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most interested deem them such, A future agitation may be rewarded by their repeal, so as to admit to the franchise that 'residuum' which to Mr. Bright is most obnoxious. And to the last, I would say—it is a matter of some national importance that England should retain the proud position she at present occupies, and which no one will have the hardihood to ascribe to the merits of a Liberal administration.
The present election is most critical. To it hereafter we may possibly revert as the great turning point in our national career. Years hence this may be characterized as an epoch when the throne of Religion began to totter, and the disunion of Protestant bodies contributed to the growth and power of their common foe: when to please and flatter a mob was deemed worthy of English politicians: when liberty degenerated into License, and those political evils which had heretofore been the secret or open dread of all shades of opinion began to manifest themselves.
It is the duty of a sensible man at such a time as this, not to be guided by party symbols or party cries. These may remain the same, while the principles they represent rapidly fluctuate. It is his duty to weigh well not only the particular points at issue, but their tendency—to review the antecedents and composition of the party to which he inclines. I am confident the result of his unbiassed judgment will be—as a patriot to rally to the defence of all that is dear to an Englishman at home and abroad—as a practical man to en-
