" From present appearances it seems probable that the Tories
will have a small majority ; and it is certain that a small majority will not suffice to carry on Sir Robert Peel's government against the powerful opposition that will be arrayed against it. A popular opposition above three hundred strong has never yet been seen. The Tories, indeed, have bad a majority of that nume- rical force, but of far inferior capabilities; a Tory opposition being from its nature confined to an obstructive position, blocking out, defeating some pm- posed good, and in their most active sallies only manifesting a wish beyond their strength for the accomplishing of some positive evil. But a Liberal opposition has a wider range of operations; it resists what is unpopular insteai
'of what is popular, and it maintains principles and proposes measures which interest the people and call forth their spirit. The Liberals will go into oppo- sition with a just and a great cause, and they will have ample power to combat for it. e • " The question has been much discussed within the last few days, whether, supposing that each party could only get a small majority, it was not more to be desired that the small majority should be with the Tories than with the Whigs.
• • * For our own parts, we should have preferred securing a present majo- rity for the Government which has so nobly acted its part ; we think that any appearance of deserting those who have so well deserved is a bad example, dis- honouring the country ; but at the same time, we acknowledge that there is much force in the reasoning of some of our friends, who argue that the Whig ,Government, with a small majority, would not be able to carry its measures— >that it would be harassed and damaged in this predicament of incapacity ; and -that the best promoter now of the project of relief is the practical exhibition of .the other alternative, in the burdens and oppressions for the maintenance or ..increase of which the Tories will come into power."
The Morning Chronicle of Monday followed- " The Tories will, no doubt, have a majority, but a very small one. The Opposition will not only be numerous, but powerful beyond any thing known in the history of this country. Sir Robert Peel's majority, on the other hand, will consist of the most discordant materials, and the very first acts of his ad- ministration may rouse a most determined spirit of hostility against him. * • * Whigs in office and in opposition, and Tories in office and in oppo- sition, are very differently circumstanced- The Whigs would have been more popular had they treated the Tories with less consideration. The Tories, on the other hand, by acting up to their own principles, will excite a strong feeling of indisnation against their government."
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