ABSTRACT
Every influence that existed or that could be created was now used and devised to break up the protectionist party on the impending question. The estimate of those whose authority on such matters with the first minister was deservedly great was, that two-thirds of the two hundred and forty gentlemen, Avho had ‘ maintained the chastity of their honour ’ on the famous division of February, would be found on the critical night in their old conservative ranks.
