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262 the approaches to Claremout, where the court was staying. It was not like an ordinary change of ministry. The exhaustion of the whigs was so complete, that men knew that a former period of national history was closing, and another coming in and the crowd was on the watch, that grey autumnal morning, not only for the old ministers and the new, but for every incident, which could he construed into an omen. The old ministers drove up first—in plain clothes—were admitted into the royal presence, and delivered up their seals of office. Meantime the new ministers arrived, in court dresses, and the first sunburst' occurred as Sir Robert Peel drove in at the gates. He was warmly cheered, as was the Duke of Wellington; and both looked very well pleased, the people said. When the ex-ministers departed, Sir Robert Peel had audience of the Queen, to kiss hands on appointment; and after him the Duke of Wellington and three or four more. Then the Queen and Prince Albert repaired to the corridor, and held a Privy Council, the Queen declaring Lord Wharnclifie its president. The swearing-in of new members was quickly got over—the whole business, with luncheon, occupying only an half-hour. By half-past two, the anxious young Sovereign was left to make domestic acquaintance with her new household, and to miss the familiar friends under whose guidance she had been accustomed to do share of state business. She was probably little aware how soon she could repose entire confidence in her first minister; and feel a new kind of ease about the conduct of public affairs."

The great object with Sir Robert Peel seemed to be to obtain time for consideration. Some was gained by the adjournment for the re-election of members who had accepted office. The Chancellor of the Exchequer had a vote to meet emergencies; and the powers of the Poor-Law Commissioners, which were about to expire, were renewed for six months, a little to the discomfiture of some of the tories, who had endeavoured to create what the Americans call political capital, by abusing the "Whig" Poor Law. While such business was in progress, Sir Robert cautiously avoided giving any indication of forthcoming measures. The Duke of Wellington, with less discretion, declared that there was no deficiency of food in the country that the distress had nothing to do with the food question; that it was owing to the want of work and low wages, and