The Sun.
London, England, 1868-03-05 00:00:00

NOTICE.

The Third Edition of The Sum of last night, containing
the Latest Betting and Races at Liverpool, was pub-
lished in time for the country post and for delivery in
town at 7.15.

MEETING OF 7'HE CONSERVATIVE
PARTY—(This Day.)

-0

In accordance with a circular addressed. by Mr. Dis-
raeli to his supporters; there was a considerable muster
of Conservative M.P.'s at his official residence in
Downing-street. The meeting was fixed for 2.30, but be-
fore that t:me a large number of members lute Collie dol.-11,
attracted I,y the euidc:Flty wi,:ch tan-y felt w:01 respect to
tllc new Premier's ahey came down ill rapid suc-
cession, some on foot, Somile in cal s, and some in their car-
rages. Mr. Diraeli hirmelf drove down in a bnugham.
The public Eeemed to take little inter,:st in the maWT,
and there were very few people waiting to see the Minister
or the rponbers arrive. Among these present we noticed
the following : Col. Parttelot, Lord J. Id: Inners, Hessrs.
Deccreft, übtard, ELerton ; Sire'. Stirling Mq.xwell, Col.
Dunne, Lord Claud Hamilton, Mr. Cobbohl, Sir U.

Edwards, Mr. E. Karslake, Sir M. Ridley, Messrs. Hen-
niker, Mowbray, Laird, Vi-aldron, Freshfield, Cornwall
Legh, Cumming Bruce, Garth, and Kckewich ; Sir G.
Stucley, Lord Stanley, MeFsrs. McKenna, Walpole, and
Sykes, Sir W. Verner, Admiral Duncombe (who, however,
left again before the meeting began), Mr. Malcolm, Sir
J. Pakington, Right Hon. J. W. Henley, Lord R.
Montagu, Mr. H. Paull, Mr. Goodson, Colonel Sturt,
Colonel Knox; Mr. W. Knight, Mr. Ormsby Gore, Earl
of Mayo, Sir John Karslake, the Solicitor-General, &e.
Mr. Disn.., ELI was received with great cheering. He
began by a touching allusion to the circumstances under
which they were met, especially to the cause of
the retirement of Lord Derby. He paid a feeling
tribute to the abilities of the late Premier, to the
services his lordship had rendered to the country, and to
the personal kindness which he had always evidenced
towards himself. In succeeding Lord Derby as Premier,
it was most consolatory to himself, as he knew it would
be satisfactory to the meeting, to know that he would still
have the benefit of his lordship's counsel and advice. He
expressed a very warm hope that his lordship would soon
be able to resume his place in the House of Lords. With
respect to the future, the Conservative party, Mr. Disraeli
observed, must bear in mind that it was in a minority.
There were difficult and important questions before the
country, and they must by no means expect smooth sailing.
The cordial reception which they had that day given him
and the other members of the Government inspired him with
the belief that they would have their hearty support. In
times past they had achieved successes when in a minority,
and he had no doubt they would be able to do
so again. Mr. Disraeli then referred to the leading
questions of the day, including the Scotch and Irish Re.
form Bills and the great question of Ireland generally.
With regard to the Reform Bills, he believed by
mutual forbearance of both parties the Government would
be able to bring both to a satisfactory issue. On the special
Irish questions, those relating to land and to the Church,
Mr. Disraeli spoke very guardedly. Confessing the diffi-
culties of the subject, he said the Government were prepared
to treat Ireland in a liberal spirit. He did not commit
the Ministry to any definite policy, but was understood to
say that the Earl of Mayo would state what the
Government were prepared to do in replying to the
motion of Mr. Maguire, which would be satisfactory to the
party, and he hoped to the country. He did not
consider that the difficult questions connected with Ireland
should be entered upon at that meeting,. but he
trusted that the statement to be made in the House of
Commons by the Earl of Mayo would be satisfactory to the
country when it came to be fully explained. Mr. Disraeli
concluded by thanking the gentlemen present for the
kindness with which they had received him, and expressed
confidence that as a united party the Conservatives had
nothing to fear. On his part he assured them that the
Government would, as far as possible, anticipate and treat
on Conservative principles the great questions which must
still arise. One of those to which he referred was the dis-
tribution of seats.

Mr. Disraeli resumed his seat amid general cheering,
leaving spoken for about 35 minutes. During the delivery
of his speech he was frequently interrupted by cheering.
Sir JOHN TROLLOPE followed. He fully endorsed what
had fallen from the First Lord of the Treasury.
—(cheers)—with respect to the services of Lord
Derby, and expressed the satisfaction felt by those
around him that they were still to have the benefit of his
lordship's advice and assistance. In his opinion Mr. Dis-
raeli was the natural successor of Lord Derby to the leader-
ship of the party, and he (Sir J. Trollope) assured Mr.
Disraeli that the same confidence which had hitherto been
reposed in him would be continued. He rejoiced to see
the unanimity which prevailed. (Cheers.)
Sir STIRLING MAXWELL, Bart., reiterated the sentiments
of the member for South Lincolnshire. He was especially
gratified to learn that Lord Derby would still render
the party his assistance. Relieved from the cares and
r_‘sponsibilities of office, there was reason to hope that his
lordship would rapidly regain his strength, and be able to
resume his place in the House of Lords. There he
trusted they would soon hear again the eloquence for
which the noble lord had been so distinguished. Before
the close of the meeting, which took place at five minutes
so three, the number present estimated between 160 and
170. No question was put by any gentleman, and the
meeting was marked by entire unanimity. Mr. Disraeli's
speech was cheered at almost every sentence.