1848.

Ar. 39,

R80

LIFE OF COBDEN. {cmap

sonvenience to bring against the stringent pleas of logics!
consistency. What astonishes us is that such a performance
should have followed such a preface. Those who have
written about Sir Robert Peel’s character have always beet
accustomed to say that, though there was originally a vein of
fiery temper in him, yet he had won perfect mastery over
it; and his outburst against Cobden was the only occasion
when he seemed to fall into the angry impetuosity thab
was familiar enough on the lips of (’Connell, or Stanley, or
Brougham. He was tauated before long by Mr. Disraeli
with imitating anger as a tactical device, and taking the
choleric gentleman for one of his many parts. Whether
his display of emotion against Cobden was artificial or &
genuine result of overstrung nerves, was disputed at the
time, and it is disputed to this day by those who witnessed
the scene. The display was undoubtedly convenient for
the moment in damaging a very troublesome adversary.
Lord John Russell, who spoke after the Minister, had no
particular reason fo be anxious to defend so dubions #
follower as Cobden, but his honourable spirit revolted
against the unjust and insulting demeanour of the House.
“Iam sure,” he said, “that for my own part, and I believe
I can answer for most of those who sit round me, that the
same sense was not attached to the honourable member for
Stockport’s words, as has been attached by the right honourable
 Baronet and honourable members opposite.” When
Lord John Russell had finished = speech that practically
wound up the debate, Cobden returned to his explanation,
and amid some interruptions from the opposite benches, a8
well as from the Speaker on a point of order, again insisted
bhat he had intended to throw the responsibility of the
Minister's measures upon him as the head of the Governpurposes

 of encouraging national anira #ity, or promoting personal or party
mtarest.”