first feelings of delight, having clearly and strongly expressed
its opinions, having seen the principle of the bill adopted by
the House of Commons on the second reading, became composed, and
awaited the result with a tranquillity which the Opposition
mistook for indifference. All at once the aspect of affairs
changed. General Gascoyne's amendment was carried: the bill was
again in danger: exertions were again necessary. Then was it
well seen whether the calmness of the public mind was any
indication of indifference. The depth and sincerity of the
prevailing sentiments were proved, not by mere talking, but by
actions, by votes, by sacrifices. Intimidation was defied:
expenses were rejected: old ties were broken: the people
struggled manfully: they triumphed gloriously: they placed the
bill in perfect security, as far as this house was concerned; and
they returned to their repose. They are now, as they were on the
eve of General Gascoyne's motion, awaiting the issue of the
deliberations of Parliament, without any indecent show of
violence, but with anxious interest and immovable resolution.
And because they are not exhibiting that noisy and rapturous
enthusiasm which is in its own nature transient, because they are
not as much excited as on the day when the plan of the Government
was first made known to them, or on the day when the late
Parliament was dissolved, because they do not go on week after
week, hallooing, and holding meetings, and marching about with
flags, and making bonfires, and illuminating their houses, we are
again told that there is a reaction. To such a degree can men be
deceived by their wishes, in spite of their own recent
experience. Sir, there is no reaction; and there will be no
reaction. All that has been said on this subject convinces me
only that those who are now, for the second time, raising this