CHAPTER IX.

The Cabinet meets--The Government on the verge of Dissolution-- The Second Cabinet--Palmerston lowers his Tone in the Cabinet-- But continues to bully in the Press--Taking of Beyrout-- Deposition of Mehemet Ali--Lord John acquiesces--Total Defeat of Peace Party--Lord John Russell's False Position--His Views-- Lord Granville's Dissatisfaction--Further Attempts at Conciliation--Prevarication of Lord Ponsonby--Newspaper Hostilities--Discussion of the French Note of the 8th October-- Guizot's Opinion of the Note of the 8th October--Louis Philippe's Influence on the Crisis--Summary of Events--Death of Lord Holland--Lord Clarendon's Regret for Lord Holland--M. Guizot's Intentions as to France--Effects of the Queen's Partiality for Melbourne--Resignation of Thiers--Bickerings in the Ministry--Lord John Russell's Dissatisfaction with Lord Palmerston--Lord John resigns--Lord John demands the Recall of Lord Ponsonby--Lord Palmerston defends Lord Ponsonby--M. Guizot's Policy--Conciliatory Propositions fail--Attitude of Austria--Asperity of Lord Palmerston--Operations in Syria-- Success of Lord Palmerston and his Policy--Baron Mounier's Mission to London--Birth of the Princess Royal--Results of the Success of Lord Palmerston's Measures--The Tories divided in Opinion as to the Treaty--Retrospect of the Year--Lord Holland Page 320