Sir John Hobhouse and Mr Macaulay completely exposed the fallacy of his resolution, and successfully vindicated the government. Lord Worsley47 declared he would oppose the resolution, which declaration excited great anger, and produced much disappointment in the Tory party.
If the debate is carried on till next week, it is probable the Ministers may have a majority of one or two.
The accounts from the country are encouraging.
It does not appear that Sir Robert Peel, even if he carries this motion, intends to obstruct the measures necessary for a dissolution of Parliament.
Footnote 47: M.P. for Lincolnshire, who had voted for Lord Sandon's motion.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
31st May 1841.
... I beg you not to be alarmed about what is to be done; it is not for a Party triumph that Parliament (the longest that has sat for many years) is to be dissolved; it is the fairest and most constitutional mode of proceeding; and you may trust to the moderation and prudence of my whole Government that nothing will be done without due consideration; if the present Government get a majority by the elections they will go on prosperously; if not, the Tories will come in for a short time. The country is quiet and the people very well disposed. I am happy, dearest Uncle, to give you these quieting news, which I assure you are not partial....
The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.
KING LEOPOLD'S VIEWS