“Sir, - your last week’s edition contained a letter signed by Mr. North wherein he seeks to correct a misapprehension stated to have arisen from words uttered by him at the hustings on the day of nomination – viz., that he had changed his political opinions, and was disposed to take a more violent course in future. Surely the constituency of Hastings are sufficiently enlightened to comprehend the meaning of such an expression, but which he appears to doubt, inasmuch as he kindly explains the meaning he intended to convey by informing us, amongst other things that ‘war to the knife must be proclaimed against the continuance of the Derby administration’. Fine language this for a legislator, but not unfit for a revolutionist. With respect to his having changed his political opinions, no-one will be surprised he can do so with ease like a chameleon his colour. He was once a Whig, afterwards a Liberal, and now, as he has changed again, one would like to know if he can give the information as to what he politically is? His threatened future violence, if intended to be exercised in the House of Commons, is nothing more than moonshine, but might on the hustings be a good bait for some of the electors whom he tenderly hooked. Mr. North’s ideas do not accord with mine. I believe the present Administration were justified in dissolving the House under the factious opposition to their Reform Bill, and thus appealing to the country; although the expenses attendant on an election may not suit the pockets of all aspirants to honour, thus causing them to grumble. At no period of our history has the cooperation of Parliament with the executive Government been more important than at the present time, and at no period were the responsibilities of Government more serious. On the Parliament which is shortly to assemble, and on the Government which shall possess the confidence of that Parliament, will devolve the consideration of questions most deeply affecting the honour and prosperity of this empire; and my opinion is that to no Ministry could the care and trust so sacred could be more safely confided than to Her Majesty’s present Government”
— “Hastings, May 18, 1859”, “Anthony Harvey”
It is evident that Mr. Harvey did not regard it as such “a wicked Government” as Mr. North declared it to be. But what said -
