Page:Life of the Right Honourable Sir Robert Peel.pdf/5

Rh use of the following language:—"Mr. Peel would not dare in my presence, nor in any place where he was liable to personal account, to use a single expression derogatory to my character or honour." Mr. Peel having sent a message to Mr. O'Connell, saying that he held himself personally responsible for what he had uttered in the House of Commons, a hostile meeting was appointed to take place at Ostend, where Mr. Peel and his seconds soon arrived; but Mr. O'Connell was arrested in passing through London, and bound, in heavy sureties, not to leave the kingdom. The affair here ended; but the personal dislike between them continued, and the Agitator used to assail Mr. Peel unsparingly, whenever an opportunity offered itself.

In 1817, Mr. Peel brought in a bill for introducing a more effective system of police in Ireland, and although the measure was strongly opposed at the time, it has since been found a very beneficial change. The only remnant of its unpopularity, is that the Irish policemen still retain the nickname of "Peelers." About this time a vacancy having occured in the representation of the University of Oxford, the seat was conferred on Mr. Peel, and he was thus placed in a position to command great influence in Parliament. During the discussion of the change in the monetary system of the country, he displayed great financial talents, and superior readiness as a debater. Not less remarkable was the courage with which he met the menacing prophecies of those who opposed the measure, though his own father was among the number.

For the reformation effected in the Criminal Code of the country, we are indebted to Mr. Peel. To mitigate its severity, he brought in no less than five bills, the whole of which were passed into law, and his exertions in this instance alone, even if he had performed no other services, entitled him to the eter-