to the Catholics with you.
It is true that the King's language to them is perfectly
undecisive, and cannot be construed into anything like a pledge or
assurance of support, but still the complexion of his general
conduct has been such as to convey, not to them only, an impression
of his favourable disposition, and unless he makes some marked
demonstration the other way, I am convinced you will perceive the
effect in the next divisions in both Houses. Many hold the language
of disapprobation of concession, but at the same time express the
opinion that it must be carried, and if so, the sooner the better.
These will never support the measure, but will be well disposed to
stay away.
Lady C---- seems to hazard a good deal in letting her husband and
two sons perform the parts of deputy guardian angels while she
remains behind, especially if Lord Londonderry be in favour again,
since he may contrive to bring some rival charmer in view.
I quite agree with you that there is no difference of principle
which opposes our union with Lord Londonderry. The whole resolves
itself into a question of expediency. Is there a prospect of his
being able to form with us an administration strong enough to carry
on the public business advantageously and creditably? And this we
have not the means of answering till we know more fully what the
plan and what the further intentions are. If there appeared any
reasonable chance of our carrying the Catholic question, I should
myself feel that a paramount motive to accede to the Government,
even if I were certain that the King's aversion to the individual
Ministers joined to the general feebleness of the administration,
were sure to break it up the next day after that object had been
effected.
Vansittart's retirement from the Exchequer is indispensable, and if
Castlereagh does not himself take the office, Huskisson is the only
candidate for it whom I should think likely. Canning would be
objected to by Lord L----, and Robinson is wholly unequal.
All this, however, is premature, and till we have more data to
reason upon, a mere useless consumption of ink and paper.
Meanwhile, the state of Ireland seems to show that the blessed
conciliation effected by H. M.'s visit is confined to those
districts which have been illuminated by his countenance, and
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