PEEL AND WELLINGTON.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—On page 376 of the Spectator of September 13th Professor A. V. Dicey speaks of the reputed action of Sir Robert Peel in the crisis of 1834. Amongst my father's papers there were political sketches illustrating the action of the protagonists of Free Trade. In one sketch the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel are represented in earnest conversation. The Duke holds Sir Robert Peel by the buttonhole, urging with earnest action that the time is ripe for a change from prohibition of imports of foreign wheat. History tells us of the long fight of Lord John Russell, and bow the first step towards the repeal of the Corn Laws was taken by Sir Robert PeeL To the Duke of Wellington belongs the credit of impelling Sir Robert Peel to save us from civil war. The step taken in 1834 led to the opening of British ports in 1844 to foreign wheat, and the sketch was a prophetic illustration of what happened ten years after.—I am, Sir, &a., T. CA.RRINGTON SMITH.
A Free Trade farmer since 1858 on the same farm at Admaston„ Rugeley, Staffs.
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