they had received, it became evident that
something must be done. The right honourable baronet next came to the
explanation of what had occurred in the cabinet, and how he had been
led to tender his resignation. He would not have abandoned his post, he
said, if he had been supported by an unanimous government; but that was
not the case, and he had no alternative but to quit office. Her majesty
accepted his resignation, and of her own choice sent for Lord John
Russell, who undertook the task of forming an administration. Their
appeared every probability that the question would have devolved on his
lordship; but before he went to Windsor to take a final farewell of the
queen, he learned that Lord John had failed to form a government. On
meeting Sir Robert, the queen informed him that so far from taking
leave, she was obliged to require him to continue his services; and the
colleagues who differed from him not having advised the formation of a
cabinet on the principles of protection, and Lord John having failed, he
did not hesitate to withdraw his resignation. Accordingly he resolved
to meet parliament, prepared to submit those measures which he thought
necessary to meet the emergency. These measures would be brought forward
on Tuesday next, and therefore he would not anticipate the discussion.
Lord John Russell rose to explain his conduct during the recent
negociations, and how he had failed in forming an administration. Having
received her majesty's commands, he called together those with whom he
had been in the habit of acting, and had stated that he would endeavour
to frame an outline of a measure on the corn-laws. He had previously
been informed by Sir Robert Peel that it was not advisable he should
state the details of the measure he should have brought forward under
the responsibility of his own government: and, therefore, he had to
consider what it would be the duty of his government to propose, should
he succeed in forming one. The result of his exertions on this subject
would be best explained by reading a letter which he addressed to her
majesty:--"Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your majesty,
and has the honour to state that he has found it impossible to form an
administration. Lord John Russell was aware from the first moment, when
your majesty was pleased to propose this commission, that there were
very great difficulties in the way, which it required the most cordial
co-operation on the part of