The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

1852] RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTRY. 211
watched the elections, now nearly completed. I fear the result is
such as to enable Ministers to retain their places for some time."
The restrictions laid upon me by the Postmaster-
General greatly lessened my work, and gave me a
relief with which I might have been well pleased,
could I have been satisfied as to consequences. The
new distribution of duties, however, was ill-judged ;
and, though partly corrected on my representation,
remained seriously obstructive to improvement.
My forebodings as to the result of the elections
were not confirmed :
"November 23rd. The Postmaster-General has decided to defer
for the present the whole question of Colonial postage. He talked
openly to me of a doubt of the Ministry continuing in office."
"December i^th. The Postmaster-General tells me that it is
very probable that the Ministry will be thrown out by the division
on the Budget, and spoke of the views of the Government in so
unreserved a manner, that I thought it right to remind him that
my political views and connections were those of the opposite
party. He said he knew that very well, but still went on to speak
of the views, expectations and intentions of the Cabinet."
" December ijth. The division last night was against the
Ministers. Brotherton, who has just called at the office, tells
me that they will certainly resign to-day."
"December 2oth. The Postmaster-General has appointed a hot
Orange partizan of the present Government (not previously in the
service) to succeed Creagh (recently dead) as President of the
Dublin Money Order Office. I know, from what he has told me,
that he has done this unwillingly, being, I suspect, pressed thereto
by the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. Cornwall and I had recommended
the next in seniority, who happens to be a good man.
Notwithstanding this, and one or two other cases, Lord Hardwicke
has, on the whole, used his patronage well."
That is to say, the country is to spend .800 or ^900 a-year to promote his
private interests. As Lord Hardwicke has sent the letter (a private one) to me,
I suppose he cannot be fully alive to the dishonesty of the proposal. I shall, of
course, prevent the job, if possible." Sir R. Hill's Journal. ED.
P 2