Last night, Mr. Smith O'Brien elicited this declaration from Lad
Mtn Russell—" It is not the intention of Government to introduce any measure to appropriate any portion of the revenues of the Protestant Church in Ireland; or to increase the number of representatives for Ireland." The Standard professes to have the clue to Mr. Smith O'Brien's immediate motive in asking the question, and avers that the " rumour which it repeats is circulated by persons likely to be well informed. "For some time past rumours of dissensions in the Cabinet have been very busily circulated by the more obscure dependants of the Govern- ment. Earl Grey's temper, never the sweetest in the world, is said to be daily becoming more insupportable to his colleagues, particularly to the mild and patient but firm Premier. The destruction of the Irish Church is, as every one knows, the monomania of the noble Secretary for the Colonies; and with this he constantly worries the Prime Minister at every meeting of the Cabinet The tormenter, the rumour adds, had succeeded so far with Lord John, that it was agreed that the Irish Church shall be sacrificed after the general election, should the elections prove faveunible 1.q Ministers, on condition that Earl Grey would keep,silent upon the' ubject up to the dissolution." The Standas4 however, is net nay to be the chosen organ for Whig confidences.
Previous page
