XXXVI.) OFFER OF A POST BY THE GOVERNMENT.  92G

state of my health, I am precluded from taking any office
which involves the performance of stated duties at all seasons
of the year, or leaves a sense of responsibility for the fulfilwent
 of those duties by others. I have for some time been
liable to recurring attacks, during certain conditions of the
atmosphere, of what medical authorities call nervous asthma.
While giving me no pain, it disqualifies me for active exertion
during its visitations, and I am certain of exemption from
it only in warm weather. I cannot live in London during
the season of fog and frost. Here there are good and sufficient
 reasons why I should for the rest of my days be
exempt from the cares of salaried official life. But were
my case different, still, while sensible of the kind intentions
which prompted the offer, it would assuredly not be consulting
 my welfare to place me in the post in question, with
my known views respecting the nature of our finance. Believing,
 as I do, that while the income of the Government
is derived in a greater proportion than in any other country
from the taxation of the humblest classes, its expenditure
is to the last degree wasteful and indefensible, it would be
almost a penal appointment to consign me for the remainder
of my life to the task of passively auditing our finance
accounts. I fear my health would sicken and my days be
shortened by the nauseous ordeal. It will be better that I
retain my seat in Parliament as long as I am able in any
tolerable degree to perform its duties, where I have at least
the opportunity of protesting, however unavailingly, against
the Government expenditure. But I am wandering from
the text of your kind letter, for which I heartily thank yon,
sspecially for the postscript,” and I remain,
“ Very truly yours,
« Ricaarp Cospen.”

1865.

Ar. 60.

7 The postscript was to the effect that if he were disposed to talk the
natter over. Mr. Gladstone was at his service.