CHAPTER VI.

Dinner to Sir Charles Napier--A Ministerial Indiscretion--Doubts as to the Reform Bill--Discontent of Lord John Russell--The Secret Correspondence with Russia--War declared--Weakness of the Government--Mr. Greville disapproves the War--Divisions in the Cabinet--Withdrawal of the Reform Bill--Blunder of the Government--The Fast Day--Licences to trade in War--Death of the Marquis of Anglesey--Mr. Gladstone's Financial Failures--Dissolution of Parties--Mr. Gladstone's Budget--Lord Cowley's Opinion of the Emperor's Position--The House of Commons supports the War--Disraeli attacks Lord John Russell--A Change of Plans--Lord John Russell's Mismanagement--Attacks on Lord Aberdeen--Popularity of the War--Government Majority in the Lords--Attitude of the German Powers--A meeting of the Liberal Party--An Appointment cancelled--Expedition to the Crimea--English and French Policy united in Spain--Close of the Session--The Character of Lord Aberdeen's Government--Effect of the Quarrel with Russia--Lord Palmerston's Resignation--Waywardness of the House of Commons _page 145_