But there was another assertion of the principle
that the ballot should be open that the gentleman has not
cited. That occurred in the most memorable Parliament that
ever sat in England--the Long Parliament .... They wished
it therefore to be exercised, not to satisfy the self-complacency
of the individual, but with due respect for common-sense and
the public opinion of the country, and influenced by all those
doctrines and all that discipline of party which they believed
to be one of the best securities for public liberty."
Gladstone showed in his speech the profounder reflection
on the general subject, the more philosophy, and the intenser
earnestness; Disraeli showed quickness of wit, a ready command
of his resources, ability for subtle distinctions, and glimpses
of his almost Satanic capacity for mocking and jeering. He
describes Mr. Gladstone most felicitously as "inspired by
a mixture of genius and vexation." He speaks of his majority
as a "mechanical majority, a majority the result of heedlessness
of thought on the part of members who were so full of other
questions that they gave pledges in favor of the ballot without
due consideration.
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