mn session, and if the Lords still hardened their hearts, "there would
remain nothing but the last alternative to consider,"--these words, I
assume, meaning a dissolution. Perhaps the opposition thought that a
dissolution on the ballot might give to the ministerial Antaeus fresh
energy. This time the Lords gave way, satisfied that the Measure had now
at last been more adequately discussed,--the said discussion really
consisting in no more than an adequate amount of violent language out of
doors against the principle of a hereditary legislature.(241)

The results of the general election two years later as they affected
party, are an instructive comment on all this trepidation and alarm. In
one only of the three kingdoms the ballot helped to make a truly vital
difference; it dislodged the political power of the Irish landlord. In
England its influence made for purity, freedom, and decency, but it
developed no new sources of liberal strength. On this aspect of things the
first parliamentary precursor of the ballot made remarks that are worth a
few lines of digression. "You will feel great satisfaction," his wife said
to Grote one morning at their breakfast, "at seeing your once favourite
measure triumph over all obstacles." "Since the wide expansion of the
voting element," the historian replied, "I confess that the value of the
ballot has sunk in my estimation. I don't, in fact, think the elections
will be affected by it one way or another, as far as party interests are
concerned." "Still," his interlocutor persisted, "you will at all events
get at the genuine preference of the constituency." "No doubt; but then,
again, I have come to perceive that the choice between one man and another
among the English people, signifies less than I used formerly to think it
did. The English mind is much of one pattern, take whatsoever class you
will. The same favourite prejudices, amiable and otherwise; the same
antipathies, coupled with ill-regulated though benevolent efforts to
eradicate human evils, are well-nigh universal. A House of Commons cannot
afford to be above its own constituencies in intelligence, knowledge, or
patriotism."(242) In all this the element of truth is profound enough. In
every change of political machinery the reformer promises and expects a
new heaven and a new earth; then standing forces of national tradition,
character, and institution assert their strength, our millennium lags, and
the chilled enthusiast sighs