Chapter 9

1852

Denmark--Possible fusion of parties--Orleans family--Draft of the Speech--Women and politics--New Houses of Parliament--Lord Palmerston's discomfiture--M. Thiers--The Prince and the Army--Pressure of business--Defeat on Militia Bill--Interview with Lord John Russell--Resignation of the Ministry--The Queen sends for Lord Derby--Lord Derby and Lord Palmerston--New appointments--New Foreign Secretary--Interview with Lord Derby--Louis Napoleon--Audiences--Ladies of the Household--Lord Derby and the Church--Adherence to treaties--The Sovereign "People"--New Militia Bill--England and Austria--Letter from Mr Disraeli--"Necessary" measures--Question of dissolution--Lord Derby hopeful--Progress of democracy--England and Italy--Militia Bill carried--France and the Bourbons--Louis Napoleon's position--Excitement at Stockport--The Queen inherits a fortune--Death of Duke of Wellington--Military appointments--Nation in mourning--Funeral arrangements--Anecdote of Napoleon III.--England and the Emperor--National defences--Financial arrangements--Lord Dalhousie's tribute--Funeral ceremony--Confusion of parties--Lord Palmerston's position--Mr Disraeli and Mr Gladstone--Recognition of the Empire--Budget speech--Letter to the French Emperor--Secret protocol--Difficult situation--The Queen's unwillingness to decide--Injunctions to Lord Derby--Defeat of the Government--Lord Derby's resignation--Lord Aberdeen sent for--His interview with the Queen--Lord Aberdeen in office--Lord John Russell's hesitation--Letter from Mr. Disraeli--The Queen's anxiety--Christmas presents--Lord Derby's intentions--New Government--Mr Gladstone at the Exchequer--The Emperor's annoyance--Appointments--Protracted crisis--The Cabinet--Lord Derby takes leave--Letter from Lady Derby--Change of seals--Peace restored--A strong Cabinet 356-430