On Wednesday night Lord Westbury made a statement in the
House of Lords conceived and spoken with admirable taste. He explained how anxious he had been to resign "several months ago," when the first accusation had been made against him, but how in deference to Lord Palmerston's wish and the opinion of the Cabinent he had refrained. Again, when notice was given of the late motion he had wished to resign, and was again persuaded to remain, Lord Palmerston arguing that if the Chancellor were to resign whenever unjustly accused, it would be a premium on unjust accusations. With great tact Lord Westbury did not enter, however slightly, into the actual charges. "I have made this statement, my Lords," he said, "simply in the hope that you will believe, and that the public will believe, that I have not clung to office, much less that I have been influenced by any baser and more unworthy motive. With regard to the opinion which the House of Commons has pronounced, I do not presume to say a. word. I am bound to accept the decision. I may, however, hope that, after a time, calmer thoughts will prevail, and a more favour- able view be taken of my conduct.- II,: o„,......,aded by some- reference, made with pardonable pride, to the state of thexiblic business under his charge. Lord Westbury fell with his usual composure and more than his usual dignity. His speech was a great success.
