CHAPTER XXXII.

I'HE TARIFF—THE FORTIFICATION SCHEME.

be is not necessary for us to follow the fortunes of the Treaty
2 England. They belong rather to our fiscal and parlia-Mentary
 history, than to the biography of one of the
“Sgotiators. The Treaty was laid before Parliament by
Lord John Russell, and its provisions were fully explained,
Mong with the changes which the Government proposed in
“ur fiscal system as a consequence of this Treaty, by Mr.
Sladstone in a memorable speech (Feb. 10) which for
lucigipy and grasp has never been surpassed. . He did not
orget to pay a just tribute to his absent colleague. “Rare,”
%id Mr, Gladstone, “is the privilege of any man who having
fourteen years ago rendered to his country one signal and
Splendid service, now again within the same brief span of
life, decorated neither by rank nor title, bearing no mark
to distinguish him from the people whom he serves, has
Seen permitted again to perform a great and memorable
¥ervice to his country.”
The leader of the Opposition did not fall far behind in
%ivil words, while conveying in his compliment to Cobden
& characteristic sneer at the hated Whigs? Mr. Disraeli
(Feb, 20) took credit for having recognized the great ability
ind the honourable and eminent position of the secret agent
of the Treaty, long before they had been recognized by those
N Eympathizing statesmen of whom he was somehow doomed

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