—every thing should be gradual—one thing at a time—this is not the time—great occupation at present—wait for more leisure;— such is the prattle which the man in office, who, understanding nothing, understands that he must have something to say on every subject, shouts out among his auditors as a succedaneum of thought."
Parliament was prorogued in August. The country showed little disposition to urge ministers forwards. The "not-the-time" plea was admitted; when the right time for movement should come, ministers would, no doubt avail themselves of it. Believing that the right time would come sooner the people should exhibit some impatience, I counselled the formation of associations:— "If any one who had access to such of his Majesty's ministers as are supposed to be favourable to the abolition of the bread-tax—to Mr. Poulett Thomson for instance were—to ask him, "Why don't you repeal the Corn Laws, which you acknowledge to be bad in principle and oppressive in operation, the answer would probably be: 'What can we do? We have the landed interest, bound together as one man, to oppose the opening of the trade in corn, while the manufacturing communities utter not one word of complaint against the monopoly. It is impossible to contend with the one interest without the aid of the other. Now, if the individual who hears this, or can suppose that such might be said, does not do all in his power to procure that expression of public opinion which is necessary to effect that change, he, at least, has no reason to complain that he is obliged to sell his calicos cheap and his bread dear. * * * * There ought to be a systematic opposition to the continuance of the bread tax. Let half-a dozen persons in each of the surrounding towns meet together, and resolve to agitate the question in public meetings. The matter needs only a beginning. When once such little committees are formed, communication may be opened with other towns, and the opposition will
