Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/410

 396 History of the Radical Party in Parliament. [1850- Radicals especially, were determined that a speedy decision should be arrived at. Some days were spent over the arrangements for the public funeral of the Duke of Wellington, and the expression by Parliament of the national sentiments of honour for his ser- vices and mourning for his loss. The funeral took place on the 1 8th of November, and on the 23rd Mr. Villiers moved a resolution which declared that the prosperity of the country was the consequence of recent legislation, " and especially of the Act of 1846, which established the free admission of foreign corn ; and that that Act was a wise, just, and beneficial measure." The resolution went on to advocate the further extension of free trade, and concluded with the statement " That this House is ready to take into its consideration any measures, consistent with the principles of these resolutions, which may be laid before it by her Majesty's ministers." The motion having been seconded by another Radical Mr. Ewart the Chancellor of the Exchequer rose to move an amend- ment, which acknowledged the duty of the Government to adhere to the policy of free trade, but omitted what he after- wards called " the three odious epithets," wise, just, and bene- ficial, as applied to that policy. Here the issue might have been left, but Palmerston intervened to save the feelings of the Ministry, and proposed a further amendment, which, with some alteration, was eventually carried. The debate was carried over the 25th and 26th, on which latter day the division was taken. Disraeli had withdrawn his amendment in favour of Palmerston's, but Villiers insisted upon taking a vote upon the original resolution. When the House divided, the numbers were for Villiers' motion, 256 ; against it, 336. A division then took place on Palmerston's amendment, pre- viously to which seventy-one members left the House, and it was carried by 468 votes to 53. Thus ended the long battle of protection, and the cause of free trade was substantially vindicated, although the would-be protectionist Ministiy was for a short time longer left in power. The final struggle was not long deferred. On the 3rd of