i822.] Death of George III. to the Death of Castlereagh, 165 been in direct communication with the tyrants of the Con- tinent, had become associated with the despotic theories the maintenance and active development of which formed the one object of diplomatic relations in Europe. He was therefore regarded not so much as the adviser of particular measures of repression indeed, in the matter of Catholic emancipation he was more Liberal than the other chiefs of the Ministry but as the incarnation, as it were, of the principles on which despotic government was based. His removal was regarded by many Conservatives as affording an opportunity for delivering the country from embarrassing and dishonouring foreign relations, and by all Liberals as increasing the chances for moderate constitutional changes and reforms.
