We believe there is no truth in the rumour which
is going the round of the papers that Mr. Houldsworth is about to vacate his seat as representa- tive in Parliament of North Nottinglsimehire. —Nottingham; Journal.
Mr. Bell has withdrawn from the contest for the representation of the Falkirk Burghs, vacant by the elevation of the Earl of Lincoln to the dukedom of Newcastle. The contest now lies between Mr. Baird and Mr. Wilson.
Sir Robert Peel has anticipated the meeting of Parliament, and de- livered a "maiden speech" at a banquet given by the Mayor of Tam- worth. The oration made a great impression on the auditory.: and in style it is stamped with a strong family likeness. He avowed himself "a Liberal Conservative in politics " ; "I am deeply sensible of the respon- sibility not only attached to the name I bear, but to the political associa- tions I have the honour of enjoying." "I enter Parliament not with the vain insipid gratification of a personal vanity, but with the determination of devoting the best faculties I possess to the study of political questions. I have already hinted that my political convictions are of u liberal tendency ; but permit me to enlarge on the paint, in order that no misconstruction may apply to me, that you may gtve me credit for no more than I profess, I am for conserving sacredly all that the wisdom of our ancestors and the prudence of modern statea- men have secured for our enjoyment, in so far as that is consonant with the present and permanent interests and welfare of society. I am equally for eradicating and remodelling, but with prudence and discretion, whatever may be shown to be incompatible with those preeent interests, whatever may be condemned as unjust and obnoxious by an expression of public opinion—that safest criterion by which we can form accurate appreciations on political subjects, the rudder by which the statesman ought by anticipation, if possible, to guide the vessel of state. But mark the difference I am desirous of establishing between the calm and loyally dispassionate expression of public opinion and the wild ebul- lition of popular prejudice which sometimes calls itself public opinion. With the former I will endeavour to keep pace ; but as regards the latter I shall always endeavour to be proof against it. From these considera- tions, it is natural to infer that I make ray appearance on the political stage rather as a partisan of progress than as an advocate of that stationary school of policy which would stifle the introduction of questions, or impede changes, which might at first sight appear uncalled for or inexpedient. But when I talk of progress, I allude not to the fictitious progress which is based upon vain senseless theories, which, by appeals to the masses, might cause great injury to the cause of constitutional liberty, but I speak of that progress which has its foundations laid upon the industry, intelligence, and good sense of society—of the progress which, uniting all classes of the community in one common bond of reciprocal interests, interferes not with, but rather encourages a gradual advance in the science of government, social and politi- cal, suitable to the development of ideas, and consequently to advanced moral and political advantages."
His views on taxation.
"I am decidedly in favour of the maintenance of a wise and prudent sea nomy in all the various branches of the public administration. I am also not a very sturdy advocate of the cry raised for the alleviation of taxation the moment it is known that there is a surplus in the exchequer: not that I would not willingly see the repeal of all taxation weighing upon the industry of the country, or interfering with the sanatory condition of the masses, par- ticularly if in their unconditional surrender inoreased impetus could be given to the development of our financial concerns, and at the same time no very material injury be inflicted upon the revenue of our country; but recolleot- ing that we expect the government to be conducted in an efficient manner, while all enjoy an honest pride in witnessing the power which our political and commercial importance insures us over the whole world, we must take care to be prepared for those contingencies which are within the limits of probability." His view touching "the religious zeal—I believe I may add the religious animosities, which unfortunately the recent organization of a Roman Catholic hierarchy in England has excited throughout the whole country"— "I am not quite prepared, upon an immature consideration of the ques- tion, to -commit myself in any definite manner by on expression of opinion which I might hereafter have reason to lament; but the conclusions I have already arrived at give me no such grounds of alarm as others capable of oh'- serving have expressed themselves apprehensive of.. At the same time If consider it highly necessary that the dignitaries of our Church should bestir themselves, and keep a rather more watchful eye than they have hitherto done over the spiritual interests committed to their charge."
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