There has now been time to learn the reception given
by the country to the news of Sir Robert Peel's definitive resignation and Lord John Rps- sell's accession. From the provincial papers but little information can be gathered: Whig or Conservative, Free-trader or Protectionist, their " lead- ing articles " are but reflexes of the London papers: it is all journalinn, but journalism newly alive with something worth writing about. The- meetings tell more. The Free-traders are triumphant; and the Whip come out like giants refreshed—or like frogs after rain. Some Liberels affect much independence of Lord John; but upon the whole the Liberal gentry show the familiar Whig colours. How to treat Sir Robert Pea puzzles the Free-traders. Some welcome his accession with. Unqualified satisfaction. Indeed, among real independent Free-traders, like Locd Duck or Mr. Villiers, that seems to be the natural disposition; and in this class personal grudge, perhaps, renders Mr. Cobden a singular though great exception. Others, more party-men than Free-traders, impute paltry mo- tives, and exult in his "fall." The Protectionist are hot undivided. Many among them are turning sceptical as to the necessity of protection; and by favour of the times, startling heresies begin to be uttered at agriculturil dinners. Others are iilent. The greater, number are exasperated to ineffable detestation of Sir Robert Peel; but their anger has as yet assumed very little of a definite shape.
