CHAPTER XIII

Fall of the Whigs in 1867--Disraeli as Chancellor of the Exchequer--Reform Bill, why undertaken--Necessities, real or fancied, of a Party Leader--Alternatives--Split in the Cabinet--Disraeli carries his point--Niagara to be shot--Retirement of Lord Derby--Disraeli Prime Minister--Various judgments of his character--The House of Commons responsible for his elevation--Increasing popularity with all classes 188