natural than that form, yet that, with regard to the plain broad question that
and over eager to sacrifice what is generally deemed a when Lord Derby's Government came into power the in. the Reform Bill ought to be improved and the fran•
high object of ambition to the safety of the common dependent Liberal members, not being able to form a chise extended, my opinions were unchanged. I Yen-
cause. (Hear.) That, gentlemen, was the reason, and Ministry of their own, and not at all wishing to restore turgid then also "to imply a belief" that it would be re-
the only reason, coming entirely from myself at the spur of the Ministry which had just been defeated, should have served for a Government under Lord Derby to effect that
the moment, why I did not accept office in Lord Derby's Go. desired to give those men against whom they have no settlement of the question which had never been smut-
vernment when it was first formed. Well, but a few days violent prejudice a fair English trial and fair English play. pushed by Whig Governments. Now, it remains to be
ago Lord Derby again asked me whether I would accept the (Cheers 1 Yet, while they have valued that support, seen whether that prediction will also be verified. But
same office which he had offered me before, inconsequence while it is a support which every Government must be I take leave in the meanwhile to say, that the party
of the recent changes in his Cabinet. Then the case was very happy to receive, I trust no one will suppose that we with which 1 act have no more to fear from a fair
altered. In the meantime I
had had ample leisure to ascer- should thereby alienate our own tried and faithful ad- and just extension of the franchise than they have
tain what was the state of public feeling in the country. 1 herents. It is the policy of every wise party to extend had to fear from a fair and just circulation of political
had received overtures of the most cordial support as far as it possibly can the range of its numbers. knowledge. ( Hear.) Gentlemen, the all-important and
frcm all sides, and though I was then told that I should it is the policy of every wise Government to occupy paramount consideration immediately before us is the
have a vehement and expensive opposition to encounter, the largest space it honourably can do in public opinion. pacification of India, and the construction of an adminis-
do not believe that on this occasion I could have the But neither a wise party nor a wise Government will trative system under which capital and civilization may
meanness to boast when I say I had not the smallest fear ever be untrue to its friends or ever covet power at the become the quiet but certain agencies for confirming our
of that opposition. Therefore, gentlemen, lat once ac- sacrifice of honour. (Cheers.) I trust that her Majesty's rule and allaying disaffection. I dare say there are some
cepted, and Lord Derby was good enough to recommend Government will not leave behind, but will carry along among you whomay rememberthedisturbed state of Ireland
my name to her Majesty for the office which I have with them, in that path cf temperate progress which every about twenty years ago—the agitation for the repeal of the
now the honour to fill. I need only say that there are Government now-a-days is compelled to take, those friends Union, the secret societies, the depreciation of property, and
Liberal gentlemen all around me who will, lam sure, who now cheer and encourage our efforts. ( A voice.— the insecurity of life. Well, there is now no more trap•
join in the contradiction which has just been given by ' How about the ballot?") 1 have said that I would not quil or more flourishing part of her Majesty's dominions
Mr. Dimsibile to the absurd report that there is any touch on irritating party topics. I will therefore, not allude than Ireland. But how has that change been effected ?
kind of understanding between any persons whatever to Mr. Cardwell's motion. I regard that question as past Has it been by any very harsh means, any violent enact•
on either side with regard to Mr. Grosvenor being and done with. Still, as the Government in the course of ments ? No ;it has resulted from first of all convincing
withdrawn on this occasion. I give you my honour the late debate were charged with the want of capacity the Irish people that the idea of a repeal of the Union is a
that no such idea was ever entertained. Anticipating a and power, they have a right to answer, "We had the hopeless delusion; and, next, from the adoption of some
severe, or, at all events, a warm contest, I commenced my capacity and the power which were denied to our prede- very simple, very mild practical measures, which have
canvass the day after my seat was vacated; and permit cessors. We had the capacity and the power to with- tended to relieve the property and the industry of the soil.
me to express my most cordial gratitude to those friends draw the Conspiracy Bill, and yet to preserve amicable re- Well, I believe it will be the same with India. We must
who so promptly came forward in my behalf. In no pre-. lotions with France. (Cheers.) We had the power and first convince the natives that a rebellion is as hopeless
'ions instance did I ever meet with so kind a reception or capacity to obtain the immediate release of our countrymen aud delusive for them as the idea of repeal proved to the
receive so many expressions of sympathy and regard. In from a Neapolitan prison. (Cheers.) We had the power Irish; and we must then gradually and mildly introduce
the evening of the same day some gentlemen of the sod capacity to frame a budget which was received with our improvements and reforms, so as not to shock their
Liberal party in a very handsome and very considerate general favour, and which kept faith with the country on prejudices, but to in:vance their material interests.
manner hastened to say that all opposition would be with. the master grievance of the income tax. ( Hear, hear.) (Cheers.) Amid all the varieties of race and religion,
drawn. A mean and spiteful opponent might have delayed And when a vote of censure was raised against us our °ppm human nature remains the same, whether in Eutope or in
that information in order to give me at least as much nents had not the power and capacity to carry that vote Asia; and wherever you find a man you find a creature
fatigue and expense as possible. But I beg to 'clmsy. into effect. (Cheers.) But I shall now turn from the who can be tamed—tamed by that justice which commands
ledge the frank and graceful manner and spirit in which past and glance very briefly at some of the measures which his reason, and that kindness which concili.tes his glee-
that communication was made at once—a spirit which I must be reserved for the serious consideration of the tion. If Mr. Rarey, the horse tamer—(a laugh)—can
agree with Mr. Ratcliffe in thinking was worthy of the Government First, with respect to the important subject subjugate the fiercest brute—first, by ascertaining the
high character of the Whig gentlemen of this county, of law reform. We have the good fortune to have for our general characteristics of the species, and then by some
and which is also honourable t., the straightforward can- law officers men of the highest eminence in their profes• kindly secret which sins its confidence and love--
dour of my fellaw•countrytnen, the Liberal electors. sion. They have every disposition to make law reform surely the same arts which subdue the animal, which has
(Hear, hear.) Gentlemen of the Liberal party who may comprehensive—they have the learning to make th,it only instinct, will not fail with that nobler being whom
be here present, I therefore beg you to accept from me this reform practical and safe; and r trust several very valuable the Creator has gifted with a soul. (Cheers.) Reverting,
acknowledgment as from man to man. In the arena of measures of that nature, and, among them, that great boon gentlemen, to the House of Commons, there is one thing
political strife there can be no happier moment than when to the commercial and trading-world, a good bankruptcy that l will say. Every man who joins our standard in that
beh parti a lower their arms, but not their flags, and wben law, will be some of the early fruits of Lord Derby's Ad- assembly shall have the fairest play for his industry and
generous opponents can exchange courtesies which coin- ministration. (Hear, bear.) With regard to financial his talents, no matter what his birth or fortune. Why,
promise no political principle, while they preserve the economy, from all that I know of my right hon. friend the our leader in the House of Commons is a living illus.
bonds of private friendship and esteem. ( Hear.) On Chancellor of the Exchequer, lam sure it will be his tration of a great popular principle. He is a man who hag
such an occasion, then, you will understand that it would most anxious object to effect every retrenchment corn- fought his way from the ranks of the party to its head, who
very ill become me to touch more than I can help on any patible with the efficiency of the public service. We must has obtained a power and a position higher than birthright
irritating party topics, since there is to be no irritating maintain our national defences. No responsible Govern- and property give to the sons of dukes. And bow? By
party contest. And when I recall the personal kindness ment can ever again neglect them. Still we shall net his own remarkable talents, by his own indefatigable
which I received in early life from Lord Melbourne—of forget that after all the best defence in war is a judicious industry, and, permit me, who have known him from our
whom no man ever heard me speak except in terms of economy in peace, because when war comes upon us the earlier youth, to add by many gallant and generous
affectionate respect—l own that it does please roe to resources of the country will not fail the high spirit of the qualities which attach friends, and which, while I claim
think—whatever I may have done in the House of Coro- people. (Cheers.) You remember that the Emperor them for my friend, I readily grant to every eminent man
mons when I was face to face with Lord Palmerston— Napoleon 1. called us a nation of shopkeepers; but he of every party who aspires to lead the gentlemen of England
whatever 1 may do again when I shall be once more face soon found to his cost that the profits of the shop are the in the House of Commons. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, I
to face with him—that lam not called upon before a exchequer of armies and the savings of peace the sinews thank you for the great patience with which you have heard
Hertfordshire audience to say behind that noble lord's back of war. (Hear, hear.) There is a question which all me. If any gentleman is still very desirous of a contest
anything which might wound his friends and relations men must desire to see settled, and which has hitherto I refer him to those fair electors woom I see around me.
—the friends and relations of a man who was Lord Mel- baffled all attempts at complete legislation. I mean the ( Laughter.) lam quite sure that any candidate for their
bourne's intimate associate and near connection. As long great and important question of church rates. A bill for favour will be sure of a very severe rivalry. He cannot
as a public man is alive he is always judged by the the extinction of church rates will probably be passed hope that all opposition wilt be withdrawn—(laughter)—
last thing he does. When he is no more he will be through the House of Commons this very day ; but and lam also sure that he will spare no pains to secure
judged by the best things he has done. And whatever there is no man so sanguine as to expect that the himself from the grief of a rejection. Gentlemen, I now
may or may not have been the faults of Lord Palmeraton's House of Lords would be likely to assent to a measure take my leave of you; and when the time shall come for
recent Administration, there can be no doubt that posterity, for the total abolition of church rates, unless i; were me to retire from public life, and to enjoy, if Heaven so
looking to the best things which be has done, will regard accompanied by some mode of maintaining in repair please, between old age and the grave, some interval of
him as one of the most remarkable men of our age, or that the fabrics of the national church. (Cheers.) Now, I leisure and repose, I hope that many of those -ic`o have so
this country will hereafter be proud to think that by con• most earnestly hope that that angnst assembly will kindly received me this day will be enabled eo say that ()
nection and property he was a Hertfordshire man. devise some conciliatory means of effecting that object, and upon the whole the Hertfordshire member has been
(Cheers.) You all know how Lord Palmerston's Govern• of thus terminating for ever a dispute which, believe me,
discredit to their choice. (Cheers.) And may the Ci
went fell and how Lord Derby's Government acceded to cannot be more annoying to Dissenters than it is painful vernment of which lam a member maintain the hooou.,
office. There is no doubt that the new Administration to the feelings of Churchmen. (Hear, hear.) There is of the English name, suit leave to the English people some
bad many difficulties to coetend with, but its main diffi- only one other topic of domestic interest on which I shall lasting memorials of its existence in salutary measures
culty was plainly this :—the last election had turned on detain you. I allude to Parliamentary Reform. I would and amended laws. (Loud cheers.)
points about which Conservatives differed,—their strength say a word or two on that subject in connection with myself.
had not been fairly tested, and Lord Derby could not rely In my early youth there were two political measures to The right hon. baronet concluded by proposing a vote
for a working majority on his own adherents alone in a Par- which I was most warmly attached. One of them was the of thanks to the High Sheriff.
Lament which had been chosen under the Administration emancipation of the newspaper press, as the great agent of
of his predecessor. It was necessary that he should also political knowledge, from all taxes and fiscal imposts. The
trust to the forbearance of those independent Liberal mem. other was Parliamentary Reform. With respect to the THE RE-ELECTION OF LORD STANLEY.
ben by whose aid he bad been placed amid unforeseen and first point, wben Mr. Gladstone, then Chancellor of the
unsolicited responsibilities; and lam bound to say that Exchequer, conceived the idea of the entire repeal of the The vacancy in the representation of King's Lynn,
by a large proportion of the independent Liberal members newspaper stamp, which was carried out by his successor, consequent on Lord Stanley's acceptance of the office
of the House of Commons that forbearance has been Sir G. C. Lewis, although I was opposed to the Govern• filled up
hitherto shown with a manly generosity which is honour. ment of that day I gave to that measure my most cordial of President of the Board of Control, was
able to those who display it, and not discreditable to those support. I said, then, that I bad such a strong confidence
who receive it. ( Hear, hear.) lam sure that any one in the good sense and the good feeling of the masses of the opposition. As little more than three months had
last Saturday by the re-election of his lordship without
le of this country, that I was persuaded that that change who has watched the temper of the House of Commons Poop
during the last few years must have noticed that between would not tend to create but rather to put down and extin- elapsed since Lord Stanley
of State
the Conservatives and some of the most eminent men guish licentious and revolutionary periodicals. I said it constituents on his appointment as Secretary
among independent Liberal members there has grown up would prove a great boon to the Conservatives, becauseentered into
• the Colonies, on which occasion he into
a disposition to regard each other's views and policy then we could have a cheap newspaper which could defend
our opinions among the masses. Well, both of theselast appeared before his
with more fairness, more freedom from prejudice than
formerly existed, when party was split tip only into tw dictions have been verified. We have the penny press, ou principles, it was deemed inexpedient in this install
pre. art elaborate exposition of his political views and
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