of Protestantism.  But, my Lords, can we flatter ourselves with the belief that the character of our statesmen, of our public men, and of our Parliamentary institutions has risen in a like proportion?  Is it not, on the contrary, notorious that doubts have been created in quarters where such doubts never existed before as to the practical efficiency of our much-vaunted constitution, as to its fitness to carry us unscathed through periods of great difficulty and danger?  I believe, my Lords, that there is one process only, but that a sure and certain process, by which these doubts may be removed.  It is only necessary that public men, whether connected with the Government or with the Opposition, whether tied in the bonds of party or holding independent positions in Parliament, should evince the same indifference to small and personal motives, the same generous patriotism, the same disinterested devotion to duty, which have characterised the services of our soldiers in the field, and of the women of England at the sick-bed.  And, my Lords, I cannot help asking in conclusion, if—­which God forbid—­it should unhappily be proved that, in those whom fortune, or birth, or royal or popular favour has placed in the van, these qualities are wanting, who shall dare to blame the press and the people of England, if they seek for them elsewhere?

From the tone of this speech it will be seen that Lord Elgin had not at this time joined either of the two parties in the State.  He was, in truth, still feeling his way through the mazes of home politics to which he had been so long a stranger, and from which, as he himself somewhat regretfully observed, those ancient landmarks of party had been removed, ’which, if not a wholly sufficient guide, are yet some sort of direction to wanderers in the political wilderness.’  While he was still thus engaged, events were happening at the other ends of the earth which were destined to divert into quite another channel the current of his life.

[1] Mac Mullen’s History of Canada, p. 527.

[2] It Is a singular fact, as illustrating the tenacity and coherence of
    the Church of Rome, that while all Protestant endowments were thus
    indiscriminately swept away, no voice was raised against the
    retention, by the Roman Catholic clergy, of the vast possessions left
    to them by the old French capitulation.—­Mac Mullen, p. 528.

[3] Despatch of December 18, 1854.

[4] Despatch of August 16,1853

[5] Despatch of December 18, 1854.

[6] Despatch of December 18,1854.  The abolition was shortly afterwards,
    satisfactorily effected.

[7] Vide supra, p. 48.

[8] The Rebellion Losses Bill.