CHAPTER X

THE SPANISH MARRIAGES

Lord Palmerston in Paris--Louis Philippe and M. Guizot disconcerted by Christina's proposal to the Coburgs--Palmerston's despatch of July 19, 1846--Bresson's letter to Guizot of July 12--Anger of Louis Philippe--Bulwer implores Palmerston to promote the Coburg marriage--Palmerston puts forward Don Enrique--Effect at Madrid of the despatch of July 19--The double marriage announced--Correspondence between the French Queen and Queen Victoria--Guizot's letter to Lord John Russell--Louis Philippe's letter to his daughter--Queen Victoria's reply--Palmerston's protest founded upon the renunciations at Utrecht--Attitude of the Northern Courts--Palmerston's despatches of October 31, 1846, and January 8, 1847--Debates in the French Chamber and the British Parliament--Christina's conduct reviewed--Louis Philippe's Bourbon policy--Why Louis Philippe broke the compact of Eu--Palmerston's Spanish policy from 1834 to 1846--Weakness of Aberdeen 381-405