CHAPTER VI

THE SECOND EMPIRE

1867-1869

Arrival at Paris--The Empress on the Roman Question--The Emperor's desire for a Conference--Mr. Odo Russell on erroneous French impressions with regard to the Papacy--Prince Napoleon on the probability of war with Germany--Credulity of the Emperor of Russia--Visit of Prince Napoleon to Germany: his impressions--Difficulties of Napoleon III.--General uneasiness in France and depression of Emperor--Suggested offer of throne of Spain to Duke of Edinburgh--Lord Clarendon's conversations with the King of Prussia and Moltke--Lord Clarendon and Napoleon III.--Lord Clarendon at the Foreign Office--Views of the Crown Prince of Prussia--Emperor's love of Conferences--The Luxemburg Railway affair--Apprehensions in England and Belgium of French designs--Views of Queen Victoria and Gladstone--Confidential instructions to Lord Lyons--Desire of Empress to visit India--Lord Lyons requested to vote on party question in House of Lords--Formation of Constitutional Administration under Emile Ollivier--Distrust of the Emperor 177