The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 45
Lord Palmerston's Opinion
Lord Palmerston's Opinion.
A Few years ago, Lord and Lady Palmerston visited her ladyship's estates in Derbyshire, and as it was known all over the kingdom that the Premier would have to respond to a complimentary address, about twenty reporters, representing most of the principal journals, visited Melbourne. Lord Palmerston was informed of the presence of the gentlemen of the press before the opening of the meeting, and being told that an important speech was expected from him, he said. "Well, I am sorry for the gentlemen who have come so far for nothing; tell them what Canning once told a deputation who asked him for a manifesto—'Cabinet Ministers are like fishes; they drink a good deal, and say very little.'"