n of protection not as a thing good in
principle, but to be dealt with as tenderly and cautiously as might
be according to circumstances, always moving in the direction of
free trade. It _then_ appeared to me that the case was materially
altered by events; it was no longer open to me to pursue that
cautious course. A great struggle was imminent, in which it was
plain that two parties only could really find place, on the one
side for repeal, on the other side for _permanent_ maintenance of a
corn law and a protective system generally and on principle. It
would have been more inconsistent in me, even if consistency had
been the rule, to join the latter party than the former. But
independently of that, I thought, and still think, that the
circumstances of the case justified and required the change. So far
as relates to the final change in the corn law, you will see that
no influence proceeded from me, but rather that events over which I
had no control, and steps taken by Sir R. Peel while I was out of
the government, had an influence upon me in inducing me to take
office. I noticed some days ago that you had made an observation on
this subject, but I did not recollect that it was a question. Had I
adverted to this I should have answered it at once. If I had any
motive for avoiding the subject, it was, I think, this--that it is
not easy to discuss such a question as that of an influence of mine
over a mind so immeasurably superior, without something of egotism
and vanity.

SECRETARY OF STATE

So much for the general situation. The second letter is to Mrs.
Gladstone, and contributes some personal details:--

_13 Carlton House Terrace, Dec. 22, 6 P.M., 1845._--It is offensive
to begin about myself, but I must. Within the last two hours I have
accepted the office of secretary for the colonies, succeeding Lord
Stanley, who resigns. The last twenty-four have been very anxious
hours. Yesterday afternoon (two hours after Holy Communion) Lincoln
came to make an appointment on Peel's part. I went to meet him in
Lincoln's house at five o'clock. He detailed to me the
circumstances connected with the late political changes, asked me
for no reply, and gave me quantities of papers to read, including
letters of his own, the Queen's, and Lord J. Russ