We observe with regret that the Oxford Radicals who are
sup- posed to go farthest have not added their names as yet to the list of Sir Roundell Palmer's supporters. While the Marquis of Salis- bury has waived even wider differences,—party differences,—to support a man of whom Oxford could not help being proud, the Liberals of the school of Mr. F. Harrison and Mr. Beesly appear still to hold aloof. Dr. Temple withholds, it is said, his great name because Sir R. Palmer opposes the disendowment of the Irish Church,—while the Positivists plead, no doubt, still more fundamental differences. It seems to us a great mistake. The only plausible ground on which we can conceive a Liberal's defending himself for withholding his support, is that though Sir Roundell Palmer may greatly help to Liberalize Oxford, Oxford may help to Conservatize Sir Bounden Pahner,—in short, that the political velocity of the combination, after impact, may be per- ceptibly less than that of the present Member for Richmond ;—
and even this is being over zealous for the inner life of another who is very well able to look after it himself.
Previous page
