The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-06-08


nun'ea'ions that passed where two parties only were
present, and must bear IN mud that alone here
10 tell them. ulev, hear)
Va The "wednesday evening then, ] had an opportu-
my " consulting at my own house with those friends
whose names Was 10 present 10 her Maestys appro-
val on the next day stated To them-aDd there are
now our OF them present who heard what passed-ihey
are my noble friend the member for North Lane
Lord Slauieyl my right hon friend the member for the
Cambridge University [Mr Golbournl aud my right
hon friend the member OF Pembroke [Sr J. Grahsn1
aud my right hon and gallant friend the member Tor
Launceslon [Sr H. Hardingel-I stated 10 them, and
TO the other friends already named the course which
intended 10 take with respect 10 the household la
fact before this had very little considered the house
hold, and had very little information respecting IT,
speak Of that portion Of its offices which were held
by ladies' took the Red Book, aud there saw the
several departments Of lhe household.
| said 10 those who were intended 70 be my future
colleagues that with respect to all those ladies OF the
household who were below the rank of. lady OF The
bedchamher, should suggest change TO her Majesty,
teheers rom The opposoa Lenehss, hut with respect 10
the superior class OF ladies holding Office expressed
hope that those Of them who IN immediate con-
neklon with my political opponents would Immediately
relieve the new government from any farther trouble
on the question by voluntarily reslgnng loud cheer
ing on fhe opposition siie Of The benches Attic same
time stated that did think il Of much Importance, as
conveying ntnaton Of her Majcsly's entire conf
dence and support, that some change should be made
with respect to Of The higher Offices Of the house
hold filled by ladies, and did express the Of the
ladies Of the bedchamber | said, that in some
Instances Of these where there any strong po-
htical connection. did nor think any change would be
necessary. This passed on The Wednesday evening
and mention. II merely as indication OF my willing
ness that any blame arising from any imperfect lion OF my
explanation, or from any misconceptlon that ex-
PLANTATION, should attach TO me only. ! saw her Ma.
Jesty on Thursday.
Sir although may not DO SLOWED to enter into any
statements TO nhat occurred that time yet may
be permitted to refer the reports that have arisen as
10 The individuals whom | proposed for offices n the
household. (iear
have also heard said sir, that proposed unvcr
sal dismissal Of the ladies Of the household (hear) aud
among them of the earliest friends Of her Majesty
the Baroness Lehzen (Iiear, hear) heard that
stated sir on the evening Of Friday but my to
the person who informed Of the report that this
the first time for the last four years that the
OF that lady had occurred to me- aud that had
mentioned II TO her Msjesty(cheers from the opposi
tion) and must refer with respect my Intentions
still, however, charging myself with all blame for the
intentions which held 10 constituting her Mslestys
hoasehcd-to the testimony of my honorable friends
who are now sitting near me. (Hear) Sir, did
decline 10 undertake the duty Of forming an admins
tratIon the understanding that the whole Of the ap.
pointments In her Malesly's household that held
by ladies' should without exception continue unchanged
it public considerations, and from sincere belief
that Il was impossible TO encounter the difficulties with
which was enconpassed IN attempting 10 conduct
public affairs unless had the unequvoca proofs
Of her Majestys confidence Sir, il appeared to me.
that there a time when demonstration Of
that entlre confidence and support absolutely
cessary than the present (Cheers from the opposl-
ton) ."... ~ ..a ~
The duties OF the Office of Prime Minister are as
conceive, the most arduous, The most important, that
any human being be called upon to perform
(cheers y it is the greatest trust almost without cxcep
lon the whole civilized world tina, can fall on any
individual (Cheers) Sir, was ready to undertake
that Office but could look around in the present
condition Of public affairs, and that it was my
absolute duty 10 myself to this great country, and above
all to her Majesty require every aid that could posi-
bly, be given to me- (Cheers ffe m the opposition
What were the questions, sir that Immediately pre-
sented themselves for my consideration! The state of
India the state OF Jamaica, aud the state Of Canada,
would all require my immediate consideration, and
would call perhaps for proportion of legislative
measures. should have had also consider the state
OF this country; with insuHectloh rife IN many OF It's
provinces, rendering necessary according To the let
ter published by the noble lord that all the respectable
persons in the country should unite in endeavoring
suppress these disturbances. (Hear, hear) But in
addition to these public questloIs there time
when such duties were so peculiarly arduous (Cheers
from the opposition Sir, seeing the present agitat
ed condition of the country, consider that it would be
my duty TO endeavor to Conduct public affairs through
the Intervention Of the present parliament. (Cheers)
did not think it would be ADVISABLE to follow the
course pursued in 1884, and have dissolution OF par
lament On considering the state Of the country no.:
wthsandng The balance Of parties in the house, |
thought it duty 10 the first place. try the present
House Of Commons. (Hear) But whai is my condl-
lion in the present parliament, should begin tho 60
vernment with minority [Cheers and counter cheers
did not shrink from the functions that were proposed
hut couil he lnxan If he yifh
which must have to contend. or overlook this fact
that in the House of Commons | did commence
with majority! [Cheers and counter cheers If
then, hogan The administration Of public affairs with
out the confidence Of the House Of Commons could
ask for less than that should have the entire and I'M
qualified confidence Of the Grown! [Cheers and coun.
ter-cheers] .. >..
My impression was. that according to public opinion
should have the confidence Of her Majesty II has
been said moreover, that the Of any change IN
the government, the Marquis Of Normandy is cand-
date for the office of Prime Minister hear, hear1 and
the noble lord has been designated the leader Of the
House Of Lords, [hear, hear, aud laugh FROM the OPP
posilonl and know rot whether The talents Of the
noble Marquis might not justify his holding that posi-
tion [cheersl but, Sir, ask you to look to former
times-take Mr.. Pitt, Mr.. Fox any other minister.
and let ask this quesiion--dnring the severity Of
con,es, should you, beng Pnne Minister, not object to
the wife Of your chief political opponent holding an
office that placed her in immediate contact with her
Majesty! [Cheers and counter cheers felt. Sir, It
impossible that could contend successfully with
all the difficulties by which was surrounded unless
had proof Of the entire confidence Of The Crown.
As said before, should begin without any certain
ty Of majority in the House of & ,mmons, and !
should have to rely appeal To the good sense OF
many members for their support and TO the obearance
Of Others, to enable me to carry the government,
being perfectly prepared the failure Of my attempt
to govern with the present House Of Commons, TO adj
wise her Majesty to resort TO the only means which
might ensbe me to retain my post. But II the agree
nent, if the understanding upon which was to enter
upon my office was that | should encounter all those
difficulties, and yet that the ladies' OF those who pre-
ceded me, Of those with whom TO be in daily con
hct, were be IN immediate contact with the Queen,
and considering the political character given to the
household that ! was to acqnesce IN that there was
something still stronger than any personal consldera-