Lord Palmerston is "master of the situation." A general want
of union, and an excess of small negotiations between the several sections of Free-traders, have produced a state of affairs so analogous to the con- dition of a misgoverned Continent, that the ex-Foreign Secretary has found himself once more at home, and has effected his " mediation " with admirable success. Mr. C. Villiers, the father of Free-trade in the House, persevering, consistent, disinterested, and able, has been thrown into a minority of 256 against 336; while the clever and versa- tile diplomatist out of work, by quietly stepping in at the last moment, has swept off a monster majority of 468 against 53. " Sic vos non vobis," we have no doubt he would apostrophize the honourable Member for Wolverhampton when he heard the result of the division. What next? After this, what can, hinder the union of men so mutually indebted—Ministers for their deliverance, Palmerston for a brilliant suc- cess? The mere numbers are the least part of the achievement, for people are always apt to move in crowds The many great heads at work to construct, as it turns out, a pedestal for the noble Member for Tiver- ton, are doubtless the most agreeable subject of contemplation in his eyes. Russell, Aberdeen, Graham, Villiers, Gladstone, Cobden, and we know not how many more behind the scenes, have toiled to make Palmerston umpire, and Disraeli safe, at least for the present. —Times, Nov. 27.
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