The Pigott incident ended on Monday,—the House, without a division,
rescinding the vote of censure on Lord Beaconsfield. There was no other course to be pursued after the Premier's statement, as Mr. Holms, who brought forward the original motion, was tumble to attack it, except upon one single point. Lord Beaconsfield had stated that the Rector of Hughenden had on one occasion voted against him, and Mr. Helms showed from the registers that this was not so ; but as Lord Beaconsfield made his statement on the authority of a letter from one of the family, that error amounted to very little. The Premier is therefore acquitted, Mr. Pigott retains his appointment, and the only persons rather injured by the discussion are Sir S.
Northcote—who ought to have been told a great deal more than he was—and Mr. Greg, the late Controller. An impression appears to exist that this gentleman was jobbed into the appoint- ment and neglected its duties, which is not the case. Mr. Greg, though he has the misfortune to be an able writer, and is there- fore, in the opinion of Islington, disqualified for anything, was a man of business also, had had much experience as an official, and by the testimony of the present Secretary to the Treasury, per- formed the duties ably and well, though, owing to want of sup- port in the Treasury, he did not effect the reductioits,secured by Mr. Winn. The lot of a retired servant of the State is, in this respect, a little hard. It is nobody's interest to defend him if attacked ; and if ho is defended, the defence is eonsidered a bore, and left out of the majority of reports.
Previous page
