The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

1851] MR. FREDERIC HILL. 1/3
in my brother's Reports, or more summarily in his
work entitled "Crime; its Amount, Causes, and
Remedies," will find that my account of his services
contains no exaggeration.
Having carried the work of prison reform thus far
in Scotland, he exchanged his Scottish for an English
district ; but although he was able to accomplish a
good deal there, he found among the country justices
of the peace, who have the general charge of the
county prisons, far more of vis inertia than he had
encountered in Scotland. In the belief that in the
Post
have
Office, in conjunction
a new and wide field
with myself, he
for the exercise
should
of his
knowledge of the principles of government and his
powers of administration, and that he should be
able to render me effectual assistance, he was ready
to accept an appointment, should it be made, as
assistant-secretary.
Of course I was well pleased with the prospect of
constant aid from one of whose ability and trustworthi-
ness I was so well assured ; a prospect which, as the
sequel will show, was amply realised. Upon my
speaking more explicitly, the Postmaster - General
made no .objection to the appointment, * but feared
that the Chancellor of the Exchequer would object
to the necessary expense ;
an apprehension at which I
could not but feel disappointed after all that had passed,
but which, nevertheless, was confirmed on inquiry.
Coupled with the announcement of this result, came
new cause of anxiety, viz., a warning that Ministers
* The Postmaster-General expressed great surprise a surprise that almost
amounted to incredulity on being informed that Mr. Frederic Hill was willing to
exchange the office which he already held for the post of Assistant-Secretary. The
Inspectorship of Prisons he looked upon as the better appointment, as undoubtedly
it was. ED.