are going to do on Molesworth's
motion on Tuesday;[16] they have kept an ominous silence, and it
is believed that the great body of them are eagerly pressing for
a division against the Government, while the leaders want to
restrain them, and not meddle with the question. Care, however,
has been taken, to abstain from any expression of opinion or
declaration of intention, and they are all ordered to be at their
posts. The Whigs would desire nothing better, end as it might,
than that the Tories should support Molesworth's motion, or move
an amendment upon it, which might bring about the concurrence
with themselves of the mover and the few Liberals (some say
seven, some eleven) who will vote with him.

[16] [Sir William Molesworth moved a vote of censure on Lord
Glenelg, Colonial Secretary of State, on the 6th of
March, but withdrew it after two nights' debate in
favour of an amendment moved by Lord Sandon, condemning
the Canadian policy of the Government. On the division
Ministers had 316, and their opponents 287 votes. The
character and purport of this amendment are explained
below.]

March 6th, 1838 {p.072}

Great interest yesterday to know the result of the meeting at
Peel's, when it was to be settled what course should be taken to-
night. There were meetings at both Peel's and John Russell's. The
decision of the Tories was deferred till Stanley's arrival in
town, who had been detained by illness at Knowsley. In the
morning there was a meeting of the Privy Council about municipal
charters, when John Russell and Poulett Thomson told me they did
not expect the Tories would give them battle; but if there was a
division, they thought Government would carry it by 20, a great
majority in these days.

March 8th, 1838 {p.073}

Sandon moved the amendment on Tuesday night, but so well had the
Tories kept their secret that nobody knew what they were going to
do till he got up in the House. As there were above 200 present
at the meeting, and nearly 300 must have been in the secret,
their discretion was marvellous. I was convinced that no
amendment would be moved, and was completely mistaken. The debate
on Tuesday was moderate; Labouchere spoke well, Stanley middling,
but he was not in force physically. Last night they divided at
half-past two, and there was a majority of 29: all things
considered, a great one, and which sets the Government on