To profess Liberal views was to be excluded from all posts of emolument, from all functions of dignity, and from all opportunities of public usefulness.
The Whig leaders, while enjoying that security for life and liberty which even in the worst days of our recent history has been the reward of eminence, were powerless in the Commons and isolated in the Lords.

No motive but disinterested conviction kept a handful of veterans steadfast round a banner which was never raised except to be swept contemptuously down by the disciplined and overwhelming strength of the ministerial phalanx.

Argument and oratory were alike unavailing under a constitution which was indeed a despotism of privilege.

The county representation of England was an anomaly, and the borough representation little better than a scandal.

The constituencies of Scotland, with so much else that of right belonged to the public, had got into Dundas's pocket.