the tactics of those short-sighted intriguers, who persisted in looking
upon a revolution as a mere party struggle, and would not permit the mind
of the nation to work through the inevitable phases that awaited it. In
1834, England, though frightened at the reality of Reform, still adhered
to its phrases; it was inclined, as practical England, to maintain
existing institutions; but, as theoretical England, it was suspicious that
they were indefensible.

No one had arisen either in Parliament, the Universities, or the Press, to
lead the public mind to the investigation of principles; and not to
mistake, in their reformations, the corruption of practice for fundamental
ideas. It was this perplexed, ill-informed, jaded, shallow generation,
repeating cries which they did not comprehend, and wearied with the
endless ebullitions of their own barren conceit, that Sir Robert Peel was
summoned to govern. It was from such materials, ample in quantity, but in
all spiritual qualities most deficient; with great numbers, largely acred,
consoled up to their chins, but without knowledge, genius, thought, truth,
or faith, that Sir Robert Peel was to form a 'great Conservative party on
a comprehensive basis.' That he did this like a dexterous politician, who
can deny? Whether he realised those prescient views of a great statesman
in which he had doubtless indulged, and in which, though still clogged by
the leadership of 1834, he may yet find fame for himself and salvation for
his country, is altogether another question. His difficult attempt was
expressed in an address to his constituents, which now ranks among state
papers. We shall attempt briefly to consider it with the impartiality of
the future.