Life of Sir George Grey: Governor, High commissioner, and Premier. An Historical Biography.

Parliamentary Intrigues

Parliamentary Intrigues

The Ministry that made him the offer was flung out, after an existence that lasted only a few days, and its defeat was followed by a maze of intrigues. The member who moved the defeating resolution was asked to form a cabinet, and the preposterous politician made the attempt. Calling on Sir George to invite him to accept a seat in the new Ministry, he was for a moment listened to with mock gravity, and then dramatically bowed out of the room, with an ironical "good morning, Mr. So-and-So!" Grey was himself sent for, and it was believed that he attempted the impossible task. His own incredible account of the matter was that he had been endeavouring to bring together the members of hostile parties. In truth, so little had he abandoned the expectation of entering upon office that, during the Ministerial crisis in 1887, he twice took steps with that object in view.

All intrigues were ended for a time by the return to office of the conspiring ex-Ministers. Grey was definitely left out in the cold, and towards the Ministry, with one of his own former colleagues at its head, he assumed an attitude of irreconcilable hostility. The first and chief weapon that he resorted to was to move a resolution of want of confidence, and during the session such resolutions followed in quick succession. They were resultless.

Members quickly perceived that he was carrying on a vendetta against the Government, and they soon let it be understood, by both words and votes, that they would support no such motions. Grey did not therefore discontinue his assaults on the Ministry. To one of these the Premier of the day replied by a long-meditated and violently personal attack. The scene that ensued was so painful as to be unreportable. Next day Grey was in a pitiable state. From that hour he grew ever more embittered. His character seemed to deteriorate. Till then, under the severest disappointments, he had kept an inner sanctum secure against all assaults of the Evil One. Now the citadel of his spirit appeared to be taken and its holy of holies ravaged. He had been capable of brightness, of illuminating flashes, of sage and mellow wisdom. Now his very mirth was gruesome, and the dignity of bearing he had seldom lost before was shattered. The cloudy pillar had turned, and he henceforth pursued an ever-darkening path.