The Shadow of Great Britain

427: Chapter 241: Hastings Worried about the Country and the People (5K4)_2 427: Chapter 241: Hastings Worried about the Country and the People (5K4)_2 Secondly, Hetherington’s “Poor Man’s Guardian” belonged to the category of illegal newspapers that did not pay the stamp tax, had a low price, was highly circulated, and had a broad dissemination making it exceptionally difficult to suppress.

Furthermore, William Cobbett’s “Poor Man’s Political Register” was even worse.

Although the magazine was legitimate, Cobbett himself enjoyed a tremendously high reputation in Britain.

He was not only a renowned political activist and writer but also represented the radical wing of the British middle class.

In other words, William Cobbett belonged to the Whig Party’s political allies in the parliamentary reform movement.

To arrest him would be tantamount to openly challenging Earl Grey, the Prime Minister.

Although Palmerston did not like Cobbett,, to provoke a Cabinet reshuffle over such a minor matter as to remove his post as Foreign Secretary was too dramatic.

As Arthur had said, for Scotland Yard to suppress a candidate with great hopes of being elected was almost impossible.

Minister Rowan was not as blindly loyal as Inspector Clemens; if it didn’t impact either side, Rowan and Scotland Yard wouldn’t mind owing a favor to the Foreign Office.

However, carrying out something that might directly fall back on Scotland Yard’s own tail, no matter how much Palmerston insisted, they would never implement it.

Of course,, if Palmerston could persuade the Home Secretary, Viscount Melbourne, to issue a written order to Scotland Yard, they might reluctantly comply.

Though Viscount Melbourne was somewhat indolent and often slept during parliamentary sessions, it did not mean he was oblivious to everything.

As a rational politician and a man who remained unshaken despite his wife’s over-a-decade affair with Lord Byron, Viscount Melbourne was not about to stir trouble for the lover of his sister willingly.

This was why Palmerston had bypassed Melbourne that day and called Arthur to speak privately; he was simply trying to feel him out first.

Seeing that Arthur was not tricked, Palmerston thus changed his approach, “Well…

I must say, Arthur, you have indeed earned the admiration of many significant figures, and for good reason.

Your points have some validity,, but even if their articles are not published in the supplements of ‘British,’ where else could they find a good place?

Are you sure Cobbett or Hetherington would welcome them?”

Hearing that Palmerston’s tone had softened, Arthur seized the opportunity to push further,,, inquiring, “Your Excellency, do you know about the Westminster Association?”

Palmerston sipped his red wine and replied, “Of course, I know, they are all gentlemen there.

But it would be better if they were a bit more cordial toward me.

However…

why bring up this group of gentlemen all of a sudden?”

Both Arthur and Palmerston were familiar with the Westminster Association, as was everyone involved in London’s political circles—Eld being no exception.

The reason was none other than one of the founders of the Westminster Association being the esteemed Mr.

Jeremy Bentham, the spiritual father of the University of London.

And the MP Mr.

Hunter, who criticized Palmerston’s stance on the Poland issue in the lower chamber, as well as William Cobbett, the founder of the feared “Poor Man’s Political Register,” were also from this organization.

But of course, Arthur was not about to speak of these two at the moment.

Arthur began, “The reason ‘British’ published articles about Poland included many underlying issues.

After all, ‘British’ was originally just a fashion and fiction magazine; we were not keen on getting involved with politics.

But as with Britain’s foreign policy, when circumstances change,, we must adapt.”

Hearing this, Palmerston set down his glass and smiled, “Arthur, are you facing any difficulties?

Speak freely.

Whatever I can help with, just ask.”

Red Devil, who was listening,, could not help but slap his thigh and laugh, “Arthur, this Minotaur sure speaks interestingly.

It’s clearly him trying to probe for information, but in his mouth, it turns out that he’s offering to help you.

He sure has a way with words; no wonder he became the Foreign Secretary!”

Arthur merely smiled and responded, “Thank you for your concern, but since ‘British’ has already taken this pressure, it’s best not to disrupt its balance.

I’ve been candid with you, and you might have noticed the recent influx of articles by Polish exiles on ‘British.’

The reason these articles appeared is due to Mr.

Thomas Campbell, a member of the Westminster Association contacting us.

Oh, by the way, you might not know this, but Mr.

Campbell, out of sympathy for the people of Poland, founded a Friends of Poland Literary Society, from where nearly all our Polish authors come.

Mr.

Campbell told us that many of these Polish exiles had lost their means of livelihood and were struggling tremendously.

Thus, he reached out to me, hoping that based on our teacher-student relationship from the days at the University of London, I would agree to let these exiles use their talents to write fiction to support their families and help their compatriots.

‘British”s editorial department discussed this and concluded that from a literary perspective,, as long as the quality of the work met our standards, the nationality of the authors would not hinder them from earning royalties from us.”