In 1845 the taxes upon corn had caused great distress in England. But far
worse was the trouble in Ireland; for practically, through the potato
famine, owing to the thousands of acres which were blighted, there were
literally thousands dying of starvation. Cheap food was far more difficult
to get at there than in England, and at length at the close of the year
Sir Robert Peel said he would repeal the Corn Laws altogether. In 1846 the
Bill with this end in view passed through the House of Commons and House
of Lords and became law. But the consequence of this measure was in effect
the signal for Peel's going out of office, and his place was taken by Lord
John Russell.

To return to Newman's letter.

"You perhaps know that the Liberals at Oxford are likely to side with Ward
against the Heads. I do not see what else they can do; and I devoutly hope
that the tangle will be irremovable except by abolishing subscriptions.
Price of Rugby is all in a bristle about it. I much admire his spirit.
Baden Powell protests _in toto_ against the statute."


"_6th Nov._, 1845.

"My dear Nicholson,

* * * * *

"Your news about the potatoes unfortunately is no matter of private
information, but rings through our ears, and I am increasingly doubtful
whether we are to hope for open ports. I believe the League is right in
saying that Sir Robert's _next move_ will be for an absolutely free trade;