Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 8.djvu/368

 33 G THE ATTACK ON LORD JOHN RUSSELL. chap, a concourse of men rightly eager to denounce any ! symptom of unworthy il inching in war-time, but ill supplied with the knowledge required for sitting in judgment on him whom they fiercely arraigned. Compelled by reasons of State to observe on some subjects a well-guarded reticence, whilst also deeply moved at the sight of a planned in- surrection against him led on by men prized as his friends,* Lord John met the storm of dis- favour by resigning his office, and giving in the House what of course could be only an imperfect account of the grounds on which he and his colleague, M. Drouyn de Lhuys, had judged it their duty to act. I am happily absolved from the task of exam- ining the debate of the 16th of July, because it took place at a time beyond the set bounds of my narrative ; but no such excuse can relieve me from the task of dealing with facts which occurred in the April before ; and a feeling against in- justice (whether caused by ill design or mistake), with besides, I may own, a regard for the memory of Lord John Russell, has made me imagine it right — not indeed to controvert his assailants but — to show the true import and bearing of the measure which gained his support, leaving others intent on the 'Life' of a high-hearted English mons who were not members of the Cabinet — i.e., those who did not know the truth — acquainted Lord John that they could not support him against the coming attack.
 * Those members of the Govern merit in the House of Com-