Item 96 - William Whewell to Julius Charles Hare

WW is sorry but not surprised that there is to be an election for the Chancellorship between Prince Albert and Lord Powis [see WW to JCH, 17 Feb. 1847]. 'Goulburn [Henry Goulburn] is one of the Peelites; and the manner in which they deceived and disappointed those whom they had led to depend upon them cannot fail to excite a strong feeling of indignation. And laying aside all strong feelings, I do not see how Peel and his followers can ever again be of service preserving the institutions of the country'. WW does not see 'how Goulburn can be supported by those who have hitherto supported him; since his course, as a Peelite, must be hereafter different from what it has hitherto been. I should have great difficulty in voting for him on this ground'. Further, if 'Goulburn is thrown out, it will not be an anti-Romish cry; for he has, in his letter to the electors, declared himself against the 'endowment of the Roman Catholic Clergy in England or Ireland''. However, 'I am not much conciliated by Goulburn's anti-Romish declaration, because I think it would go for nothing in the conduct of his associates; and I think, too, that it is only made for the sake of getting a few votes, and means nothing as to his own convictions'.