for the present, and proceeded with the other business." Among the minutes which I submitted to him was one which, after reading it, he pronounced a "most masterly statement," declaring his intention to act in accordance with its recommendation, and praising the minute on various grounds. My Journal thus continues:-- "On finding that he was so much delighted with it, I reverted to our conversation as to my position.... This appeared to take him aback, and he replied, 'Well, well, I must write my minute;[99] but I don't think I shall make you subordinate to Colonel Maberly, though I must have a difference. I don't think you'll object to what I intend; and, if you should, I sha'n't be at all offended by your appealing to the First Lord of the Treasury.'" The minute, accordingly, appeared in a very mitigated form, so that the main objection left in it was to the persistent designation of Colonel Maberly as Chief Secretary, a title unknown in the office, authorized by no warrant or other document, and sure to lead to further trouble. For the present, however, I determined to let matters rest, as I came to the conclusion that further attempts would be useless, and very probably injurious. I need not say that I scanned the political horizon[100] at this time with great interest:-- "_July 26th._--Circumstanced as I am, I have, of course, anxiously watched the elections, now nearly completed. I fear the result is such as to enable Ministers to retain their places for some time." The restrictions laid upon me by the Postmaster-General greatly lessened my work, and gave me a relief with which I might have been well pleased, could I have been satisfied as to consequences. The new distribution of duties, however, was ill-judged; and, though partly corrected on my representation, remained seriously obstructive to improvement. My forebodings as to the result of the elections were not confirmed:-- "_November 23rd._--The Postmaster-General has decided to defer for the present the whole question of Colonial postage. He talked openly to me of a doubt of the Ministry continuing in office." "_December 15th._--The Postmaster-General tells me that it is very probable that the Ministry will be thrown out by the division on the Budget, and spoke of the views of the Government in so unreserved a manner, that I thought it right to remind him that my political views and connections were those of the opposite party. He said he knew that very well, but still went on to speak of the views, expectations and intentions of the Cabinet." "_December 17th._--The division last night was against the Ministers. Brotherton, who has just called at the office, tells me that they will certainly resign to-day."