the expectants of the premiership were alike adverse to the thorough commercial reform demanded, alike regardless of the wants of the many, alike disposed to support the selfish monopoly.
A considerable accession was made to the number of deputies in consequence of the indignation which had been excited in the country by the perusal of Lord Melbourne's replies to the delegation. Amongst these were two gentlemen from Derby, who, when called upon in the previous week to proceed to London, had declined to do so, on the ground that their presence would not be necessary, as they could not believe that ministers would be adverse to repeal; but who, so soon as they heard of the premier's opposition to the principles of free trade, hastened to Palace Yard, and swelled the contributions towards a three years' agitation, by the subscription of £100 a-year each. The origination of this fund to ensure a contest of so long a duration was a proof, at once, of the determined purpose of the delegates, and of their conviction that, with the leaders of the two successively governing factions in Parliament against them, there were formidable difficulties to be overcome before they could attain their object.
On Tuesday, Lord John Russell, Mr. Baring (the Chancellor of the Exchequer), and Mr. Labouchere (the President of the Board of Trade), having agreed to give an audience to the delegation, they proceeded to Downing-street in a formidable array, more than one hundred and fifty in number, and completely filled Mr. Baring's office. Lord John Russell was unable, from indisposition it was alleged, to be present but Mr. Baring said that his lordship was favourable to "a moderate fixed duty up to the famine point." He must have seen, from the countenances of his auditors, what impression this had made; for, with a good deal of hesitation and stammering, he corrected himself, "by substituting the phrase, a vanishing point," when the
