Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/395

CHAPTER XVI. FROM THE DEATH OF PEEL TO THE RESIGNATION OF THE ABERDEEN MINISTRY (1850-1855). THE death of Peel had a great and almost immediate effect upon the position and fortune of English parties. It was a time when a change in the weight of personal influence made itself felt in an extraordinary manner. The Liberals, as we have seen, had a nominal majority of one only over the combined forces of Peelites and Protectionists, who, although strongly opposed on one subject, were united on general Conservative principles. The occasional antagonism had, like the quarrel of friends, aroused bitter personal feelings, which hindered re-union even when its original cause was ceasing to operate. The fiercest of these animosities had been directed against Peel, because it was his powerful genius which had induced the defections from the old party lines which had twice carried into effect Liberal policy by Conservative votes. His removal, therefore, paved the way for a gradual reconcili- ation on the part of some at least of the men who had followed him. On protection itself they could not give way, but short of that they were willing to make concessions to the landed interests, and they were anxious to prevent changes in Church or State. The Liberals on their side were divided in opinions, the Radicals being desirous to force on reforms, to which a large t section of the Whigs were opposed. So far as the death of Sir Robert removed a hindrance to union between the two sections of the Conservatives, it made the ministers more dependent