Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/462

 448 History of the Radical Party in Parliament. [1859- be the aristocracy of the South was opposed to the democracy of the North. In addition to this, there was a still more des- picable feeling manifested one of jealousy towards the power of the great republic of the West, and a wish that it might be weakened by the success of the rebellion. The most earnest Radicals saw not only the folly but the wickedness of this policy, although it made some way in certain social circles. But one of the most remarkable circumstances in international history was the clearness with which the bulk of the people of the great towns saw that the issue was one between freedom and slavery, and the firmness with which, even when some of their old leaders and many of the Liberal organs of opinion deserted them, they remained true to the great principle for which the North was contending. Even under the bitter trials to which the Lancashire artisans were subjected by the cotton famine, they never swerved from this noble attitude, although they were tempted by the suggestion that an interference in favour of the South would open the ports and revive their trade. If anything were wanted to prove with how great safety and advantage the English working people may be called upon to take a part in their own government, it was this clearness of insight into the merits of a great national question, and this resolute determination to support the right. The tone of the Queen's speech, with respect to home politics, was an acknowledgment that the Government had accepted the result of the informal alliance between Whigs and Conservatives, and were prepared to adopt a policy of inaction. As regarded the Prime Minister himself, this course was taken with perfect cheerfulness. He had never been an ardent reformer, and, although willing to make moderate advances, was not ready to risk loss of power on their behalf. The times seemed propitious for the success of this rather ignoble policy. The Radicals differed from their rivals, the Whigs, in one respect, which was important to Lord Palmerston. They were not prepared to sacrifice the ministers who would not insist upon reform, for the sacrifice would not have brought them practically nearer to their object. The