“T] LETTER FROM M&. BRIGHT ON THEIR DEFRAT. 659

Abou of Molesworth, Roebuck, and Hume, more recently 1857.
"Pported by us, and by Gladstone, every article in the creed Zi. 53.
"hich directed our Colonial policy, has been abandoned, and
0% men actually abhor the notion of undertaking the
30vernment; of the Colonies ; on the contrary, they give to
ery Colony that asks for it, a Constitution as democratic
* that which exists in the United States.
. “Tarn to the question of Parliamentary Reform. ¢Finality’
s Stoutly repudiated, not by Lord John Russell alone, but
by the Tories. I observe that at the recent elections, Tories
bave Tepeatedly admitted that there must be Parliamentary
efor 1, and that they will not oppose a moderate dose of it ;
"ud 1 Suppose something before long will be done, not so real
Wwe wish, but something that will make things move a little.
“But if on Commercial legislation, on Colonial policy, on
esting of Suffrage, and I might have added on questions
“ Church, for a revolution in opinion is apparent there also,
7 See this remarkable change, why should we despair of
ringing about an equally great change in the sentiments of
the People with regard to foreign affairs? Palmerston and
big Press are at the bottom of the excitement that has lately
Provaileq ; he will not last long as Minister or as man. Isee
no One ready to accept his mantle when it drops from him,
ley Years hence, those who live so long, may see a complete
hangs on the questions on which the public mind has been
Contly 80 active and so much mistaken.
“This is bringing philosophy to comfort us in our mis-Slhungg,
 you will say, and does not mend the present, and
big true enough, but it is just the line of reasoning, I doubt
"°% which has presented itself to your mind when free from
he WRomentary vexation caused by recent events. I am the
“8% unfortunate of our small section, for a year of idleness
of {11 health has made absence from Parliament familiar
b Te, and I have contemplated resigning my seat sinco the