In 1843, Sir Robert Peel had witnessed the out-
break of all the difficulties of his position; all the
questions which occupied the attention of England,
were accumulated over his head; he was engaged in
conflict with all his adversaries. He had suffered
some rebuffs; he had exhibited some uncertainty of
policy; he had assumed, on some important occasions,
a rather inert and obscure attitude. His enemies
were satisfied and derisive. The newspapers attacked
him insultingly. Among impartial spectators, many
began to doubt his good fortune, and to speak of his
approaching dangers. They were mistaken. Al-
though the session of 1843 had not been either so bril-
liant or so successful to him as that of 1842, his internal
policy, whether active or expectant, explicit or re-
served, had remained precisely the same -- at once
moderate and independent as regarded both his friends
and his opponents, enlightened and honest, prudent
and patient without timidity, and based on a regard
for the interests of the country (not for the caprices
of the public), as befits a serious and conscientious
ruling power in a free country. He had continued to
prove himself what he really was, the most liberal of
Conservatives, and the most conservative of Liberals,
and the most capable man of all in both parties. He was
firmly established in the confidence of the Queen, and
had not ceased to grow in the confidence of the Par-
liament and the country. His foreign policy, equally
worthy of esteem, and still more rare in its character,
contributed no less materially to honour his name,
and to insure his influence.

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