Page:Australian views of England.djvu/15

 of circumstances were to lead to Lord Derby's elevation to power just now, there would be a much more general disposition to tolerate them in office than has ever been felt before. The feeling that exists appears to be very little guided by definite principles of any kind, and a public man of amiable personal character, who frankly mingles with the people, will be a popular favourite, as Lord Stanley is, without reference to his political views and opinions. The fact is, that the people are beginning to look with suspicion upon political professions, while many of the representatives of the old territorial families have contrived to make themselves popular among all classes by their acts of consideration and their general conduct. Possibly experience has taught many that political agitation but very inadequately supplies the daily wants of a family, and administers but little to the enjoyment of life. Cheap railway travelling has probably been a powerful agent in moderating political passion, as well as in removing local prejudice; and I dare venture to say that a picnic in Stoneleigh Park would be a most dangerous competitor to a Reform meeting in Birmingham. The singular position which the eloquent member