road, and especially the cause of religious liberty. He
had no doubt but the country would soon be operated upon by sentiments
of sound policy, justice, and liberality. Mr. Brougham maintained
that he and his party, in supporting the present ministry, were acting
consistently, as well as disinterestedly. For himself, he said, he
had quitted a situation, eminent beyond his hopes or merits, on the
opposition benches, where he was surrounded by one of the largest, one
of the most honourable, and one of the most disinterested oppositions
ever known in the house, an opposition consisting of men who do what
they think best for their country; though in doing so they should feel
sure that they were helping to confirm their adversaries in office.
"I have quitted this station, enough to satisfy the ambition of the
proudest man, under arrangements which made my own acceptance of office
impossible. My opinions on foreign and domestic policy have led me to
this step with the sincere desire of furnishing a useful assistance to
the liberal sentiments of Mr. Canning--including the Irish question.
Not that I am for giving it that prominent situation in the public
councils which is required by some; but I wished that it should derive
every possible advantage from the junction of the two parties which
have divided the house and the country, but are now united in a cordial,
hearty, and uniform support of such measures as should be deemed best
for the country."

The house of lords met on the 2nd of May; and in that branch of the
legislature more explanations were given than in the house of commons.
On the first opportunity Lord Eldon declared that the accusations made
against him, of having attempted an unconstitutional dictation to his
sovereign, was a base and scandalous falsehood. His opinion was, and
always had been, that if the claims of the Catholics were conceded,
there was an end of the religious liberties of this country, and that
with its religious liberties its civil freedom would perish. Holding
such opinions as these it was impossible for him to coincide with the
views of the new minister, whether those views were immediately to be
carried into execution, or suspended for the better securing of
his purpose. Could he, he asked, honestly remain in office under an
administration formed on principles at variance with his own? He could
not allow that the new administration had been formed on principles
similar to that of Lord Liverp