562

LIFE OF COBDEN. [oma®

1851. organic reform, that I feel disposed to act the part of 8
Av. 47. pioneer.
“The extension of the suffrage must and will come, but
it chills my enthusiasm upon the subject when I see &
much popular error and prejudice prevailing upon such
questions as the Colonies, religious freedem, and the land
customs of this country. I do not mean to say that thes
thoughts make me for an instant falter in my advocacy of
the extension of the franchise, but they make me doubt
whether I may not be better employed in trying to diffuse
sound practical views, than in fighting for forms or theories
of government which do not necessarily involve the fate of
practical legislation at all. The greatest obstacle to 807
improvement or change in John Bull’s sentiments just 20%
is the egregious vanity of the beast. He has been £0
plastered with flattery, for which he seems to have an 2°
satiable appetite, that he has become an impervious mash
of self-esteem. Nothing is so diffienlt as to alter the policy
of individuals or nations who allow themselves to be Pe”
suaded that they are the ‘envy of surrounding nations and
the admiration of the world.” Time and adversity can alon¢
operate in such cages.”
“October 29. (To Mr. Bright.)—1 thought I had so 7
peatedly explained myself upon the Reform movement, that
it must prevent any misunderstanding between us as t0 J
meaning. I donotadvocate our doing nothing. Iam prepared
to do something. We must all do our best. But the qué”
tion, and the only question which I was discussing, is whether
we shall call a conference in Manchester, That means in the
yes of the public that the men who call the Conference; and
who put themselves at its head, are prepared fo organize an
agitation. Have we duly reckoned the chances of making
Manchester the headquarters of a successful Reform move”
ment? I doubt its success. A Conference would be onl¥