In his argument, Mr. Roebuck charged the
government, the officials at home, and those in command abroad, with
incapacity, conceit, and indifference to the welfare of the soldiery.
When at last the house divided, the motion was supported by 305 members,
and opposed by only 148, leaving a majority of 157--one of the largest,
on a great public question involving the fate of a government, ever
known in the house of commons. The announcement was received with
exultant cheers from both sides of the house. The extinction of the
ministry was decided; the house and the country accepted the vote, not
merely as an expression of want of confidence politically, but as a
vote of censure morally and politically. Yet in this grave emergency the
house adjourned, in order to observe the anniversary of "King Charles
the Martyr!" Incredible as this may appear, while the country was in the
most imminent peril, such was the fact.
A cabinet council was called, and the ministry, of course, resolved to
resign. The queen and court were in great suspense and excitement, being
very unwilling to accept the resignation of the cabinet. They were
the prince's friends and favourites, and her majesty therefore was
disinclined to their forfeiture of office, and was prepared for any
constitutional measure which would give back to them the possession
of place and power. When the noble earl at the head of the government
resigned the seals of office, he recommended her majesty to seek advice
from the Earl of Derby.
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