The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

72 LIFE OF SIR ROWLAND HILL. [1847-8
wrote a minute on the subject, which, however, being
modified by the Chancellor of the Exchequer,* to
whom it was shown in draft, still left things in an
unsatisfactory state. Upon my pointing out the in-
sufficiency of the measure, Lord Clanricarde proposed
that I should myself see the Chancellor of the
Exchequer. While awaiting this interview, which
took place about a fortnight later, I felt so much
doubt as to the result, and consequently as to my
ability to retain office, that I deemed it my duty to
explain to my private secretary and my only
clerk that
they might have to look out for other appointments.
When at I length saw the Chancellor of the
difficulties seemed to vanish. He had no
Exchequer
objection to the Money Order Department being
placed under my exclusive management,
merely disapproved of the mode in which
proposed
having
it was
that the change should be effected. He at
once recognised the danger of divided responsibility,
and, in short, undertook to arrange the whole matter
with the Postmaster-General. Four days later the
Postmaster-General informed me that he had decided
to place the Money Order Department entirely under
my management, but that he wished to consider
further as to the mode. He thought of speaking to
Maberly, with a view, if possible, of doing the thing
quietly. My new powers were called into requisition
the same day by a little symptom of insubordination
in the Money Order Department. Confident of
authority, I now felt justified in giving such warning
to the offender t as produced instant submission, with
abundance of promise for the future.
* Sir Charles Wood (now Lord Halifax). ED.
+ It was one of the senior clerks. "Armstrong has told him that, if any
obstacles are thrown in the way of it improvement, is my fixed determination to