Chapter 8

1851

Life Peerages--Diplomatic arrangements--Peril of the Ministry--Negotiations with Sir J. Graham--Defeat of the Government--Ministerial crisis--The Premier's statement--Lord Lansdowne consulted--Lord Stanley sent for--Complications--Fiscal policy--Sir James Graham--Duke of Wellington--Difficulties--Lord Aberdeen consulted--Lord Stanley to be sent for--His letter--Lord Stanley's difficulties--Mr Disraeli--Question of dissolution-- Explanations--Lord Stanley resigns--His reasons--The Papal Bill--Duke of Wellington--Appeal to Lord Lansdowne--Still without a Government--Lord Lansdowne's views--Further difficulties--Coalition impossible--Income Tax--Free Trade --Ecclesiastical Titles Bill--Confusion of Parties--New National Gallery--The great Exhibition--Imposing ceremony--The Prince's triumph--Enthusiasm in the City--Danish succession--The Orleans Princes--Regret at leaving Scotland--Extension of the Franchise--Louis Kossuth--Lord Palmerston's intentions--A dispute--Lord Palmerston defiant--He gives way--The Queen's anxiety--Lord Palmerston's conduct--The Queen's comment--Death of King of Hanover--The Suffrage--The _Coup d'État_--Louis Bonaparte--Excitement in France--Lord Palmerston and Lord Normanby--State of Paris--Lord Palmerston's approval--Birthday wishes--The crisis--Dismissal of Lord Palmerston--Inconsistency of Lord Palmerston--The Prince's Memorandum--Lord Clarendon--Discussion on new arrangements--Count Walewski informed--Lord Granville's appointment--The Queen's view of foreign affairs--Our policy reviewed--Difficulty of fixed principles--Prince Nicholas of Nassau--_Te Deum_ at Paris 283-355