Chapter XXI

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