umption that moral influence would
suffice to prevent a war, and in the niggardly, and therefore unwise,
and ultimately costly scheme upon which armaments were provided.
Probably never in the House of Commons was rebuke more eloquently and
sincerely given, or more justly merited, than when Lord Palmerston
exposed the contradictory, selfish, and unpatriotic policy advocated by
Mr. Cobden.

The hostile feeling of the Manchester section of the liberal party
towards Lord Palmerston increased from that time, and his lordship made
no efforts to conceal his dislike of the party, but sometimes showed it
in a manner even contemptuous. The influence of the party was exercised
upon the cabinet, and Lord Palmerston felt himself treated by so little
consideration, that on the 16th December he resigned. Her majesty wisely
refused to receive his resignation. No explanations of the cause of the
circumstance were ever given in parliament, but the country, una voce,
pronounced that it arose from his lordship's dissatisfaction with
the truckling policy of the Aberdeen party in the cabinet, and his
popularity rose still higher.

The session of 1853 was not unproductive. Various measures of importance
were transacted. The cabinet possessed much administrative ability, and
displayed it by carrying a number of bills of great practical utility.
It was a good peace, but a bad war, ministry.

DEATHS OF EMINENT PERSONS.

In modern English history much of the greatness and glory of the country
may be learned by noticing the names, characters, and exploits of the
eminent persons who pass away from the theatre of life and action. So
fruitful is the country in men of renown, and men who deserve renown,
that to notice these is to see the mighty position which Great Britain
occupies, and is likely to occupy, in the world.

The obituary of 1853 was not more remarkable than that of previous
years; but still the number of the great and good who dropped into the
silence of the grave was too great for any justice to be done to their
memories, or to their country, jealous of their fame. Throughout the
year, admirals and general officers, who had well served their country,
were removed from the ranks of her defenders. So numerous were these,
that it would be invidious to select from them any for particular
notice.

Among the men of other professions it is more easy to point out a few of
those whose decease excited general regret.

In January, J