CHAPTER XVI.

The Second Derby Administration--Lord Derby's first Speech--Lord Clanricarde defends himself--The New Ministry--Coincidences--Lord Derby's favourable Position--Opinion of the Speaker--Lord Derby's Liberal Declarations--Dinner to Mr. Buckle--Instability of the Government--Mr. Disraeli's sanguine Views--India--Prospects of the new Government--A Visit to the Duc d'Aumale--Delicate Relations with France--Lord John Russell and Lord Palmerston--Irritation of the Whigs--Marshal Pélissier Ambassador in London--The Peelites and the Whigs--Failure of the India Bill--An Overture from Lord John Russell--Dissensions of the Whigs--Lord Derby resolves to remain in Office--Lord John Russell proposes to deal with the India Bill by Resolutions--Mistake of the Whigs in resigning on the Conspiracy Bill--Withdrawal of the India Bill--Policy of the Whigs in Opposition--Lord Cowley on the Relations of France and England--Strong Opposition to the Government--Lord Derby on the State of Affairs--Disunion of the Whigs--Lord Canning's Proclamation--Littlecote House--Vehemence of the Opposition--Lord Lyndhurst displeased--Debates on the Indian Proclamation--Collapse of the Debates--Triumph of the Ministry--Disraeli's violent Speech at Slough--Lord Palmerston's Discomfiture--Prospects of a Fusion--Success of the Government--Concessions to the Radicals--The Queen's Visit to Birmingham--Progress of the India Bill--The Jew Bill--The Jew Bill passed--Disturbed State of India--Baron Brunnow on the Russian War _page_ 171