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ML] THE FRED TEADERS AND THE _INISTRY. 585

decided to hold a meeting,’ there is nothing more to be said 1852.
but to make the best of it. I think you are quite right in Ar. 48
having determined to mix nothing with the Free Trade
Question, ,,,, All the reflection I can give to the
Subject confirms me in the opinion that we ought to confine
Ourselves in the first instance to the settlement of the Free
Trade question, without attempting to tie to that proceeding
"My ulterior plan whether of a personal or political nature.
We are entitled to at least a Free Trade Government to
"Present the opinion of the country. If the present
Administration do not avow themselves to have cast off their
Protectionst opinions and to have adopted Free Trade views,
they ought to be turned ont. I would not be contented by
their saying that they will not attempt to reverse the policy
of Sir R. Peel ¢ because they have not the power to do so.’
They must profess adhesion to that policy and recant their
OW errors 5 they must promise to promote and extend these
Principleg ; and failing in all this, we must by any legitimate
Beans drive them into resignation, Can we do this? All
depends upon the course taken by the Peel party, and I am
glag to see by the tome of Henley’s speech that the old
bitternegg of the Protectionists towards them still survives.
Indeed, so long as Disraeli continues at the head of the Tory
Party, T do not see how Gladstone, Sidney Herbert, and the
'%8t of Peol’s followers can ever rejoin them. Bub much
Topengs upon the League pursuing an honest course. We
ust not look to the right or left, but as of old go with a
Single purpose to our object. We must not allow ourselves
fo be used by the Whigs or Peelites, but hold the balance
fairly between them.”
Parliament met on the 4th of November, but it was the 11th
befor the preliminary formalities were over. The Queen’s

TA
the 3 great meeting of the League party in Manchester, in opposition to
orhy-Disraeli minisiry.