Arniston memoirs

1827.] THE CANNING ADMINISTRATION. 333
is the most malignant Peer in the House with the exception of
Lord Grey, the Whigs could not establish a powerful interest.
From what I saw of Hope at the time he was here, it appeared to
me that he was acting most judiciously. Should Canning break
faith with him, of which I have very little doubt, should Lansdown
as Secretary of State insist on having the patronage of Scotland,
then you will have a most favourable opportunity of striking your
colours also. On no account at present talk of giving up your
office. As a friend of Mr. Peel it is the worst and most injudicious
step you could take ; he would give you no such advice. That
Canning is a rogue I am convinced, and were I to give you a
history of all the details of his late intrigues which are now become
common topics of conversation in society, you would be astonished
at the lies and tricks of the R* Hon Ue gentleman. I am equally
certain that Hope forms a very false impression of his integrity,
and the stability of his government, and that a short experience
will show that he has been completely deceived. Read the debates
and see what a fool the Whigs have already made of Canning.
He pressed strongly on the House the impropriety of disfranchising
Penrhyn. His emissaries were on the long trot the whole evening,
every minister spoke on his side, and yet see how he was beaten.
Read the squabbles every night about the Test and Corporation
Acts ; and see how weak he is with all his new adherents against
him. In short there is not a great constitutional question on which
the Government is unanimous. It is quite absurd to suppose this
can go on long, and I can assure you the public opinion is becom-
ing more decided every day against the present Administration.
All that we desire is a question to justify fair opposition, and I have
no doubt of Mr. Peel's power in the Commons.
I have not sat behind the Treasury Bench 1 since the late
changes. Henry Scott 2 you may trust ; he is with M r Peel. In
Adam Hay, 3 John Campbell, 4 and Duncan Davidson, 5 you have
sworn allies. They have proved it on the Leith Police Bill
Committee, and will prove it against Dalrymple and the Police
Commissions to-day. Do not despair. Were you here, you
would view public affairs under a very different aspect to what
you do in Edinburgh. — Y r sincerely, R. A. Dundas.
1 Mr. R. A. Dundas was member for Ipswich.
2 Henry Francis Scotl, M.P. for Roxburghshire, afterwards Lord Polwarth.
3 Adam, afterwards Sir Adam Hay, M.P. for Selkirk, etc.
4 John Campbell, M.P. for Dumbartonshire.
5 Duncan Davidson of Tulloch, M.P. for Cromarty and Nairn.