party.  The debates upon the first and second readings were remarkable for energy of attack from the disaffected section of the old Palmerstonian party, nicknamed the “Adullamites.”  Mr. Lowe’s speeches from “the cave of Adullam,” “to which every one was invited who was distressed, and every one who was discontented,” are still [62] remembered as among the most eloquent ever delivered in the House of Commons.  The second reading passed by so narrow a majority that the Government thought it prudent to rally their reliable supporters, and meet just criticisms upon the inadequacy of their Bill, by bringing forward a redistribution measure and incorporating it with their franchise proposals.  For a time this served to help them.  By declaring that they would also stand or fall by the redistribution clauses of their Bill, they at any rate showed a better front to the Opposition.  Towards the end of June, however, they were beaten in committee by eleven; their defeat being principally due to the attacks and manoeuvres of Mr. Lowe and Mr. Horsman, who had been Irish Secretary in Palmerston’s first Ministry.

[61] Spencer Walpole, “The History of Twenty-five Years.”

[62] John Bright’s speech.

    Lady Russell to her two sons at Harrow

    March 15, 1866

...Horsman and Lowe are both Liberals; Horsman used, I think, to be reckoned Radical.  But both have taken a violent dislike to Parliamentary Reform, and certainly one would not guess by their speeches that they were liberal in anything.  Mr. Lowe’s was a very clever speech; Bright’s very clever too, and very good.  Of course the Bill does not satisfy him; but his honest support of it, being all in the right direction, is creditable to him and very useful to the measure.  Your Papa is much pleased with the whole debate, thinking it a very good one (excellent speeches for and against the measure), and the result probably favourable to it.  As to the likelihood of its passing, opinions vary.  I hear that Lord Eversley (the late Speaker) says he would take a good big bet that it won’t pass.  Your Papa says he is ready to bet against him that it will.  Will Ministers dissolve Parliament if beaten?  To that I must answer I don’t know.  I heard Mr. Gladstone’s speech.  As Willy says, the latter part was very eloquent.  It was all good; but the details of a Suffrage Act are tiresome, and the apparent indifference, or even apathy, of our side of the House allowed even the striking passages with which the speech was interspersed to fall dead.  The passages were striking, but nobody seemed to be struck.  I don’t believe the real feeling is one of dislike to Reform; but that, of course, they don’t like to show, as the greater part of them, in spite of dislike, will support it.  Your classical hearts must have enjoyed Mr. Gladstone’s “ligneus equus” quotation; but I am afraid Mr. Lowe’s continuation was better.  I never, or seldom, like quotations that merely