Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-04-05 00:00:00

MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

The Daily News says, it seems to be generally understood
that Lord Derby has for the last two days been engaged in
an attempt to strengthen his administration, with a view to
his resumption of power. The names of Mr. Gladstone and
the Duke of Newcastle have been freely mentioned in con-
nection with the negotiations presumed to be going on.
The grand reason to be given by Ministers for ignoring
defeat in the House of Commons and retaining office, is the
complicated state of nur Foreign relations, and the danger
of disturbing the efforts of diplomacy by a change in its
guiding spin t. The Daily News remarks that the first
question to be asked will be, is there or is there not to be
any real and substantial measure of Reform to be laid forth-
with upon the table ? As to the retention in office of Lord
Malmesbury being made the pretence for setting at nought
the verdict of the House of Commons, it is an impertinence
not to be endured. Lord Derby has, by his tender of resig-
nation, admitted that his confidence account with the House
of Commons was closed upon the 31st of March ; if he seeks
to re-open it on the 4th of April, he must be ready to offer
unexceptionable bills to be placed to his credit.
The Times announces that the ministry will neither resign
nor dissolve, but simply retain their offices. There is no
occasion to characterise conduct which ministers have
themselves commented upon with so much unction. We
apprehend that the excuse for their remaining in office will
be the threatening state of foreign affairs. The only terms
on which their ministerial existence can be protected are,
that they should prepare a reform bill on principles to be
gathered from the resolution of the. House of Commons, and
the speeches of its principal supporters.
The Herald predicts that the manner in which the crisis
is to be met will, when announced, give general satisfaction
The Post says it is now decided the ministry will retain
office. Lord Derby intends to appeal to the country as soon
as the state of business will allow him. A dissolution of
parliament may, therefore, be expected in about six weeks
time. The Post says the country will fully understand that
Load Derby's object is simply that of burking the question
of reform for another year.
The Advertiser asserts that although the Derby Cabinet
will remain in office as a body, Lord Stanley has sent in his
resignation, and General Peel is anxious to retire .
The Post contradicts the statement of Lord Lansdowne
having been consulted by her Majesty.
The Star says the Cabinet have kept their secret so well,
that it is impossible to do more than surmise, but it is its
opinion that there ara only two courses open to the Govern-
ment on constitutional principles, either a resignation or a
dissolution. The third course cannot be supposed pos-
sible, after the recent declaration of the Government.
There are no signs of ministers going out, and
therefore the conclusion is that a dissolution must
be their alternative; but, as in 1852, it may be a postponed
dissolution, put aside until the House has disposed of some
of the most necessary business now before it. The Star
highly approves of a dissolution, as calculated in the end to
gain a more efficient Reform. The Chancellor of the
Exchequer issued a notice to the supporters of the
Government in the House of Commons, requesting them to
be early in their places last evening, to. ,hear his statement
en the present aspect of affairs,