t the end of 1859 the question of the treaty was brought into the
cabinet, and there met with no general opposition, though some objection
was taken by Lewis and Wood, based on the ground that they ought not to
commit themselves by treaty engagements to a sacrifice of revenue, until
they had before them the income and the charges of the year. Writing to
his wife about some invitation to a country house, Mr. Gladstone says
(Jan. 11, 1860):--

I cannot go without a clear sacrifice of public duty. For the
measure is of immense importance and of no less nicety, and here
it all depends on me. Lord John backs me most cordially and well,
but it is no small thing to get a cabinet to give up one and a
half or two millions of revenue at a time when all the public
passion is for enormous expenditure, and in a case beset with
great difficulties. In _fact_, a majority of the cabinet is
indifferent or averse, but they have behaved very well. I almost
always agree with Lewis on other matters, but in trade and finance
I do not find his opinions satisfactory. Till it is through, this
vital question will need my closest and most anxious attention.
[Two days later he writes:] The cabinet has been again on the
French treaty. There are four or five zealous, perhaps as many who
would rather be without it. It has required pressure, but we have
got sufficient power now, if the French will do what is
reasonable. Lord John has been excellent, Palmerston rather
neutral. It is really a great European operation. [A fortnight
later (_Jan. 28_):] A word to say I have opened the fundamental
parts of my budget in the cabinet, and that I could not have hoped
a better reception. Nothing decided, for I did not ask it, and
indeed the case was not complete, but there was no general
[resistance], no decided objection; the tone of questioning was
favourable, Granville and Argyll delighted, Newcastle, I think,
ditto. Thank God.

_To Cobden, Jan. 28._--Criticism is busy; but the only thing really
formidable is the unavowed but strong conflict with that
passionate expectation of war, which no more bears disappointment
than if it were hope or love. _Feb. 6._--Cobbett once compared an
insignificant public man in an important situation to the
linch-pin in the carriage, and my position recalls his very apt
figure to my mind.

Of course