J82T.J [ 395 ] 



NOTES FOIl THE MONTH. 



THE political arrangements, of the last month, are important rather in 

 that which they are likely to lead to, than from any results which have 

 yet arisen out of them. The new government is completely formed ; and 

 a strong earnest of its stability is, that some of its most vehement oppo- 

 nents, find so little chance of overturning it as Whig, that they have 

 turned round and are assuring the world that it is Tory! This is whim- 

 sical ; but if such a reading gratifies the feelings of any party, there can 

 be no objection to its being adopted. The fact is, that the government is 

 composed of the moderate men of both sides ; and whether it be called 

 " Whig" or " Tory," will make little difference, so long as it acts upon 

 that policy which those of the late ministers who were esteemed Tories 

 by preference, resisted. As the list stands except that it wants shining 

 talent it stands well ; and shining talent (combined with political know- 

 ledge and fitness) is not to be found on either side the House. The Marquis 

 of Lansdown, as Home Secretary, is pledged to the support of Catholic 

 Emancipation ; a measure, the success of which aljne, we take to be of 

 the most vital importance to this country. Mr. Huskisson will not forget 

 that he was the founder of the system of open trade ; although his imme- 

 diate office is that of Secretary for the Colonies. Mr. Herries, the Chancel- 

 lor of the Exchequer, is said to hold rather strait-laced opinions ; but his 

 place is not one of patronage ; and, without any offence to his preten- 

 sions, his political consequence is not at present enough to make his opi- 

 nions a matter of much importance. And the Duke of Wellington is 

 again commander in- chief ; which no matter what his political opinions 

 are we rejoice to see him, and he well deserves to be. It will be a cir- 

 cumstance of some regret in the country, that to the names above-men- 

 tioned (joined to that of Lord Goderich), Mr. Peel's name cannot be 

 added. We do not despair, however, of seeing it in that position yet. 

 Mr. Peel wants but a very short step to acquiescence in the principles, 

 upon which the present Ministry (as it is understood) are to proceed ; and 

 that step, we are inclined to hope, reflection and increasing experience will 

 induce him before long to take. He must feel, that, whatever difference 

 may exist upon some peculiar questions, he possesses in the main (inde- 

 pendent of all " party,") in a very eminent degree, the confidence of the 

 country; and that it is his duty, if he can do so without an absolute 

 compromise of principle, to give that country the benefit of his services. 

 His steady temper and consideration will also find no difficulty in discri- 

 minating between those wild innovations, which a few talking people may 

 have vapoured about, but which no influential party can ever have thought 

 to realize, and those more gradual changes which an altering condition of 

 society, in every country, must from time to time demand ; and which in 

 England, up to a certain (and not to a very limited) point, no man than 

 himself has been more forward in promoting. The secondary appointments 

 of Government have been given chiefly to people at present very little 

 known ; and might, we think, in one or two instances, have been bestowed 

 more advantageously. If the object in such nominations.be to initiate 

 men of talent and station into the duties of office, it seems to be a very 

 great mistake, that Lord Althorpe should be suffered to remain without 

 employment if he would accept it. Mr. Brougham has as yet received 

 nothing; it is said, because (with very excellent taste and judgment) 

 he will take no appointment that is not connected with his profession. 



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