THE MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 623, 23 July 1851, Page 4

THE MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

[From the Times, February 24.] Various causes affecting the general policy of the administration had no doubt their due weight on the mind of Lord John Russell; but it may be inferred from answers given by his lordship to several questions on Thursdayevening, when he pledged himself to bring forward different measures as head of the Government, that, at the commencement of the debate on Mr. Locke King’s motion for the extension of the franchise, Lord John did not contemplate a spontaneous and immediate renunciation of power. It was evident in the course of that debate, that the cold reception given to the tardy pledge of a revised Reform Bill, to be introduced in the session of 1852-—the withdrawal of the Conservative phalanx from the side of Govern. ment—and the hostile yofes of 100 habitui 1 adherents of the Whig Ministry, told wit‘h surprising effect on Lord John Russell, and

that he felt the desertion of 8o la of his friends more keenly than t? of a host of adversaries. UndJ.t a ence of those feelings he anJ Mi. acted on the following mornin? XMi net was suddenly convoked • but i* the momentous character of the affairs known to the other member? Government that the leading 7 »>e adminstration—the Marquis of T ? Lord Minto, and Lord Carlisle ,OBdowne 1 present on the occasion ; and the * Wete nol iually adopted by the Prime Minist?? the result of a full and delibeJi. L by his colleagues than of the persVJ? lo ’ mination which he is understood to ditet ' pressed. That determination was nee!’* unknown to some of his Cabinet—not.the least considerable— for they > ' ° s ' even present; and if in such matters can collect aught of truth from extern?? 1 cations of opinion, that determination . less warmly combated by others wU j- ’ ed the effect rather the cause of so movement. The whole meeting of the (? ’ net Ministers lasted little more than [if hour, and at the conclusion of it Lord I” Russell proceeded to place his xesisnatk. - the hands of her Majesty— an act tanta®J to the resignation of the whole Govan, in the hands of its chief.

Nevertheless the first effect of the dis-k tion of the Cabinet was to induce her JU ty by the advice of Lord John Russell £ other counsellors, to send for Lord Sl2 with a view to the formation of the new Gh vernment. That nobleman proceeded to2 the Queen’s commands in conjunction J Mr. Disraeli; but before many hours W elapsed the Protectionist leaders were under.' Stood to ha vp runnnnnaJ either from the invincible difficulty and p e J of the task, or because the power of dissoh. ing Parliament was not unreservedly coned ed to them by the highest authority in ih realm. It will probably be found that tin firmness and judgment of the Queen hn been exerted to save the country from the extreme inconvenience and agitation of i general election at the present time and to avert a contest of parties which might inflict lastinginjury on the constitution itself.

Ata later hour on Saturday evening Sit James Graham and Lord Aberdeen weit summoned to attend her Majesty, and it wu generally believed that those statesmen wonli take a part in the formation of the new administration. It was, however, desired that th communications at this stage of the negotiation should be made in the presence of W John Russell himself; and in the courted yesterday a protracted, and we hope a satisfactory, interview between these eminent persons took, place at the residence of th late Premier. Lord Aberdeen was agaii called to the Palace last evening, but has we believe, hitherto consented to accept office. With personal or patty interests w have nothing to do, but we express no mon than the universal conviction of those wb are most anxious for the peace, the welfare, and the security of the nation, when k affirm that an arrangement which should place in conjunction with a portion of tit late Government and with the Liberal party those eminent men who most nearly represent the opininions and the policy of the late Sit Robert Peel, affords the only prospect of a strong, efficient, and progressive Government. A mere attempt io brio? back to office the Cabinet which has fallen to pieces under the leadership of Los 11 John Russell would stamp the whole of ibis singular transaction with the character of» despicable intrigue, and would only the violent destruction of the whole fabric no distant date more certain. The requires an improved administration, j country asks for men capable of to the principles which Lord John KJ# has professed. The last Ministry ha much of the spirit and narrowness of » rie to conduct the people of England ißr progress, and the executive council o ’ nation requires a wider range of cb»i and powers than are to be found in » tic circle. We believe that such aMi . can be formed if nersonal pretensions party exclusiveness do not mar and we are confident that such a prepared to do its work with public spingenuine ability, would command tn r of Great Britain,-