I think you were a little harsh on Wellington in regard to Catholic emancipation. There is at least one speech made by Wellington (1793 - I think) that indicates, fairly unequivocally, that he was in favour of emancipation at this time. His reaction to events of 1798 seems to have reversed his opinion for a considerable period of time, through his fear of revolution outweighing other considerations. By the mid 1820's Wellington was again favourable to the cause of emancipation and he spoke at length in favour of the Roman Catholic Relief Bill of 1829. The passing of this bill led to bitter infighting in the Tory Party and fall of the government and, indeed, Wellington's own political eclipse. There are few politicians of any age who would willingly hazard their own downfall in pursuit of a controversial policy, even if they believed it was for the greater good.