THE RIVAL WHIPPERS-IN.
(Front the Morning Herald)
A dinner was given to Sir William Joliffe, Bart., M. P., at the Carlton Club, on Saturday last, in recognition of his great services to the Conservative party, at which 199 gentlemen (chiefly members of the two houses of Parliament) were present, being the utmost number which the dining-room could accommodate. The chair was occupied by the Earl of Derby. The entertainment being in its character a private one we do not feel justified in noticing it in its details, but the position of the honourable member for Petersfield in reference to the Conservative parry, and the estimation in which he is held, are such as to warrant some general remarks upon this occasion. The public are little aware of the importance of the functions belonging to the offices filled at the present time by Mr. Hayter and Sir William Jolliffe. The machinery of our great political parties, at this present juncture, we need scarcely remark, is complicated in no ordinary degree. Mr. Hayter and Sir William Jolliffe may be considered as the engineers who work these great machines, and their good or bad working depends mainly upon the qualifications of the engineers. If the Government is fortunate in having such a man as Mr. Hayter, the Opposition is no less fortunate in Sir William Jolliffe, and each of these gentlemen possesses qualities adapting him singularly to the chief and to the party to whom his services are so useful. We are disposed to give every credit to the qualifications of Mr. Hayter. Like his chief, he thoroughly understands the House of Commons. Like him, he has the advantage of extraordinary adroitness, presence of mind, and good temper. If he is some what unscrupulous, so is Lord Palmerston; and as Lord Palmerston has kept together his party when no other statesman could have done so, it cannot be denied that Mr. Hayter has saved his party on several occasions by his energy, promptitude, and accuracy of information.
Sir William Jolliffe, too, possesses many of the characteristics of his party and of his chief. Highminded, chivalrous, straightforward, and truthful, he has earned the respect and esteem of men of all opinions in the House of Commons. If the adroitness and experience of Mr. Hayter secure him from being practised upon in his difficult position, and have enabled him to save his party from disaster, the honesty of purpose and singleness of mind which characterise Sir William Jolliffe furnish him with an equivalent protection, and have given him an influence which has kept his party together. We have reason to know that the organisation of the Opposition was never better than at the present time. We believe they will be found united as one man in repelling any attack upon the institutions of the country; and we may venture to regard this tribute to Sir William Jolliffe as an indication of the confidence and cordiality which prevail among the members of the great Conservative party in both Houses of Parliament.
(See also
20-Jun-1857
20-Jun-1857)