It is upon the whole the cleverest comedy in the English language, the fullest of wit and at the same time the most free from grossness.
[Pageheading: THE CORN LAWS] _Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._ _4th April 1840._ Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to state that the House of Commons having resumed the consideration of the Corn Laws, the debate was closed by Sir Robert Peel, in a speech much inferior to those which he usually makes.

Mr Warburton moved an adjournment, which caused many members to leave the House.

The motion being opposed, there were on a division 240 against adjournment, and only 125 in favour of it.
Mr Warburton then by some blunder moved that the House adjourn, which puts an end to the debate.

This was eagerly caught at by the opposite party, and agreed to.

So that the question is lost by this ridiculous termination, and it is to be feared that it will produce much discontent in the manufacturing class.[10] [Footnote 10: The opposition to the Corn Laws was now increasing in the North.] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _5th April 1840._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.