xv.) LETTHES TO MR. BRIGHT, 631

as for the people, they have scarcely felt the effects of the 1855.
be as yet, but they are rapidly developing themselves in Zr. Bl.
liminished trade and increasing able-bodied pauperism, and
Mgmented taxation will follow.
“The most dishonest or most ‘incapable and guilty’
feature in the conduct of the Government, to my judgment,
bas been their readiness to fall into the warlike humour of
the public, and concealing from them the extent of the
ndertaking., Even Gladstone has lent himself to the
delusion that the people can be indulged with a cheap war.
It ig impossible to believe that the Ministry were so ignorant
4 to suppose that we could fight Russia on her own terri
bory, 8000 miles distant by sea, for 10,000,000l. But really
I believe Palmerston or Lord John would have undertaken to
do it by contract for as many shillings, rather than not have
Sained the sweet voice of the multitude twelve months since.
“I observe what you say about the want of more co-Operation
 amongst our friends . . . . in the House. What
We really want is sympathy and support for our views oub
of doors, We have a far better hearing in Parliament than
0 the country. I defy you, from one extremity of the
Singdom to the other, to find a mixed body of men in
Which you and I should be so well treated as we were on
the last day of the session. It is the want of identity
between the great public and ourselves on important and
“grossing questions of principle that leaves us in such an
solated position in the House. Iam content to be as we
ate, with nothing but an approving conscience for the
ourse we pursue. Not that I am, as Parkes says, without
bition, If I had been where Sumner and Amasa Walker
ire, I should have set no bounds to my ambition ; but my
ludgment told me twenty years ago that if I aimed ab office
1 this country, it must lead either to disappointment or an
abandonment of objects which I cherish far before official