ABSTRACT
The Radical quarrels at the beginning of 1837 seem to spell Radical failure, for when the wolves tear each other it should be a sign that the shepherd is safe. But the whole situation at this moment points to deadlock and the diseases of stagnation. Lyndhurst held the House of Lords in an iron hand, and the Government could pass nothing but what was agreed to by all parties. On February 7th, 1837, the Irish Municipal Reform Bill was reintroduced. It was much the same as the Bill of 1836, and perhaps the most striking thing in the debate was a passage in John Russell's speech introducing the Bill. Melbourne's were old-fashioned arguments, for maybe modern principle would risk the unlikely dangers of resignation, and would certainly have the claim of friendship kept firmly under the control of the claims of consistency and of the party organization.
