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of Sir R . Peel and of demands for protection or compensation . Flinging back the imputation of Jacobinism thrown at the League by the Chancellor of the Exchequer , he urged the Protectionists to look for their true compensation in the happiness of the country , and he called on the House to establish the charter of free industry . . .. . Mr . Keij Seymer defended Ministers , and said that the country was glad to see men at the head of affairs who in a conservative spirit would carry out necessary reforms . Mr . Frederick Peel submitted that without being considere d vindictive , something was flue to the past ; for they could not forget how hardly Mr . Disraeli had dealt with the change of convictions in another mind . He should vote for the resolution .
Here Lord Palmerston struck in , and completely took the House by surprise . Admitting that the Speech from the Throne was as ambiguous as words could make it , and confessing that , personally , he concurred in the resolution , yet he declared that some regard should be had to securing as large a majority as possible in the expression of opinion they intended to come to—if not unanimity . A great party had honourably and publicly y ielded its opinions—it was dangerous for the House to institute an inquisition into private
opinions , and demand an humble recantation . Was there not a middle course ? Why make it a party struggle , or convert the occasion into an opportunity for overturning the Government ? Suppose , however , and it was q uite possible , that the resolution—which , if carried , must be so by a very small majority—should be lost . How injurious would the effect be all over the world . And would it be a satisfactory result to carry it by a narrow majority , compared to the effect of a unanimous decision of the House ? It was natural that
the champions of Free-trade should desire a victoiy , but bethought , considering the great interests at stake , that hands might be stretched out in conciliation , and an ungenerous and impolitic line of conduct be abnndoned . He would not presume to lay a third resolution on the table , but read a form of words which , if encouraged , he would bo disposed to tender : — " That it is the opinion of this House that the improved condition of the country , especially the industrious classes , is mainly the result of recent legislation , which has established the principle of unrestricted competition , has abo
lished taxes imposed lor the purpose of protection , and lias thereby diminished the cost and increased the abundance of the principal articles of the food of the people . " ( Hear , Lear . ) Nobody can object to that , certainly . " That it is the opinion of this House that this policy , firmly maintained and prudently extended , will best en able- the industry of the country to bear its burdens , and will thereby most surely promote the welfare mid contentment of the people . ( Cheers from the Ministerial benches . ) That this 11 oust ! will be ready to take into consideration any measures confiistent with ( hose principles which , in pursuance of her Majesty ' s gracious Speech and recommendation , may bo Renewed cheers iruin the Ministe
laid before them . " ( - rialists . ) He trusted that before Thursday his suggestion would he well considered . The debate was adjourned on the motion of Sir lOdwurd Lytloii . Early on Thursday evening an irregular and interesting conversation on the posit / ion of parties was commenced by Sir U r . Ci-av , who asked Mr . Villiers and the Chancellor of tin * Exchequer whether each ¦ would withdraw his respective motion in favour of Lord I ' alnicrston's amendment , suggested on Tuesday . Hefore cither could reply , Sir . I . v . uks ( litAil AM ( moving , for form sake , an adjournment , of Mm House ) , interposed lo explain the origin of Mr . Villier . s's motion . I le said ¦
The paragraph in the Royal Speech , relating to recent legislation , having been deemed ambiguous , the Chancellor of the Exchequer not , having announced < m the first < lny of the session any intention of bringing forward a financial policy , and the mover of the address ha \ ing been a Protectionist candidate , successful iigninst an eminent I'Yeetrader ( Sir ( J . ( Jrey ) , all three causes combined , induced him and his friends to think a substantive motion on the Hiibject necessary . In friiining such mol ion hchad cndciivoured to avoid anything I lint , might wound the feelin / rs
of any gentleman in the 1 louse . In wording I lie resolution , i put the question to myself , " What , under the circumstances , would Sir Robert I'eel have done hail lie been iilivci ' " and I assure the Mouse , on my honour , thai , I believe that great statesman , had he been nine , would have framed a resolution , I letter in words than that I prepared , but in f lie same spirit . | Sir . luinru then read Hie resolution he alluded to , which , amid Koine quiet ineriiiiient , was recognised by the House as the same , with the exception < d'a few words , as that suggested by Lord I ' ulmerston . lie then went on to say , |
1 sent , the draft resolution to Lord John Russell , w il I . whom , I urn happy to say , 1 have been in cordial and frequent communication , ( ha lighter and ironical cl rs from ( lie Ministerialists . ) That clieer expresses a suspicion that there has been some parly feeling in t he preparation of the resolutions a suspicion entirely citoucoiih ; for the answer of Lord John Russell contained ' ( . lie . suggestion of the third clause in the resolution , expressing I ho readiness ol the llouao to tako into conoidorution tiny iinuuciul propositions
based on Free-trade , and thus showing that the motion was not one of factious opposition . After conference with the Manchester party—the original Free-traders—the terms of Mr . Villicrs ' s motion wcro adopted in lieu of the resolution first drawn up by himself , and suggested on Tuesday by Lord Palmerston , who had , however , omitted the words , " without inflicting injury on any important interest . " But these words had been inserted in the resolutions more with a prospective than a retrospective effect : they shut the door against a' claim for compensation arising out of any extension of Freetrade , but they did not prevent the House discussing at any time any proposition of adjustment of taxation founded on the policy of 1846 . For himself , he was willing to adopt , the amendment suggested by Lord Palmerston , with tho insertion of the words he had quoted as omitted . Mr . Gladstone , in a most conciliatory tone , recommended the unanimous adoption of Lord Palmerston ' s amendment . Mr . T . Dtinccxmbe rallied the House on the many amendments it had suffered to arise . As it was a night for questions he would ask one . How had the noble lord the member for Tiverton got hold of the resolution of the rig ht honourable baronet the member for Cai-lisle ? ( Roars of laughter . ) Mr . E . S . Caylky and Mr . R . Palmer having given in a reluctant resignation of Protectionist hopes , Lord
Pamierston expressed his gratification at the agreeable tone of the conversation , and the prospect of an all but unanimous vote closing the controversy . He did not object to the words , " without inflicting injury on any important interest / ' being inserted . In reply to Mr . Buncombe , he could assure him that he had got the resolution " lawfully . " Sir E . B . Lyttccn" said the House seemed agreed upon the thing to be done ; therefore it was idle to be nice about words .
The Marquis of Granny defied Mr . Bright to a division . He dissented from all the resolutions . There was" prosperity in the country , but it was not owing to Free-trade . He appealed to Mr . Disraeli ( now denying that he had agitated Protection ) , whether he had not been supported by the Protectionist party . Mr . Disraeli ( who looked ill , spoke in a low tone of voice , and apologized for " physical depression" ) said he never could forget the generous confidence that had been placed in him by the party to whom Lord Granhy referred .
He still thought what he Iiad always thought that the agriculturalists of England had been unjustly treated by the precipitate repeal of the corn-laws ; though the reversal of that repeal had been long out of the question owing to the fact that it had , through the cheapness of provisions , increased the welfare oi' ( he general body of the people . But if he should have the opportunity of submitting his financial measures to the House , it would he seen that by the readjustment of taxation he proposed to relieve that class who had undoubtedly suffered from the withdrawal of protection , and thus enable them to meet the competition of the industry of the world . Without the hope of beiii" - able to brinir forward such measures , he would not
continue to hold ollice . Mr . Disraeli then , in return lor Sir James d ' raham ' s frank and rather novel disclosures ( ' all ' ording u rich lesson to young members how great men combine to manage ; mankind" ) , explained the course taken by ( iovernment . Tim paragraph in the Queen ' s Speech had a constitutional and Royal reserve ; and in admitting the propriety of considering compensation , Sir . lames ( Jraliam had echoed it . As to any abstract resolut ion allirining I' ree-frade , though he ( M r . Disraeli ) thought such resolutions inexpedient in a new Parliament , yet the ( iovernmenl , had resolved llntl , if a resolution wen ; brought forward simply allirining tho unequivocal fact that I'Yee-Irade was to be the future policy of the country , 'bey
would not oppose it . To inn , individually , such a resolution could not bo objectionable . The financial measures I have prepared are all based on the policy of unrest ricled competition ; in fact , they cannot be supported except by recognition of that policy . We bail resolved , therefore , thai should a resolution such as that I have mentioned he brought forward , we would sutler it to pass , taking no part in the discussion . The first , resolution drawn 11 ]> by the right lion , baronet the member for Carlisle reached us in draft ; and uf n . meeting of our usual . supporters , my noble friend at the head ol the ( Government declared ' he saw nothing in that resolution which we
might , not accept ,. That declaration , echoed by the unanimous opinion of the whole parly , \\ as made no secret ; for our parts , il , might hnvo been known at Churing-crosH . In fact , it , is probable it wiim known at ( 'luiring-cross . l '' or no sooner was ( hat retiolve known than the original resolution was altered , and three odious epithets were iniierfed . ( Loud cheers from the Ministerialists . ) That , in not the way to secure ( lie inia liimous allirinal ion of a great principle . II was easy to ; : uy these \\ ere nicro words ; but one must , look to the meaning and motive of their insertion to he ahle lo understand Iho words . The amendment
I have proposed distinctly- lays down t he principle eontended for . Language could go no further ; it even declares it In l ) i' ( lie ! duly of ( iovernmeul , to adlicro to ( hat , principle . The amendment < if I he right lion , baronet . ( Sir I . ( indium ) tih ills out ,, if I understand it , any cliiim for compcnsulion arifing out . of future legislation , wliile it leaven open I he question of com | iciisnl ion for tin' past . I should certainly prefer the words I have used niymdf ; and ( hero are expression !! in the oilier amendment lor which , individually , I will not be responsible ; but , if it be < be general wish of the house , I hIiuII accopt the amendment in lieu ol my own . lint should the boa . member for Wolverliampton persist in . Jiiu motion , I . shall resist it , believing it to bo
unlust and-ungenerous . The question , then , is , whether that hon . gentleman and Ins friends will persist in out ™ the feelings of gentlemen on this side of the hZZ ^ resolution I firmly believe to be impolitic aaTuWL ( Loud cheers . ) "" wise . Shortly after having spoken , the right hon . gentleman left the House , but reappeared a little later . If " feared that his health is affected by his onerous " official duties . ' . ¦ Lord John Kttsseli , thought Ministers had " made a great mistake in not advising the Queen to make an explicit declaration of the verdict of the country ; such a statement was not ordinary , but this had been an extraordinary occasion .
" The ' three odious epithets' referred to by Mr . Disraeli as having been inserted to counteract some resolution of his party , were to his ( Lord John ' s ) own knowledge a Dart of the very first draft of the resolutions drawn up before any meeting- in Downing-street . On the other evening the right hon . gentleman accused me of ' audacity' bv saying that the question before the House was one of Free-trade or Protection . Surely that is the question Why should not we solemnly decide on a resolution like the present , which shall control generations to come ? Why should not a resolution go forth to that great country , the United States of America , where the im mense majority of tte people ( a people of the same race , having similar institutions with our own ) have re cently pronounced in favour of tbis policy—a policv des- "
tmed to rule the intercourse of nations throughout the Avorld . Still , as I think it of importance tl » t there should be a great majority of this House in favour oi a . resolutio to this effect—considering that the right hon . genttq man though in a rather ungracious manner , has si gnified ti ' intention of adopting the resolution drawn up by the right hon . baronet , and proposed by the noble lord the member for Tiverton , in lieu of his own , I would advise my hon . friend ( Mr . Villiers ) to accept that resolution also , so that all Free-traders , whether they be those who like the hon . member for the West Riding , have long been advocates of that policy , -whether they date from 1842 or whether they date from the November of this year —( a laugh )—should join in one profession of that policy as the future commercial policy of this country . "
Mr . Cobden was at first puzzled to understand the drift of the whole debate . Now he saw that if it meant anything , the alterations suggested opened a door for compensation . If so , the Free Traders had gained nothing * . Protection could be effected through the tax-gatherer as well as by custom-houses . If it were so , he warned the Protectionists the attempt would involve another struggle , which would prove as disastrous to them as the previous one had been . He entreated Mr . Villiers not to shrink from pressing lug unaltered resolution . Mr . Newdegate expressed his unaltered views on Protection , and his intention of leaving the House rather than affirm any of the resolutions .
Mr . ViLLiETts saw no reason for withdrawing his resolution , lie could not sec how the words , " wise , just , and beneficial , " could be offensive ( the greatest men had acknowledged their errors ); unless , indeed , some ulterior object were in view by gentlemen opposite , all of whom , he could clearly see , were not Free Traders . Silt W . Cj , ay , and some Protectionist members , having made a few observations , Sir James Gmaham withdrew his formal motion of adjournment . The order of the day for the adjourned debate then came on , when Mr . 1 ) israki ; i withdrew his amendment , and Lord Pai . mkkston formally moved his . The debate was then resumed by Mr . Jk ) OKJ 0 it , who talked inviolate . Protectionism . Mr . HkrnaT , OhuoKNK
followed , in his usual tone of caustic ; vivacity . JIis quotations of IVotectionist speeches were many and galling ; his " points" were incisive ; and he concluded by a general denunciation of " u gang of political latitudinariaiiM who have no faith in anything but the existence of the Treasury Heneli , and no principle hut perpetuity of place . " Mr . Bai . i- denied that cheapness w ; is good ; eulogised the farinerH of - ' ^ "ff " land ; assailed in a loud lament the memory of ^ Koberf , Teel ; was still a Protectionist ; but would not refuse to vote with Ministers , remembering who might be their successors . Sir I ' Adio Wood made a clear ,
logical , and lawyer-lilce speech—exposing the opp <>»>' Mon ollenecs of the party now in power ; and Sir John 1 ' akinuton replied by pointing out that nearly all parties in tho House had been once I'Yee-traders ; M' » j all Hie prophecies by balk parties as to the results o Kreo-trado had been falsified by the events ; aunl that the present motion was hut the combinartion ( he "' ( Hi « ^ not , call it factious ) of four parties , who could not agree upon any oilier point ,. Tim debate was then adjourned to luiday
evening-Iuihii Law Km .-oKMN . Among the most . " ' r <' Hll ' ;^ H the new pliaHeK of the Derby party in certain y 1 J ' ° . ju | 1 ( ] . they lake upon Iho question ' s relating to I he law ol lord and teniii . t , in Ireland . On Monday , Mr . 1 Nll l '"''( , ( , l . Atloruoy-Cioncnd for Ireland , delivered a l «>» tf "I , prefatory to the bringing in of lour bilk and « x |> » ' . ^ of them ; in wl . ieh he admitted that the mn . ii ol IIw { of Ireland luul sprung from lli « policy PUiHiml by i- h towardH her iu ri «|»« ci of the , land . Tho whuIoBulo fjiu »
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1128 . THE LEADER . ^ [ Saturday ,
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Citation
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Leader (1850-1860), Nov. 27, 1852, page 1128, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1962/page/4/
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