CHAPTER XVIII.

The Government determine to dissolve the Parliament--Apathy of the Country--Hopes and Fears as to the War--The Congress a Trick--Disraeli on the approaching Elections--War declared--Mr. Greville resigns the Clerkship of the Council--Result of the Elections--Mistakes of the Austrian Government--Policy of the Opposition--Reconciliation of Lord Palmerston and Lord John Russell--The Reconciliation doubtful--Meeting of the Liberal Party--Resolution of the Meeting--Debate on the Resolution of Want of Confidence--Defeat of Ministers--Lord Derby resigns--Lord Granville sent for by the Queen--Lord Granville does not form a Government--Lord Palmerston sent for--Lord Palmerston's Second Administration--The Queen confers the Garter on Lord Derby--Successful Progress of the French in Italy--Causes of Lord Granville's Failure--Lord John claims the Foreign Office--Lord Clarendon declines to take Office--Lord Clarendon's Interview with the Queen--Mr. Cobden declines to take Office--The Armistice of Villafranca--Peace concluded--The Terms of Peace--Position of the Pope--Disappointment of Italy--Conference of the Emperors--Alleged Sensitiveness of the Emperor Napoleon--Details of the War--A Visit to Ireland--Irish National Education--Dublin--Howth Castle--Waterford--Killarney--Return from Ireland--Numerous Cabinets--A Dispute with China--Lord Palmerston and Lord John Russell--Lord Clarendon at Osborne--Spain and Morocco--The Duc d'Aumale--Perplexity of the Emperor Napoleon--The Emperor Napoleon and the 'Times' _page_ 240