CHAPTER XXIX.

THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (_continued_).

More Coercion for Ireland--The Scottish Reform Bill--The Church Rates Bill--Mr. Disraeli succeeds Lord Derby--Reunion of the Liberals--The Irish Reform Bill--Mr. Gladstone's Irish Church Resolutions--Maynooth Grant and the _Regium Donum_--The Suspensory Bill--Lord Stanley's Foreign Policy--General Election--Mr. Gladstone's Ministry--Martin _v._ Mackonochie--Obituary of the Year--Lord Brougham, Archbishop Longley, and Others--The Abyssinian War--Rise of Theodore--The unanswered Letter--Theodore's Retaliation--Mr. Rassam's Mission--His Interview with Theodore--The King's Charges against Cameron--Dr. Beke's Letter--Rassam's Arrest--Mr. Flad's Journey--The Captives' Treatment--Merewether's Advice--Lord Stanley's Ultimatum--Constitution of Sir R. Napier's Expedition--Friendliness of the Natives--Attitude of the Chiefs--Proceedings of Theodore--Massacre of Prisoners--Advance on Magdala--Destruction of Theodore's Army--Negotiations with Theodore--Release of the Prisoners--A Present of Cows--Bombardment of Magdala--Suicide of Theodore--The Return March--The "Mountains of Rasselas"--Sketch of Continental Affairs 464