CHAPTER XIV.

Results of the Elections--Defeat of Cobden and Bright--The War with China--Death of Lady Ashburton--Lord Palmerston's Success--The Handel Concerts--M. Fould in London--The Queen and Lord Palmerston--The Indian Mutiny--The Prince Consort--Death of General Anson--The State of India--Royal Guests--The Government of India--Temper of the House of Commons--Debates on India--Royal Visits--The Divorce Bill--The Divorce Bill in the House of Lords--Close of the Session--A Dukedom offered to Lord Lansdowne--Death of Mr. Croker--History of the Life Peerages--The Indian Mutiny and the Russian War--The Struggle in India--Reinforcements for India--The Queen's Attention to Public Business--Attacks on Lord Canning--Big Ships and Big Bells--Lord Canning defended--Courteous Behaviour of Foreign Nations--The Capture of Delhi and Lucknow--Difficulties in India--Depression in the City--Speculations on the Contingency of a Change of Government--The East India Company and the Government--Exaggerated Reports from India--A Queen's Speech--The Bank Charter Act _page_ 104