ABSTRACT
A compliance with this request occasioned the first public appearance of Lord George Bentinck as one of the organisers of a political party; for he aspired to no more. The question was, whether a third political party could be created and sustained; a result at all times and under any circumstances difficult to achieve, and which had failed even under the auspices of accomplished and experienced statesmen. The rising desire to organise some opposition to the government measures which had been arrested by the speech of the Duke of Wellington revived among the country party with increased force after the mortifying miscarriage of their expectations. But an opposition without leaders, without organisation, without any party discipline, presented no very terrible appearance, and promised no very considerable consequences. The fact is, though the protectionist party had made a most unexpected and gallant defence, no one was really prepared for the contest except Bentinck.
