Reserves.]

London, August 19th, 1840 {p.296}

In the conversation at which Aberdeen told Clarendon this, he
dilated upon the marvellous influence of the Duke, and the manner
in which he treated his followers, and the language they endured
from him. Clarendon asked him whether, when the Duke retired, he
had any hopes of being able to govern them as well; to which he
replied that he had not the slightest idea of it; on the
contrary, that it would be impossible, that nobody else could
govern them, and when his influence was withdrawn, they would
split into every variety of opinion according to their several
biases and dispositions. He said he did not think the Duke of
Wellington had ever rendered greater service in his whole life
than he had done this session in moderating violence and keeping
his own party together and in order, and that he could still do
the most essential service in the same way, and much more than by
active leading in Parliament.

[Page Head: ADVANTAGES OF A WEAK GOVERNMENT.]

Out of this state of things a practical consequence has ensued of
no slight importance, and one which has shown that if there are
evils and disadvantages incident to a weak Government, these are
not without some counterbalancing good. Both parties began to
feel the necessity of dealing with certain questions of pressing
importance in a spirit of compromise and mutual concession.
Neither were strong enough to go on insisting upon having
everything their own way, and each was conscious that the other
had a fair right to require some sacrifice, so far as it could be
made without compromising on either side any vital principle.
Accordingly several questions were amicably and quietly settled,
in all probability in a more just, expedient, and satisfactory
way than they would have been by either party uncontrolled and
unrestrained. The Irish Corporation Bill, which for years has
been a topic of bitter contention, has at last been carried with
very little difficulty and discussion. The alterations of the
Lords were quietly accepted by the Commons, and the ultras on
both sides were alone dissatisfied at the consummation. Then the
Education Question, which last year raised a regular storm, both
in Parliament and out, has been arranged between the Government
and the heads of the Church, and the system is permanently
established in such a manner as to allay all fears and
jealousies. In the same spirit, I expect that next year