Earl Russell has written a g enerous le t ter. The Liberal citizens
of Belfast wished to offer him a banquet, and to hear him speak upon the "great Irish questions immediately demanding the atten- tion of the Legislature." In reply, Earl Russell observes that "such 'questions can only be effectually dealt with by Ministers acting under the authority and possessing the confidence of the Crown." He is "satisfied that the laws will be firmly and impartially administered by the present Executive Government," and adds that "the Lord-Lieutenant has too recently received the marks of approbation he so well deserves," for him to doubt the sentiments of Belfast on that subject. The letter, indeed, is pervaded throughout by a desire to smooth the path of the Ministry in Ireland unusual in Earl Russell, and suggestive of his belief that Ireland has really something to hope from a Tory Administration.
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