1841.] Accession of the Queen to Fall of Melbourne. 307 of the most disgraceful kind. The mover was interrupted, and other speakers on the same side were shouted down. In the course of what little debate was possible, Russell declared himself in favour of inquiry ; but he said " he was decidedly opposed to the repeal of these protecting duties, whether on corn or manufactures." So little did he under- stand, or so little was he in unison with, the growing feeling of the nation. Melbourne was still less Liberal, for he opposed the resolution brought forward by Earl Fitzwilliam on the 4th of June, "that it is expedient to reconsider the laws relating to the importation of foreign corn." This resolution was defeated, the numbers being 152 to 34. In the midst of distress and almost despair in the country, of failure and helplessness in Parliament, the session closed on the nth of August. It was almost as much relief to the people as it was to the Cabinet to be done with the farce of legislation. It was seen soon afterwards that a competent Ministry could, by wise commercial policy and bold and honest finance, show the nation the methods by which to escape from the misery under which it was suffering. Mel- bourne's Government, however, incompetent to originate and feeble in administration, could offer no hope : but stood mocked by their opponents and mourned by their friends, trade decaying, workmen starving, and agitators inciting to violence, because the rulers had no help to offer. It was hardly to be wondered at, that during the winter the spirit which used to manifest itself in political activity turned in very hopelessness on some sides to disorder, on others to indifference. There seemed to be no interest excited when the period for the new session had arrived, for there was no reason to expect more activity from an Administration which was daily grow- ing weaker, or from a Parliament distracted and divided without efficient leadership or definite policy. Little surprise was felt when, on the opening of the session on the 26th of January, the Queen's speech contained no promise of important legislation. Reform in the Administra- tion and the expiry of the powers of the poor law com-
