the Admiralty, or upon any other
question of reduction, as in the existing temper of the country,
men may find themselves obliged to follow the torrent rather than
stem it; but what I complain of is their acting in concert, and as
a party independent of, and without consultation with, the
Government, which they profess to support, but really oppose. In
ordinary times, and under ordinary circumstances, this conduct
could not be borne for a moment. The Government would necessarily
be obliged to take the line which you suggest; and I think that
under ordinary circumstances the result would be what you suppose.
I think it also not impossible that we may find ourselves obliged
to take this step before this session closes. But I confess that I
shall take it myself, and see it taken by my colleagues with the
greatest reluctance and pain, for reasons which in fact constitute
the great difference between these times and others.

It would not be difficult to form a Government to succeed to us out
of our own party. But if we are unable to conduct the Government,
they would be still more unequal to it; and they would want
particularly our experience in tiding over the difficulties of the
day. The Opposition are still more unable than ourselves or others
to form and conduct a real Government. But they would be able, and
not unwilling, to do a great deal of mischief--enough probably to
prevent us or any others who should succeed to them from being able
to conduct the Government again. They would soon find that they
could not govern upon their new system; and they would not be
supported by the country on that or any other; but they would just
have the power to render the government of the country impossible
to their successors.

I have stated to you very shortly my view of this question, which I
believe is the true one. I believe, then, that however painful it
may be to us, and I declare most sincerely that it is so to me, it
is our duty to remain where we are as long as we can; and at all
events endeavour to overcome the difficulties of this most critical
of all moments.

Believe me, ever yours most sincerely,

WELLINGTON.

The Government was for the hundredth time menaced with immediate
dissolution; but the familiar proverb that pronounces the longevity of
ordinary men when threatened,