440 History of the Radical Party in Parliament. [1859- reformer, as the number of advanced reformers in the Government professedly framed on the representative prin- ciple even in the proposed arrangement including Mr. Cobden, is not proportionate to the strength of the Radical party measured by the test of the ballot."* When Mr. Villiers was chosen to take the vacant seat in the Cabinet, it was felt that a satisfactory decision had been made. By his long service to his party, no less than by his unswerving devotion to its principles, the old free-trader had earned the gratitude and the confidence of the country. If he was not as likely as Cobden to impress his individuality upon the Cabinet, he too might be trusted to be a constant advocate of a progressive policy. The discussions and consultations which led to this final arrangement were not concluded before the meeting of Parliament. They were, indeed, so far from settled that it was doubtful if the Government would not for some time longer be left in the hands of the minority, owing to the inability of the majority to settle their own differences. On the 3ist of May, 1859, the Houses met, and, after the preliminary business of electing a Speaker and swearing in members of the House of Commons, the session was formally opened by the Queen in person on the /th of June. During the interval the Liberals had completed their negotiations, and when the debate on the address came on they were prepared to make a definite attack upon the Ministry. The royal speech announced the commencement of the war of France and Sardinia with Austria, and declared the intention of the Government to preserve a strict neutrality, but at the same time to increase the naval forces. As to Parliamentary reform, the Queen said she would with pleasure give her sanction to any well-considered measure, but thought the subject would have to be postponed to next year. The opposition determined to meet the Government with an amendment to the address, declaring a want of confidence in her Majesty's ministers. This was moved by the Marquis
- Examiner, July 2, 1859.
