The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

1851] THE MINISTRY IN DANGER. 175
the services which Mr. Hill has rendered to the country, and the
meritorious manner in which he has discharged his official duties, my
Lords are pleased to sanction the additional salary recommended by
your lordship."
Again, however, the immediate alarm passed away.
After fruitless attempts to form an administration, Lord
Stanley withdrew, and the old ministers returned to
office. My great pleasure at this relief was, however,
soon damped by the revival of former difficulties, the
Treasury again pressing for that amalgamation of the
two corps of letter-carriers which, without undivided
authority, it would be, as I well knew and had often
represented, impossible for me to dangerous
effect, and highly
to attempt. The Postmaster-General admitted
the difficulty,* and undertook to speak to the
Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject. In the
meantime I pointed out to his lordship that the question
of assistance had been left
immediate action in this matter.
to him, and I urged
He replied that, notwithstanding
the power that had been given him, he
must still consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
He intimated that the Ministry were still in a precarious
position.
This appeared to me anything rather than a
reason for delay ; and I particularly pressed the appointment
of an assistant-secretary, strengthening my former
reasons with others of great weight.
" March 24th.
The Postmaster-General has spoken to the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer on the subject of assistance. He thinks the
Chancellor of the Exchequer will not object ; but nothing can be
decided till after the Budget has been brought forward."
* "March 7th. I spoke to the Postmaster-General on the subject, telling him
1
it was exceedingly unjust of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to press me in this
way, knowing as he does that I dare not attempt the amalgamation until he keeps
his promise by giving me Maberly's place. In this the Postmaster-General acquiesced."
Sir R. Hill's Journal. ED.