The question is whether it is not more prudent to prevent a question being brought forward in the House of Commons, than to wait for it with the certainty of being obliged to yield to it or of being overpowered by it.

But of course this cannot be done unless it is consistent with justice and with the usage and prestige of the Service.
Lord Melbourne has desired the Cabinet Ministers to assemble here to-day at four o'clock, in order to consider the subject.

Lord Melbourne has seen Lord Hill again this morning, and Lord Hill has seen and consulted the Duke of Wellington, who has stated his opinion very fully.
The opinion of the Duke is that the Punishment on Sunday was a great impropriety and indiscretion upon the part of Lord Cardigan, but not a Military offence, nor a breach of the Mutiny Act or of the Articles of War; that it called for the censure of the Commander-in-Chief, which censure was pronounced by the General Order upon which the Duke was consulted before it was issued, and that according to the usage of the Service no further step can be taken by the Military Authorities.

This opinion Lord Melbourne will submit to-day to the Cabinet Ministers.
Lord Melbourne perceives that he has unintentionally written upon two sheets of paper, which he hopes will cause your Majesty no inconvenience.
[Pageheading: THE NOTTINGHAM ELECTION] _Lord Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ SOUTH STREET, _28th April 1841._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.

He has himself seen the result of the election at Nottingham[15] without the least surprise, from his knowledge of the place and his observation of the circumstances of the contest.