Page:History of the Anti corn law league - Volume 2.pdf/419

 "But if this end is to be achieved, it must be gained by the unequivocal expression of the public voice. It is not to be denied that many elections for cities and towns in 1841, and some in 1845, appear to favour the assertion that free trade is not popular with the great mass of the community. The government appear to be waiting for some excuse to give up the present Corn Law. Let the people, by petition, by address, be remonstrance, afford them the excuse they seek. Let the ministry propose much a revision of the taxes as, in their opinion, may render the public burdens more just and more equal; let them add any other provisions which caution and even scrupulous forbearance may suggest; but let the removal of restrictions on the admission of the main articles of food and clothing used by the mass of the people be required, in plain terms, as useful to all great interests, and indispensable to the progress of the nation."

In 1841, the free-trade party would not have agreed to & duty of 8s. There were a few persons, here and there, whose greater affection for whiggism than for free trade would have led them to accept Lord John Russell's proposed compromise, but their opinions never found utterance at any of the meetings of the League. There might have been a few to utter such disposition in Lord John's cars, or. in private conversation, but not one ever dared to utter it at any public meeting. The League could not consent, if, instead of being steadfastly opposed to his lordship's proposition, it had listened to it with favour, for it had been constituted for the entire repeal of the Corn Law.

It was much to have Lord John Russell's declaration, that it was no longer worth while to contend for a fixed duty; but the country generally thought that his lordship had been a great deal too long in contending for that which was not worth while. Many there were whose reply to his advice was, that they had been doing all they could in that direction, while he was opposing them with his obsolete shibbolesh; and some there were who uncharitably regarded his lordship's appearance in the field at the eleventh hour as a bid for office. The following letter from Lord Morpeth was received with much more favour and gratitude, as quite in accordance with his character and the public expectation:—