Item 180 - William Whewell to Richard Jones

Trinity College - WW assumes that RJ has 'not yet migrated to your college [RJ has been appointed Thomas Malthus's successor as Professor of Political Economy at the East India College]; when you are I shall rejoice much to think you are so near'. The Conservatives have been halted again, while the Whigs carry 'on a little further by the Radicals before they can pull up. Do you think that Stanley's decided break-off from the whig Radicals is as great a gain to the Conservative side as the ejection of their speaker is a loss?' Although the Conservatives have 'the sense of the country with them it does not point out very clearly how they are to get the votes. I suppose Stanley's putting himself forward is to be understood as declaring himself the nucleus of a conservative Whig party which will not shake hands with O'Connel. The danger in which we are at present seems to me to be one which is most degrading and disgusting'. WW is worried that 'a pride of Irish Barbarians' will conquer England: 'It seems absurd to speak seriously of such a danger; but where is the impossibility that the Irish members by being the majority, may carry measures which will brutalize England to the condition of Ireland and worse? Pray what is come of your church reform and tithe commutation consultations?'