Chapter I

The New Reign--Character of William IV--Political Effects of the
King's Death--Candidates for Office--Lord Durham--The King's
Funeral--The Elections--The Whigs and O'Connell--First
Impression of a Railroad--Lord Stanley at Knowsley--The King of
Hanover--Return to London--Result of the Elections--Liberality
of the Queen--Princess Lieven's Audiences--Conservative
Reaction in the Counties--The Queen and Lord Munster--State of
Parties in the New Parliament--The Corn Laws--The Poor Laws--
Tory-Radicals--Promise of the Queen's Character--Her Self-
Possession--Queen Victoria and Queen Adelaide--The Queen and
Lord Melbourne--Mango wins the St. Leger--Racing Reflexions--
Death of Lord Egremont--The Court of Victoria--Conservatism of
the Whigs--Radical Discontent--Irish Policy of the Government--
Mr. Disraeli's First Speech--Lord Brougham's Isolation--Radical
Politics--Lord Melbourne and Lord Brougham--The Canada
Debates--The Use of a Diary--Duke of Wellington on Canada--On
his own Despatches--On the Battle of Salamanca--King Ernest in
Hanover--English Manor Houses--Festivities at Belvoir Castle--
Life at Belvoir--Reflexions--Beaudesert--Death of Lord Eldon.
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