We do not usually look into the Provincial papers for
Metropolitan news ; but the subjoined extract from the London correspondence of the Glasgow Argus is a fair echo of reports and feelings which prevail just now among a busy and bustling, if not the most influential, section of the "Liberal" party- " The conduct of Lord John Russell in absenting himself from the recent discussions in the House, is very severely commented upon by many of those who profess to look upon him as the leader of the Opposition : we confess that we think without reason. It has become very evident that his Lordship's opinions are not in accordance with the bulk of his supporters. He cannot bring his mind to believe in the necessity of further organic changes ; and he thinks that the best, as well as the fairest plan, is to allow the Government measures to take their course, and see their results before any serious objection is taken. It is no answer to his scruples that the country is in deep distress and that something more ought to be done: according to his views, there is nothing that can be attempted which will give immediate relief. In this he differs widely from the majority of the Liberal Members in the House : in our opinion his notions are wholly erroneous : but while he entertains these opinions, it is manifestly better that he should be absent from the House altogether, than that he should follow the plan he adopted during the last fortnight of his ap- pearance, and be rising night after night to give utterance to sentiments at va- riance with those of his followers. He appears to have exercised a sound dis- cretion in retiring from the field. It has been long manifest that he was not inclined to place himself in the foremost rank of those who would push a re- medy at any time. The Opposition in fact, are not warranted in passing upon him such severe strictures as have been current in the political circles during the last fortnight. Lord John Russell is no longer the leader of the Reform party; the Members who have urged on the distress debates are as much against him as even the Premier himself. Be has therefore done more good than harm by his withdrawal from the House. He leaves the field open, and does ;not throw a wet blanket over those who go further than he can venture. There never was an Opposition so broken about as the present; and unless the leader could be sure that his own notions corresponded with those of the bulk of the Liberals, it was quite useless for him to remain in London. It is a matter of regret that he should take this one-sided view of the policy of men who were the warmest and best supporters of the Liberal measures of his own Go- vernment; but, having taken this into his head, he is not wrong to withdraw from the turmoil of the Parliamentary life, and not thwart by his votes or his speeches those who act with him. The last persons to complain are those Liberals who would approve neither of his votes or his speeches if he were pre- sent. All the Reformers look upon his retirement as an indication that the true leadership has passed from him. There must be some fresh arrangement next year. Be must either agree to speak the sentiments of the bulk of his constituents, or he must allow some one else to take his place and do it for him. It is quite impossible that another year can pass over as the present has done. We give his Lordship every credit for sincerity and honesty of purpose; we do not credit the surmises of those, who see in all this strong evidence of a coa- lition with Peel and the Tories ; yet at the same time we foresee that this ar- rangement cannot continue if he is to be the actual leader of the Opposition in the next session."
The Whigs must have come to a sad pass if they are obliged to de- pose poor Lord John Russell! Are they provided with a better man— with a more unscrupulous one perhaps they are—but with one of more weight and character'? Perhaps it is intended to start Lord Palmer- stun? With voice and pen, with dinners given and dinners received, the ready-witted adventurer has been for some time past laying himself out to attract the notice of Oppositionitts in want of a leader ; and the thoroughgoing support of a party may be needed next session to carry him through the vindication of sundry wars and other expensive amusements of the Foreign Office, not yet accounted for.
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