The Metropolis was alarmed on Wednesday by an announcement III
the morning pnpers of the sudden and dangerous illness of the Duke of Wass: soroe. It was said that his Grace had been "taken speeehle7f tin Monday night at Weimer Castle, and that the power of' articulation had not returned on Tuesday morning. An at tack of paralysis or apoplexy wits naturally inferred from this rep rI; and, at the Duke's advanced age, his recovery was considered almost hopeless. The sensation in town was akin to that produced by the false rumour of Lord Bacmonaat's death. It was partially relieved, however, by later accounts, which stated that the Duke, who had been taking great liberties with his diet by way of "starving a slight cold," and had followed the hounds on Monday morning, fainted from inanition when he returned to dinner in the evening; but soon recovered, and never was in any danger. Un- happily, it' the danger of the attack was exoggerated in the first in- stance, it appears to have been more serious than the second account represents it. Sir AsTsuv Cooemt and Dr. Ilesin remain in attend- ance on the Duke ; and Dr. Ilteee's bulletin, exhibited at Widmer Ca.stle on Thursday, only states that the Duke " appears to be going on favourably." Although, theretbre, it may be assumed that his Grace is not in danger now, the attack has been for- midable ; and it may prevent his active interference in polities and party strife. The Ministerial Glohe " sincerely hopes that the remainder of his eventfhl life may not unnecessa- rily be embittered by the heats of parties ;" and adds, " the wish may be misconstrued, but it is that of his most sin- cere admirers." The protest agelast misconstruction appears to imply that the Duke of Wessysei,sN'S retirement front public life and party politics would be fitvonrable to the Fe- sent Ministers. On the contrary, we apprehend that in a party sense, Ministers would be the chief su:ferers by his withdrawal. The Duke is their protector. To him is it chiefly owing that the Government, in session time, is not harassed with nightly aggres- sion. Remove the vigilant and stern control of the Old. Soldier, nnd what remeins among the Lords to keep LYNDHURST and Bnouunsst in cheek ? The WELLINGTON and PEEL tactics may be the most prudent on a far-sighted computation of profit and loss for the Tories ; but that Penis without the Duke's aid will be able to maintain his present policy, is most improbable ; and should he refuse to lead an assault upoa the Cabinet, there are others ready to take his place. The Duke of WELLINGTON has acted like a breakwater against the swelling waves which threatened to over- whelm the feeble Ministers.
