CHAPTER III.

Weakness of the Government--Gladstone's Budget--A Conversation with Disraeli--Suicidal Conduct of the Tories--Their Irritation--A Charge against Mr. Gladstone defeated--The Stafford Committee--Harmony of the Government--Electoral Corruption--Impending War--Success of the Government--Macaulay's Speech on the Judges' Exclusion Bill--Erroneous Predictions from Paris--Unsettled Policy as to the War--Lord John's Anti-Catholic Speech--The English and French Fleets sail for the Dardanelles--Conduct of Austria--Russia means War--Attacks by the Opposition--Explanations desired--Attempted Mediation--Lord Aberdeen's Confidence shaken--Divisions of Opinion--Terms of Accommodation--Lord Palmerston's Views--Prospect of Peace--Division in the Lords on the Succession Duties Bill--Friendly Relations of Lord Palmerston and Lord Clarendon--Fears of War--Hopes of Peace--Lord Palmerston and Mr. Cobden--Rejection of the Vienna Note--Lord Palmerston courted by the Tories--Lord John Russell's Position--The Duke of Bedford's part in the last Crisis--Dangers at Constantinople--Lord Stratford's Influence--Suspected Intrigue of France and Russia--Lord Palmerston goes to Balmoral--Sir James Graham's View--Lord Stratford's Conduct--Importance of the Vienna Note--A Cabinet summoned _page 58_