text:  In spite of all that could be done by his bitter unscrupulous factious opponents in the House of Commons and of the eloquent and conscientious opposition of Lord Brougham in the House of Lords backed all the while by the immediate self-interest of those who were to smart under the tax Sir Robert Peel carried his great and salutary measure in triumph through both Houses without one single material alteration till it became the law of the land amidst the applause of the surrounding nations; for even those alas! too frequently bitter and jealous censors of English conduct and character the French "owned that the English people had exhibited a signal and glorious instance of virtue of fortitude of self-denial and sagacity