tactics early. The cabinet of Lord Liverpool, especially
during its latter term, was the hot-bed of many intrigues; but
the obstacles were numerous, though the appointing fate, in
which his grace believed, removed them. The disappearance of
Lord Castlereagh and Mr Canning from the scene was alike
unexpected. The Duke of Wellington was at length prime
minister, and no individual ever occupied that post more
conscious of its power, and more determined to exercise it.

This is not the occasion on which we shall attempt to do
justice to a theme so instructive as the administration of his
grace. Treated with impartiality and sufficient information,
it would be an invaluable contribution to the stores of our
political knowledge and national experience. Throughout its
brief but eccentric and tumultuous annals we see continual
proof, how important is that knowledge "in which lay Lord
Shaftesbury's strength." In twenty-four months we find an
aristocracy estranged, without a people being conciliated;
while on two several occasions, first, the prejudices, and
then the pretensions of the middle class, were alike treated
with contumely. The public was astonished at hearing of
statesmen of long parliamentary fame, men round whom the
intelligence of the nation had gathered for years with
confidence, or at least with interest, being expelled from the
cabinet in a manner not unworthy of Colonel Joyce, while their
places were filled by second-rate soldiers, whose very names
were unknown to the great body of the people, and who under no
circumstances should have aspired beyond the government of a
colony. This administration which commenced in arrogance
ended in panic. There was an interval of perplexity; when