is
changed by office. In opposition I was frequently called, or
sometimes at least, to the confidential councils of the party on a
variety of subjects. In office, I shall of course have to do with
the department of trade and with little or nothing beyond. There is
some point in the query of the _Westminster Review: Whether my
appointments are a covet satire?_ But they bring great advantages;
much less responsibility, much less anxiety. I could not have made
myself answerable for what I expect the cabinet will do in China.
It must be admitted that it presents an odd appearance, when a
person whose mind and efforts have chiefly ranged within the circle
of subjects connected with the church, is put into office of the
most different description. It looks as if the first object were to
neutralise his mischievous tendencies. But I am in doubt whether to
entertain this supposition would be really a compliment to the
discernment of my superiors, or a breach of charity; therefore it
is best not entertained.

Paragraphs appeared in newspapers imputing to Mr. Gladstone a strong
reprobation of the prime minister's opinions upon church affairs, and he
thought it worth while to write to Sir Robert a strong (and most
excessively lengthy) disclaimer of being, among other things, an object
of hope to unbending tories as against their moderate and cautious
leader.[149] 'Should party spirit,' he went on, 'run very high against
your commercial measures, I have no doubt that the venom of my religious
opinions will be plentifully alleged to have infused itself into your
policy even in that direction, ... and more than ever will be heard of
your culpability in taking into office a person of my bigoted and
extreme sentiments.' Peel replied (October 19, 1841) with kindness and
good sense. He had not taken the trouble to read the paragraph; he had
read the works from which a mischievous industry had tried to collect
means of defaming their author; he found nothing in them in the most
distant manner to affect political co-operation; and he signed his name
to the letter, 'with an esteem and regard, which are proof against
evil-minded attempts to sow jealousy and discord.'[150]

FOOTNOTES:

[137] For Mr. Gladstone's later view of this transaction, see
_Gleanings_, i. p. 39. He composed a letter on the subject, which, he
says, 'will probably never see the light.'

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