s. I certainly
admire the spirit and dexterity of John Russell, and give him
credit for great ability.' There is no doubt that the Tories have
put themselves in a better position for getting office, and the
Whigs in a worse for keeping it, than they were in before,
because impartial men who look at these debates will say that
Peel and his people are the abler practical men, and as time
settles the great questions in dispute, and renders the public
mind more indifferent about those which still remain, there will
be a growing opinion that the direction of affairs ought to be
entrusted to those who display the greatest capacity to conduct
them. The Conservatives besides have the inestimable advantage of
an alliance with the 'Times,' the most vigorous and powerful
agent which the press ever produced. The effect of its articles,
stinging as they are, is irresistible on the public mind, and the
Government have nothing to oppose to such a torrent. It is
impossible however, while admiring the dexterity of Peel in the
elaboration of his offensive measures, to overlook the selfish
and unpatriotic spirit which the great body of the Tories have
manifested throughout the proceedings. If they could have
foregone the bitter pleasure of achieving a party triumph, and
shown themselves ready not only to support the Government in
suppressing the rebellion, but to join with them in rendering the
necessary legislative measures as conducive to the great object
of pacification as they could be made, they would have covered
themselves with honour, and acquired a credit for noble and
public-spirited conduct, which, as it is, the Duke of Wellington
has alone obtained, and which none of them share with him. Nor do
I believe if Peel had exerted his dexterity and astuteness in
another way that he would have failed to acquire the same moral
superiority over the Ministers by pacific and moderate behaviour,
that he has acquired by hostile motions and taunting language.
But his tail was in a state of furious agitation, and so angry
and dejected at the Duke's forbearance, that he felt himself
compelled to give them the gratification of a triumph of some
sort. To the majority of his followers the Canadian insurrection
was a very pleasing occurrence, and they would have been
overjoyed if the troops had been defeated and Montreal captured
by the rebels. This would indeed have been a fine case against
the Government, and have paved the way for the return