Lieven's), but did not stay long. I sat
next to Matuscewitz (the Russian who is come over on a special
mission to assist Lieven), and asked him if he did not think we
were a most extraordinary people, and seeing all that goes on, as
he must do, without any prejudices about persons or things, if it
was not marvellous to behold the violence which prevailed in the
Catholic discussion. He owned that it was inconceivable, and,
notwithstanding all he had heard and read of our history for some
years past, he had no idea that so much rage and animosity could
have been manifested and that the anti-Popery spirit was still so
vigorous. The day, however, is at last arrived, and to-night the
measure will be introduced. But the Duke of Cumberland and his
faction by no means abandon all hopes of being able to throw over
the Bill in its progress, and they will leave no stone unturned
to effect their purpose and to work on the King's mind while it
is going on.

[Page Head: CATHOLIC RELIEF BILL.]

March 6th, 1829

Peel brought on the Catholic question last night in a speech of
four hours, and said to be far the best he ever made. It is full
of his never-failing fault, egotism, but certainly very able,
plain, clear, and statesmanlike, and the peroration very
eloquent. The University of Oxford should have been there in a
body to hear the member they have rejected and him whom they have
chosen in his place. The House was crammed to suffocation, and
the lobby likewise. The cheering was loud and frequent, and often
burst upon the impatient listener without. I went to Brookes' and
found them all just come from the House, full of satisfaction at
Peel's speech and the liberality of the measure, and in great
admiration of Murray's. The general disposition seemed to be to
support both the Bills, and they argued justly who said that
those who would have supported the whole measure if it had been
in one Bill ought not to take advantage of there being two to
oppose the one they dislike. The part that is the most objectionable
is making the measure so far prospective ('hereafter to be
elected') as to exclude O'Connell from Clare, more particularly
after the decision of the Committee in his favour. Six weeks ago
Mrs. Arbuthnot told me that it was intended to exclude him, but I
did not believe her. It seemed to me too improbable, and I never
thought more about it. If they persist in this it is nothing
short of madness, and I agree with Spring R