ABSTRACT
The unpopularity and disunion of the Whigs, in consequence of their attitude to the major problems of the day, were not the only factors which contributed to weaken their position. For there were occasions when their forces equalled or exceeded those of the Government. In September, however, the Portland Ministry fell owing to the dissensions of its members, and there appeared to be a chance of the Whigs’ coming in. No one had the least confidence in Perceval’s ability to survive for very long; and as neither Canning, nor Wellesley, nor Sidmouth was capable of forming a Government, it behoved the Whigs to think of how they should fill up their Cabinet. The Whigs were to wait a year, at least; and as it turned out, they were even then to be disappointed. Matters within the party, therefore, resumed their normal aspect of anarchy.
