If the public opinion of this great country--this great enlightened nation--were _really_ roused against the Corn-laws, they would disappear like snow under sunshine. But, as the matter _now_ stands, if their dreary drivellers Cobden, Bright, Wilson, Acland, W.J. Fox, were withdrawn from the public scene in which they are so anxious to figure, and sent to enjoy the healthy exercise of the tread-mill for one single three months, would this eternal "_brutum fulmen_" about the repeal of the Corn-laws be heard of any more? We verily believe not. "But look at our triumphs!"--quoth Cobden--"Look at our glorious victories at Durham, London, and Kendal!--our virtual victory at Salisbury!" Moonshine, gentlemen, and you know it;--and that you have spent your money in vain. Let us see how the matter stands. I. _Durham_. True, Mr Bright was returned; but to what is the House of Commons indebted for the acquisition of that distinguished senator, except the personal pique and caprice of that eccentric Tory peer, Lord Londonderry? This is notorious, and admitted by all parties; and these causes will not be in operation at another election. II. _London_. And do you really call this a "great triumph?" Undoubtedly Mr Pattison was returned; but is it a matter of congratulation that this notorious political nonentity, who openly, we understand, entertains and will support _Chartist_ opinions, is returned instead of such a man as Mr Baring? What was the majority of Mr Pattison? One hundred and sixty-five, out of twelve thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine who actually voted. And how was even that majority secured? By the notorious absence from London--as is always the case at that period of the year (21st October 1843)--of vast numbers of the stanchest Conservative electors. There is no doubt whatever, that had the election happened one fortnight later than it did, Mr Baring would have been returned by a large majority, in spite of the desperate exertions of the Anti-corn-law League and Mr Rothschild and the Jews. As it was, Mr Baring polled more (6367) than had ever been polled by a Conservative candidate for London before; and had an immense majority over his competitor, among the superior classes of the constituency.[30] At another election, we can confidently predict that Mr Baring will be returned, and by a large majority, unless, indeed, the Charter should be the law of the land; in which case Mr Pattison will probably enjoy another ovation. [30] Among the _Livery_, the numbers were--Baring, 3196; Pattison, 2367;--majority for Baring, 889! Among the _Templars_--Baring, 258; Pattison, 78!!--majority for Baring, 180!