Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/260

 246 History of the Radical Party in Parliament. [1833- Some advance was made in the way of economical reform. On the I4th of February Hume moved "That it is the opinion of this House that the utmost attention to economy in all branches of public expenditure is at all times a great and important duty," and "That it is the opinion of this House that sinecure offices, and offices held by deputy in the army and navy, are unnecessary and inexpedient as a means of remune- rating public services." Ministers accepted the first resolution, which was merely declaratory ; but on the second they moved the previous question, and had a majority of 232 to 138. The contest, however, was not over. On the i8th of April the Government agreed to accept two resolutions, proposed by Hume, that no future vacancies of sinecure offices should be filled up, and that no person should receive an appointment to any situation to which emolument is attached, the duties of which are to be performed by deputy. The acceptance of these resolutions was a surrender so far as principle was concerned, but the reformers were not content with a merely nominal victory. So on the i6th of July Mr. Ruthven, an Irish Radical, moved a resolution which asserted "That, in justice to the people who pay taxes, all sinecure places should be abolished throughout the British Empire," and this was carried against ministers by a majority of nine. These were not empty victories, for they resulted in the abolition of more than thirteen hundred places.* A subject perhaps more important than any of those previously mentioned, not only as regards the social condi- tion and the personal happiness of the people, but as affecting their political status that of national education was now accepted by the Radical leaders as a part of their recognized political scheme. Brougham had made this subject his own in previous Parliaments, but his removal to the upper House, and the claims of his official duties, left the way open for other advocates. The first step was taken in unison by two members of the advanced party, who represented two of its best characteristics. Roebuck was at that time keenly alive to all
 * " Personal Life of George Grote," p. 86.