Some
people said that his temper was against him. Others were of the
opinion that he had risen from the ranks too quickly, and that
Lord Ramsden who had come from the same party, thought that Sir
Timothy had not yet won his spurs. The Solicitor-General
resigned in a huff, and then withdrew his resignation. Sir
Gregory thought the withdrawal should not be accepted, having
found Sir Timothy to be an unsympathetic colleague. Our Duke
consulted the old Duke, among whose theories of official life
forbearance to all colleagues and subordinates was conspicuous.
The withdrawal was therefore allowed,--but the Coalition could
not after that be said to be strong in regard to its Law
Officers.
But the first concerted attack against the Ministry was made in
reference to the budget. Mr Monk, who had consented to undertake
the duties of Chancellor of the Exchequer under the urgent
entreaties of the two dukes, was of course late with the budget.
It was April before the Coalition had been formed. The budget
when produced had been very popular. Budgets, like babies, are
always little loves when first born. But as their infancy passes
away, they also become subject to many stripes. The details are
less pleasing than was the whole in the hands of the nurse.
There was a certain 'interest', very influential both by general
wealth and by the presence of many members in the House, which
thought that Mr Monk had disregarded its just claims.
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