The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

20O LIFE OF SIR ROWLAND HILL. [1852
After reporting all this to Mr. Cobden, I called,
by his advice, on Mr. Moffatt, who was about to
speak to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the
subject. Of course I put him in possession of all the
facts.
" February i$th. Met Moffatt at the Reform Club. He says the
Chancellor of the Exchequer refused to hear him that he com-
plains bitterly of my 'unfairness' in setting the Members upon
him, and says that if my friends are not satisfied, they ought to
meet and appoint a deputation, with which he will, once for all, go
fully into the matter, but that he will not see any more individual
Members. Moffatt thinks the result of his interview unfavourable,
but I do not. I have all along desired to have a meeting of
Members, but was afraid that it might look too much like direct
agitation."
"February i6th. Saw Cobden, and reported proceedings. We
are to do nothing for a few days, in order to allow time for the
Chancellor of the Exchequer to cool."
" February ifth. Moffatt tells me that last night he had a con-
versation with the Postmaster-General,
in which the latter stated
that if Colonel Maberly retired the appointment of another secretary
would be unnecessary."
"February i8th. The Postmaster-General told me of his conversation
with Moffatt, adding that he has expressed a similar opinion
to the Chancellor of the Exchequer."
"February iqth, Reported proceedings to Warburton; he will
attend the meeting of Members."
"February 2ist. Called on Cobden to advise that the meeting of
Members should now be held, when I learned to my surprise (not
having seen the morning papers) that Ministers resigned last night
in consequence of a defeat on the Militia Bill. He considers the
resignation real. I certainly have been very ill-used."
"
February 2$rd. The Postmaster-General confirms Cobden's im-
pressions. Lord Derby has undertaken to form an administration,
and Lord Clanricarde retains office only till his successor is
appointed."
I fear the deep mortification I underwent at this
sudden frustration of my hopes when I thought
fulfilment so near at hand caused me to regard the