Mr Cardwell's career in office hns been equally rapid and reputable. Under Sir Robert Peel he was Secretary to tbe Treasury from February, 1845, to July, 1846, wben he retired with bis chief after the corn law settlement and the conservative break up. In the Government of Lord John Russel, Mr Cardwell's eminent business talents and commercial knowledge were made available, much to the advantage of the country, as President of the Board of Trade, which office he filled from December, 1852, to February, 1855. On assuming that important administration, be was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council. In 1859 he was appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland. Mr Cardwell's next step was the appointment to the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster, in 1861, with a seat iv the Cabinet.
Mr Cardwell thus brings to his present posi tion in connection with the colonies, ample ad ministrative experience. Time will be the only true test, but it is not too much, concluding from the past, to predict, if not a brilliant, a useful career as Colonial Minister.
It may be mentioned, as a mark of the con fidence the late Sir Robert Peel reposed in Mr Cardwell, that he, conjointly with Lord Mahon, now Earl Stanhope, was, by tbe statesman's will, appointed a trustee of the Peel papers. The portions of the memorials which have been given to tbe world, were under the joint editor ship of these faithful and attached friends.— Melbourne Age, May 12.
