bounds. They considered they had been betrayed by the leader whom they had
trusted and supported. Mr Disraeli, in a speech of great bitterness,
taunted the prime-minister with his change of views. His speech was
cheered to the echo by the angry Protectionists; and from this moment
Disraeli became the spokesman and leader of that section of the
Conservative party which was opposed to repeal.

The next year a measure for the repeal of the corn-laws was introduced
into parliament by the prime-minister. In spite of the fierce opposition
of Mr Disraeli and his friends, it passed both Houses by large majorities.
At the close of the debates, Peel frankly acknowledged that the honour of
passing this great measure was due, not to himself, but to Richard Cobden.
On the very day on which the Corn Bill passed the Lords, the Peel ministry
was defeated in the Commons on a question of Irish coercion, and had to
resign.

[Illustration: The Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava.]

The fall of the government was brought about by the Protectionists, who on
this occasion united with their Whig opponents for the purpose of being
avenged upon their old leader.

Peel bore his retirement with great dignity, and firmly refused to accept
any honours either for himself or his family. Four years afterwards, he
was thrown from his horse while riding up Constitution Hill, and the
injuries he received caused his death in a few days. A monument was
erected to him in Westminster Abbey. On its base are inscribed the closing
words of the speech in which he announced his resignation: 'It may be that
I shall leave a name sometimes remembered with expressions of good-will in
the abodes of those whose lot it is to labour, and to earn their daily