CHAPTER XXIX.

Difficult Position of the Government--A Cloud in the East--Italian Affairs--Suppression of a Despatch--Sir Charles Napier goes to India--Sir James Graham's Alarms--Lord John Russell's Position--Battle of Novara--Opposition to the Repeal of the Navigation Laws--Sir James Graham's Pusillanimity--State of France--Conflicting Views on Irish Relief--Lord John contemplates a Peerage--Interview of Lord Clarendon with Sir Robert Peel--The Navigation Bill--Maiden Speech of Sir R. Peel's second Son--An omission of Lord Palmerston's--Lord Palmerston's Opponents--Lord Palmerston's Defence--A Trip to Scotland--Dr. Candlish's Sermon--History of the Debates on Foreign Affairs--Extension of the Suffrage--The Queen's Visit to Ireland--A Council at Balmoral--Prince Albert's Conversation--Lord Aberdeen's Views--Lord John's Defence of Lord Palmerston 278