1867.] Death of Palmer ston to Reform Act Conclusion. 485 tion of Tories were overcome. Yet, even after accepting the policy of the Radicals, it had been the custom of the governing classes to assume that outside of the narrow limits of their circle, the country could not look for men to direct its action and carry on its government. Radicals might originate, but Whigs and Tories must administer. That assumption is to a great extent dispelled, and a practical equality is now admitted. But in such a case equality can only exist on the condition that something more is possible. No party can permanently maintain such a position in the government of a great country unless it can, on the necessity arising, undertake to govern alone. This is a position which, especially since the passing of the Franchise Act of 1884, the Radical party will be justified in occupying. They have a definite policy, both in home and foreign affairs, they possess a number of skilled politicians and administrators, and all they want is that very steady cohesion which can be acquired only by the consciousness of power and the opportunity of effective action. It does not follow that this power of separate action need be exercised ; the demonstration that it exists may be sufficient for the pur- pose. The Liberal party always has been, and probably always will be, composed of men differing to some extent as to the rate of progress which should be made in the direction in which all desire to go. If it is no longer desirable that all its movements should be directed by the section which is least advanced, it does not follow that the counsels of men who call themselves moderate should not be listened to. What is essential is that any Government which is constituted should be in accord with the opinions and wishes of the majority of the people. As this ground-root of representative institu- tions forms the very essence of Radicalism, it is certain that Radicals ought to be prepared to give it effect by accepting the responsibilities and exercising the powers of government. It is at once a blessing and a glory to our country that, on the one hand, peaceful and legitimate means have been devised for the admission to power of the advanced intelligence of the
