*rr. 44.] PROSPECTS OF THE OPPOSITION. 449 



the parts assigned to them. They run about open- 

 mouthed, and cry down the whole party, and scout 

 the idea of any change; and thus not only are we 

 laughed at, but the Court takes covirage, and no pro- 

 position is made which makes the Cabinet-making 

 look still more ridiculous. For this reason, and still 

 more for others, I really wish Tierney were out of 

 town and of the reach of Charles Long at this moment, 

 for he will inevitably propagate his standing article of 

 faith that the Opposition have numbers enough, but 

 can't carry on the Government in the House of Com- 

 mons for want of men to take leading stations as if 

 even our second and third rates could not, IF IN OFFICE, 

 sink such as Bragge, Peel, Van., &c. But though these 

 considerations and the recollection of former occasions 

 make me dread any talk of arrangements, it is quite fit 

 that you should be aware of how matters would stand. 

 Suppose everything else settled and I can most con- 

 fidently answer for our being able to do as we please, 

 almost in Opposition, but completely if in office the 

 only puzzle would be the choice of a nominal leader ; 

 and really I can't see why Tierney might not go on, 

 taking it just as easily as he chose. It needs not give 

 him a moment's trouble. He would have in office 

 Mackintosh and Calcraft and Newport all very effi- 

 cient in their several lines. Althorpe, too, would be- 

 come of very considerable use, and John Eussell. But 

 the law officers, Scarlett and Denman, would be a host. 

 I cannot fancy those places more effectively filled, and 

 for all purposes of debate ; for Scarlett in office would 

 be perfectly well listened to, and carry great weight. 

 Then, as for myself, the point to which you particu- 



VOL. II. 2 F 



