On the division only 89 voted for the motion, and 223 against it. In debate upon another question—the ballot—Lord John Russell repeated the declaration he had made during the progress of the Reform Bill, that he intended by that measure to leave a preponderating weight in favour of the landed interest. The division on the Corn Law motion was not a bad proof that he had succeeded.
In June, William the Fourth died, Victoria reigned in his stead, the whig ministers were continued in office, and the people were told that her Majesty had "confided to Lord Melbourne the most ample powers to regulate his plans in such a manner as to secure an efficient government to advance the public welfare." This assurance, sent forth through a great many channels, with the belief that although Queen Adelaide had obstructed some beneficial measures, Queen Victoria would be more favourable to the advancement of representative and commercial reforms, was not without effect upon the subsequent general election, and ministers found better support than might have been expected after the previous gradual declension of their popularity. It was charitably supposed that backed, instead of being opposed, by the court, they would "bombard the Lords with good measures;" and yet, perhaps, votes were given rather to keep the tones out than to keep the whigs in.
The electors of Manchester re-asserted their free trade principles by again electing Thomson and Philips. The former had a majority of 1,803 votes, and the latter 1,434 over Mr. W. E. Gladstone. Salford, in spite of intimidation and shameless treating, re-elected Brotherton. Wigan and Oldham each ousted a protectionist. Cobden, who had by that time fairly come out into public life, and had proved that he could speak as well as he wrote, was proposed, during his absence on the Continent, as a candidate for Stockport, and the contest was so close as to give a positive assurance of success at any future election.
