---------------+------------+----------------- | 3 Per Cent.| Premium on Dates. | Consols. | Exchequer Bills. ---------------+------------+----------------- April 3, 1823, | 73½ | 10 to 12 July 1, 1823, | 80¾ | 21 to 24 Oct. 3, 1823, | 82½ | 37 to 40 Jan. 1, 1824, | 86 | 51 to 53 Apr. 2, 1824, | 94¼ | 56 to 58 ---------------+------------+----------------- _Tooke on the State of the Currency_, 1826, p. 41. [3] James Deacon Hume, Esq., then of the Customs, now (1830) of the Board of Trade. [4] The speech of Lord John Russell, when on March 1, 1831, he introduced the first Reform Bill, opened a debate which practically lasted until June 5, 1832. The Whig ministry knew that the fate of their party depended upon that of the Bill, and they came to realize that the fate of the dynasty itself might depend upon the same thing. The Opposition were no less desirous of victory, seeing in the Bill a measure which threatened the prosperity of the people and the very existence of the State. "The country was divided into two hostile camps, regarding each other with feelings of increased exasperation. On the one hand, the anti-reformers though, comparatively few, were immensely strong in position and prestige.... On the other hand, the reformers could count upon the support of the great mass of the people." [5] The First Reform Bill had passed two readings when the ministry, concluded after an adverse vote upon a motion, introduced by General Gascoyne, in opposition to their policy, that it was useless to continue the struggle in Parliament. Confident of the support of the electors, they resolved to appeal to the country. To do this a dissolution of Parliament was necessary, and against this the anti-reformers were firmly arrayed. The ministry appealed to the King. In the selection which follows, this appeal is vividly described, and the action of the King in dissolving Parliament is clearly portrayed. [6] Mr. O'Connell [7] Mr. Cobbett. [8] _Character, Object, and Effects of Trades Unions_, etc., 8vo, 1834. See also an able article in the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for June, 1834. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Peace and Reform, by Various