was framed to protect wheat growers against a fall in the average price below 56_s._ a quarter, and also to protect the consumer against a higher price. But the corn duties had been fixed in 1815: a whole generation had grown up under them: their outworks could not be tampered with without risking the stability of the whole structure. It required a momentum of extraordinary force to carry the movement against them to success. That impetus came, in the autumn of 1845, from two sources equally unforeseen. First arrived news of a destructive disease, wasting the potato crop in Ireland. Potatoes had grown to be to the Irish peasant what wheat is to English, what oats still were to Scottish labourers. The Government were informed that one-third of the food of the people was already destroyed, that the disease was still spreading, and no estimate could be formed of how much of the crop could be saved. Deadly disaster was imminent, and the Cabinet was summoned to many anxious deliberations. The Prime Minister advocated that in order to avert famine all ports should be thrown open to corn ships. He coupled this advice with the warning that, once the duties were suspended, he did not think it would be possible to re-establish them. The warning weighed more with the Cabinet than the advice. Three Ministers only--Lord Aberdeen, Sir James Graham, and Sidney Herbert--supported Peel's proposal. It was set aside, and a Commission was appointed instead to take measures to mitigate the immediate necessity in Ireland. [Illustration: _Designed by J. Flaxman, R.A._} {_In the Royal Collection._ SILVER GILT BOWL. This beautiful specimen of art workmanship was made for King George IV. when Prince of Wales; the gilding alone cost £2,000. The ladle was made for the baptism of the present Prince of Wales.] [Illustration: _H. G. Hine._} {_From "Punch."_ GENUINE AGITATION. _A Scene from "Julius Cæsar," with Wellington as Ghost._ In reply to questions drawing attention to the Repeal Agitation in Ireland, the Duke of Wellington in the Lords, and Sir Robert Peel in the Commons, expressed (May 9, 1843) the resolution of the Government to uphold the Union at all costs, and hinted at the probable adoption of coercive measures. The artist has made O'Connell himself the victim of agitation at this implied threat.] [Illustration: _R. Doyle._} {_From "Punch."_ PAPA COBDEN TAKING MASTER ROBERT A FREE TRADE WALK. The reference is to Sir Robert Peel's gradual conversion to the views of the "Manchester School."] [Illustration: _Sir G. Hayter._} {_In the Royal Collection._