If they get [matters] into their hands neither the Deity nor the Devil, nor both together, can make them agree.

Lord Melbourne writes this in ignorance of the actual facts of the case, and therefore it may be inapplicable.
[Footnote 11: Master of the Horse.] _Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._ _8th April 1840._ Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to state that Sir James Graham yesterday brought forward his motion on China in a speech of nearly three hours.[12] He was answered by Mr Macaulay in a manner most satisfactory to his audience, and with great eloquence.

Sir William Follett spoke with much ingenuity, but in the confined spirit of a lawyer.
[Footnote 12: The motion was to censure Ministers for their want of foresight in their dealings with China in connection with the extension of commerce, and with the opium trade.

The motion was rejected by 271 to 262.] [Pageheading: ENGLAND AND CHINA] _Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._ _9th April 1840._ Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to report that the debate went on yesterday, when Mr Hawes spoke against the motion.

In the course of the debate Mr Gladstone[13] said the Chinese had a right to poison the wells, to keep away the English! The debate was adjourned.
[Footnote 13: Mr Gladstone had been member for Newark since 1832.] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _2nd May 1840._ Mr Cowper has just come in and tells me that they have determined to begin the disturbance to-night at the Opera, at the very commencement of the performance.[14] This may be awkward, as your Majesty will arrive in the middle of the tumult.