tx.) MR. DISRAELI'S BUDGET, 539

eng Liberals, and which Protectionists might swallow. It
“came evident that this would meet the wishes of imporant
 sections of the House, always ready to be captivated
oy anything that wears the air of moderation and compro-Mise,
 Mr, Disraeli perceived that he was saved, and withdrow
 his own amendment in favour of Lord Palmerston’s.
Cobden now made his first direct attack on Lord Palmerston,
and he made it in very straightforward terms. But in the
long-run Mer. Villiers’s motion was rejected by a majority of
fighty, and then Lord Palmerston’s was carried by a majority
*f four hundred and fifteen.
The field was now clear for Mr. Disraeli’s Budget. It
18d been awaited with eager expectation. The Government
Was without weight, but it was not unpopular. There was:
19 general anxiety to see the Whigs back again. A miracle
of financial talent might still save the Ministry, though it
18d neither political principles nor administrative experi
ce. There was a vivid curiosity of a personal and dramatic
 kind, Men wondered how the skilful gladiator would
3Cquit himself, who had never been in office until he was
made leader of the House of Commons. In a few hours
after Mr, Disraeli bad stated his plans, it seemed as if they
Were a gnccess. One thing ab any rate was clear; Free
Trade was safe. The Budget,” Cobden wrote to Mr.
George ‘Wilson, the day after Mr. Disraeli’s speech (December
 4), « has finally closed the controversy with Protection.
Dizzy has in the most impudent way thrown over the
local burdens,” as he did before a fixed dutv.! The Teague
nay be dissolved when you like.”
When the discussion on the ministerial proposals opened

1853.

He. 48

When the Chancslior of the Fxohequer anncunced that he was not
20ing to recommend any change whatever in the system of raiting the
eal taxag, a good deal of loud and derisive triumph was exhibited on the
ther pide, « Qh,” said Mr. Disrach with composure, ‘thers are greater
Whisaty fv me fn nanaidar than the tviumph of obsolete opinions.”