CHAPTER XXI.

Signs of the Weakness of Government--The Irish Coercion Bill--Lord John Russell on Ireland--Protectionist Opposition--The Oregon Question--Lord Brougham canvassed--Weakness of the Protectionists--Embarrassments of the Government--Violence of the Protectionists--The Victories in India--Change of Opinion amongst the Farmers--State of Ireland--Intentions of the Government--Lord Palmerston visits Paris--A Scheme of Alliance with the Protectionists--Lord John Russell's Resolution--Lord Stanley's Violence--The Duke of Wellington's Dissatisfaction--Anecdote of the Father of Sir Robert Peel--Sir Robert Peel and Disraeli--Lord Palmerston in Paris--Irish Coercion Bill--The Protectionist Alliance--Conversation with Sir Robert Peel--Conversation with Sir James Graham--The Factory Bill--The last Debate in the Commons on the Corn Bill--Intrigues with the Protectionists--Defeated by Lord John Russell--Meeting at Lansdowne House--Fine Speech of Lord Stanley--'Alarm' wins the Emperor's Cup--Violent Attacks on Sir Robert Peel--The Conduct of Sir Robert Peel to Mr. Canning--Brougham and Stanley in the Lords--Opposition of the Whigs to the Coercion Bill--Anxiety of Lord John Russell to get back to Office--Mr. Disraeli renews the Attack on Peel--Lord George Bentinck and Disraeli worsted by Peel 374