Chapter XXIX (2)

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to state that the Cabinet met to-day at half-past twelve to consider what (if anything) should be done in consequence of the vote of the House of Lords last night. Lord John Russell, Mr Gladstone, and Mr Milner Gibson were desirous of finding some means of visiting their displeasure upon the House of Lords, but it was shown to them that the only measures which could be adopted were far too violent for the occasion, and that the House of Commons itself is powerless in the matter. When the Lords do anything inconsistent with the asserted privileges of the House of Commons, as, for instance, inserting a taxing Clause in a Bill sent up to them, or making an alteration in a Money Bill sent up to them, the House of Commons is necessarily invited to do something afterwards in the matter, by assenting to what has been done by the Lords; and the Commons then assert their claimed rights by throwing out the Bill thus, improperly, as the Commons say, meddled with by the Lords; but when the Lords throw out a Bill there is nothing for the Commons to do, as the Bill has vanished, and the Commons are therefore furnished with no opportunity of asserting the right which they may claim. But, moreover, the Commons have always contended that the Lords cannot originate or alter a Money Bill, but it has never been contended that the Lords may not reject a Money Bill, though there are few instances of their having done so. These arguments at length prevailed, and by four o'clock it was agreed that Viscount Palmerston should give notice that he would on Thursday move that a Committee be appointed to examine the Journals of the House of Lords to ascertain the fate of the Bill thus lost like Sir John Franklin, and that on Friday he should move the appointment of a Committee to search for precedent applicable to the case. This course it was thought, while binding the Government to no particular course, would in some degree satisfy those who think some step necessary. The measures mentioned, though it is fair to say not actually proposed, were that Parliament should be prorogued, and reassembled either in the Autumn or Winter, that then the same Bill should be brought in, and be sent up to the Lords, and that if that Bill were again rejected, Parliament should be dissolved. It was objected to all this, that the case did not warrant such a course; that whether the Lords have or have not overstepped their proper functions, the opinion of the great majority of the public is that the Lords have done a right and useful thing (in confirmation of which it may be stated that the people in the gallery of the House of Lords are said to have joined in the cheers which broke out when the numbers of the division were announced).

Viscount Palmerston, at the meeting of the House, gave notice accordingly that he should on Thursday move for a Committee to search the Lords' Journals--a usual form of motion; and that he should on Friday move to appoint a Committee to search for precedents in order to ascertain facts; but he added that he did not take this course with any view of hostility towards the House of Lords. An attempt was made by Mr Whalley and Mr Digby Seymour to set up a complaint that this was not the sort of proceeding which the gravity of the occasion required, but this endeavour was put down by an unmistakable manifestation of a contrary opinion by the rest of the House....

_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Somerset._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _29th June 1860_.

Before sanctioning the proposed change in the Naval Uniform,[25] the Queen wishes to know what the State occasions are on which the full dress is to be worn. The officers generally wear an undress without epaulettes, which in consequence are of little inconvenience to them. She has always understood the Service to cling very much to its present uniform, and she would be sorry to shock their feelings.

[Footnote 25: The principal change proposed was that full
dress should cease to be obligatory at Courts-Martial.]

[Pageheading: MR GLADSTONE SUGGESTS RESIGNATION]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

HOUSE OF COMMONS, _2nd July 1860_. (8.30 P.M.)

Viscount Palmerston has had the honour of receiving your Majesty's letter of this afternoon. Nothing of much importance as to Foreign Affairs was done at the Cabinet to-day.... The material question for discussion was the course to be pursued about the Tax Bill Report. Lord John Russell had altered his opinion since Saturday, and had yesterday sent Viscount Palmerston a Draft of Resolution which he wished to be circulated to the members of the Cabinet before their meeting at twelve to-day....

After a long discussion, the draft, of which the enclosed is a copy, was agreed to by all except Mr Gladstone. This draft is a combination of parts of Lord John's, parts of Sir James Graham's, and parts of Viscount Palmerston's. No mention of course was made in Cabinet of Sir James Graham having made any suggestion.

When all the other members had left the room Mr Gladstone requested Viscount Palmerston to submit to your Majesty that he could no longer continue to carry on the business of his Department.[26] His opinion strongly was that action and not a Resolution was required, that one of three courses ought to be pursued: either that the Paper Duty Repeal Bill should again be sent up to the Lords; or that a Bill should be sent up for suspending the Paper Duties for a year; or that a Bill should be sent up reducing those duties gradually year by year; or fourthly that with the Repeal of the Paper Duties should be coupled the imposition of Spirit Duties. Viscount Palmerston said he really could not undertake the communication which Mr Gladstone wished to be submitted to your Majesty, and earnestly entreated Mr Gladstone to reconsider the matter; he urged in detail all the reasons which ought to dissuade such a step, and he thought that he had produced some impression on Mr Gladstone. It was agreed between them that Viscount Palmerston, instead of giving notice this afternoon of a Motion to-morrow, and laying the Resolution on the table this evening, should give notice this afternoon of a Motion for Thursday, and promise to lay the Resolution on the table to-morrow. This gives Mr Gladstone more time to think, and more room to turn round in. Mr Milner Gibson has no intention of going out, and has so told Mr Gladstone, strongly advising him to stay in; and Viscount Palmerston's impression is that Mr Gladstone, having failed to become master of the Cabinet by a threat of resignation, will in the end yield to the almost unanimous decision of his colleagues. The only person who supported Mr Gladstone's views, except Mr Milner Gibson, was the Duke of Argyll, who, however, like Mr Gibson, had no intention whatever of accompanying Mr Gladstone in resignation.[27]...

[Footnote 26: This is said to have been an incident of
frequent occurrence during the second administration of Lord
Palmerston.]

[Footnote 27: The Queen wrote to King Leopold: "As I told
you in my little note of Sunday, Lord John became _quite_
reasonable, and is very moderate about this affair; on the
other hand Mr Gladstone has threatened to resign--and it is
still uncertain if he will not persist in his intention. He is
terribly excited."]

[Pageheading: PRIVILEGE RESOLUTIONS]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

PICCADILLY, _6th July 1860_.

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to state that the House of Commons this night passed the three Privilege Resolutions after two divisions.[28]...

The Debate which did not begin till half-past eight, after questions on the adjournment to Monday, was commenced by Mr Digby Seymour, Member for Southampton, who went into an elaborate discussion of the precedents mentioned in the appendix to the Report of the Committee, arguing against the right of the Lords. He attacked Viscount Palmerston's speech, and highly praised that of Mr Gladstone, who, he said, if he lost his place in the Cabinet in consequence of that speech would be rewarded by a Throne in the affections of the Nation. Mr Horsman then made a very able, eloquent, and remarkable speech, well worth reading....

Mr Bright made an indignation speech in reply. He went over the same ground as the former speaker about the precedents, was astonished and shocked at Mr Horsman's speech, was displeased with the Resolutions, and with Viscount Palmerston's speech, was in admiration unbounded of Mr Gladstone, but all the time was so hoarse that his efforts to make himself heard gave to his utterance an appearance of passion even greater than that which he actually felt. After his speech the House began skirmishing as to the question of finishing the Debate or adjourning it, but the Resolutions were at last agreed to.

[Footnote 28: The Resolutions, which the Committee
recommended, and the House of Commons adopted, declared _inter
alia_ that the Commons had in their own hands the power "so to
impose and remit taxes, and frame bills of supply, that their
rights as to the matter, manner, measure, and time might be
maintained inviolate."]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _13th July 1860_.

MY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... Bertie has then set out on his interesting journey,[29] which though not without fatigue will be full of information and satisfaction for his young mind. I am glad to hear that dear Albert went with him,[30] he can have no equal to his good and distinguished father for kindness, and a wise guidance of his young life....

[Footnote 29: In consequence of the loyal and patriotic
assistance rendered by Canada during the Crimean War, and the
expressed desire of the Canadians to be visited by the Queen
in person and to welcome one of her sons as Governor-General,
it was decided that the Prince of Wales should make a tour
there. During the course of the visit, which was made in
company with the Duke of Newcastle, the Prince opened the
magnificent bridge over the St Lawrence; he subsequently
availed himself of President Buchanan's invitation already
referred to (_ante_, p. 373), and was received with the
greatest enthusiasm at Washington. The Prince returned to
England in November.]

[Footnote 30: Referring to a previous letter, in which the
Queen had informed the King of the Belgians that Prince Albert
had accompanied the Prince of Wales as far as Plymouth.]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

OSBORNE, _31st July 1860_.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... I venture now to confide a _secret_ to you--the details of which you shall hear verbally from us when we have the happiness of seeing you in October. It is that _our_ surmises respecting Louis of Hesse[31] have turned out to be true, and that we have _reason_ to _hope_ that this _affair_ will be in due time realised. The feelings are very reciprocal on both sides, though nothing definitive will be settled till the young people meet again, probably later this Autumn (_but not in Germany_). Please do not say anything about it to any one. Your very great kindness and affection for our children has induced me to mention this to _you_, who moreover _saw the first dawning of these prospects_.

Dear Mamma starts to-day for Edinburgh--sleeping to-night at York. With Albert's affectionate love, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 31: Prince Louis of Hesse, afterwards Grand Duke
Louis IV.]

[Pageheading: TRANQUILLITY OF INDIA]

_Queen Victoria to Earl Canning._

OSBORNE, _2nd August 1860_.

The Queen thanks Lord Canning very much for a most interesting letter of the 30th of May, giving a most comprehensive and gratifying account of his progress through her Indian dominions, and of his reception of the different Princes and Chiefs. Such reception and such kind considerate treatment of them is, as Lord Canning knows, entirely in unison with the Queen's _own_ feelings, and both the Prince and herself have been peculiarly gratified at reading this account, and feel sure of the good effect it must have on these Princes, and on India in general.

We have just seen Lord Clyde looking wonderfully well; he speaks in high terms of Lord Canning, and enthusiastically of dear Lady Canning. Alas! another most valuable public servant and friend of ours, Lord Elphinstone,[32] only returned to die! Lord Canning will grieve much no doubt to hear this.

Both he and Lady Canning will have heard with interest of the birth of our second grandchild and first grand-daughter.[33] Nothing can go better than the Princess Royal does. Of the Prince of Wales's arrival in Canada we could not yet hear, but shall do so in a few days.

This country and Europe continue to be in a state of alarms, or rather more profound distrust in, the conduct and purposes of our neighbour. Fortunately the feeling of Germany is so unanimous upon this subject, and the Emperor's attempt to produce disaffection or division there has so signally failed and produced so diametrically a contrary effect, and Belgium has shown such an enthusiastic spirit of loyalty only equal to the public spirit which this country has shown in the Volunteer movement, that it is to be hoped these sinister designs are checked for a time at least.

With the Prince's kind remembrance to Lord Canning, the Queen concludes, hoping this letter will find him in good health, and Lady Canning safely returned from her expedition.

[Footnote 32: See _ante_, 25th January, 1859, note 8.]

[Footnote 33: The Princess Charlotte of Prussia, now
Hereditary Princess of Saxe-Meiningen, was born on the 24th of
July.]

[Pageheading: VISIT TO SCOTLAND]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

HOLYROOD, _7th August 1860_.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have _many_ excuses for sending a few hurried lines from here, instead of my usual letter, but I was much hurried yesterday; the separation from baby quite upset me, as she too cried very much--but she is consoled again.

Many thanks for your dear letter of the 3rd, which I shall duly answer on Friday.

We came down here by _night_ train, arriving at eight. We paid dear Mamma a visit at her really charming residence at Cramond,[34] quite near the sea, with beautiful trees, and very cheerful.

And this afternoon she was present the whole time at the splendid Volunteer Review, which lasted from half-past three till near six, in the open carriage with me, and enjoyed it so much; and I was so _happy_ to have _her_ with me on this memorable occasion, having had _you_ with me on the previous occasion.[35] And it was magnificent--finer decidedly than in London--there were more (1,400 more), and then the scenery here is so splendid! That fine mountain of Arthur's Seat, crowded with thousands and thousands to the very top--and the Scotch are very noisy and demonstrative in their loyalty. Lord Breadalbane, at the head of his Highlanders, was the picture of a Highland chieftain. The dust was quite fearful! At nine we leave for Balmoral. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 34: The Duchess of Kent was spending the summer at
Cramond House, near Edinburgh.]

[Footnote 35: The Review in Hyde Park, which took place on the
23rd of June.]

[Pageheading: THE HIGHLANDS]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BALMORAL, _10th September 1860._

MY BELOVED UNCLE,--I have no letter from you, but trust you are quite well. Here we have had a week of very fine weather, but since Saturday it has been extremely cold. We made a most delightful incognito expedition on Tuesday last, 4th, returning on Wednesday, 5th. We drove off from here quite early at eight, for twenty-one miles up to the _Geldie_, a small river--_rode_ from here on ponies across the hills to Glen Fishie, a beautiful spot, where the old Duchess of Bedford used to live in a sort of encampment of wooden huts--on to Loch Inch, a beautiful but not wild lake (another twenty miles), crossed the Spey in a ferry, and posted in very rough vehicles to Grantown, again twenty miles, coming in there at nine. We passed close by Kinrara where you used to be, but, unfortunately, not by the house. _No_ one knew us--anywhere or at the little inn. We went under the names of Lord and Lady Churchill, and Lady Churchill and General Grey who went with us, under the names of Miss Spencer and Dr Grey! Two maids _only_ went with us (whom we had sent round with our things), and _no_ servants but our two excellent Highlanders, viz. Albert's first stalker or head keeper, and _my own Highland servant_ and factotum--_both_ excellent, intelligent, devoted people. _Only_ when we had _left_ was it found out. We posted to Tomantoul, a wretched village--fourteen miles, _in four hours!!_ with a pair of wretched tired horses--over a big hilly road. At Tomantoul we again took our ponies and rode by Avon Side and Glen Avon, also very fine; back to Loch Bulig--eight miles from here--whence we returned home in our carriage. It was a _most delightful_ and enjoyable, as well as _beautiful_, expedition. I have been besides on many other ones for the day.

In Italy I fear the state of affairs is very distressing--but really the miserable, weak, and foolish conduct of the King of Naples[36] and the squabbles of the whole family takes away all one's sympathy! We leave here alas! on Saturday, stop till Monday evening at Edinburgh to see Mamma, and go on that night straight to Osborne, where we expect to arrive on Tuesday for breakfast. With Albert's affectionate love, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 36: King Francis had just fled from Naples to Gaeta,
and Garibaldi shortly afterwards arrived in Naples.]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

BROADLANDS, _18th September 1860._

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and will have the honour of waiting upon your Majesty at Osborne to-morrow. Your Majesty must naturally feel regret at shortening so much your Majesty's agreeable holiday in the Highlands, though the happiness of meeting the Princess Royal must amply make amends for it; but the fact is that of all the gifts which good fairies were in the habit of bestowing on their favourites, that which would have been the most desirable would have been the power which the Irishman ascribed to a bird, of being in two places at one and the same time.

[Pageheading: AUSTRIAN PROPOSAL]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

OSBORNE, _20th September 1860._

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and submits the accompanying letters which he has received from Lord John Russell, together with Lord John's letter to him; and he certainly agrees with Lord John in thinking that a meeting at present between your Majesty and the Emperor of Austria, though in many respects likely to be useful, would on the whole be so liable to misconstruction, and would prove such a fertile source of misrepresentation, that it would be better to avoid it. Such a meeting would undoubtedly be useful to the Emperor of Austria, by reason of the good advice which he would receive from your Majesty, and from His Royal Highness the Prince Consort; but your Majesty will probably be able to find some other way of conveying to the Emperor counsel calculated to save him from some of the dangers by which he appears to be beset.

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._

_21st September 1860._

The Queen received these letters from Lord Palmerston, who likewise communicated to her Lord John Russell's letter, respecting the hint thrown out by Count Rechberg[37] of a meeting with the Emperor of Austria. The Queen agrees with Lord Palmerston, that while such an interview might for many reasons have been desirable, under present circumstances it might lead to much talk and to many rumours which might do harm, or at any rate give rise to useless conjectures. It would therefore be better to "nip this project in the bud" as Lord John suggests, but care should be taken to do this in such a manner as not to let it appear that there was any disinclination on the Queen's part to meet the Emperor of Austria.

[Footnote 37: In a letter to Mr Julian Fane, Count Rechberg,
the Austrian Foreign Minister, had said that he had desired to
bring about an interview between the Queen and the Emperor of
Austria, but that there would have been difficulties in the
way. Lord John Russell was of opinion that the idea should
be nipped in the bud, and in this Lord Palmerston fully
concurred.]

[Pageheading: APPEAL FROM KING OF NAPLES]

_The King of Naples to Queen Victoria._

GAETA, _le 6 Octobre 1860._

MADAME MA S[OE]UR,--Le memorandum qu'a la date d'aujourd'hui mon Gouvernement adresse a celui de votre Majeste, les protestations que dans ces derniers temps je lui ai fait parvenir donneront a votre Majeste une idee claire des conflits par lesquels j'ai passe, et de la situation ou je me trouve.

A la sagacite de votre Majeste ne peut echapper la transcendance des evenements qui se passent dans le Royaume des Deux Siciles, et dans les Etats Pontificaux. J'etais, et je suis seul a lutter contre toutes les forces de la revolution Europeenne. Cette revolution s'est presentee avec un pouvoir que jamais on ne lui avait connu, armes, parcs d'artillerie, munitions, vaisseaux, rien ne lui a manque, pas meme les ports d'une puissance pour se recruter, et son drapeau pour la couvrir.

Ces evenements etablissent un nouveau droit public, fonde sur la destruction des anciens traites et des principes reconnus du droit des gens. La cause que je defends seul a Naples n'est pas seulement ma propre cause; elle est la cause de tous les Souverains et de tous les Etats independants.

La question qui se debat dans le Royaume des Deux Siciles, est une question de vie ou de mort pour d'autres Etats d'Europe.

C'est a ce titre, et non par un interet personnel que j'ose m'adresser a la haute raison de votre Majeste, a Sa prevoyance et a Sa justice.

La grande position qu'occupe votre Majeste dans le monde, Sa sagesse, les relations amicales qui ont toujours existe entre nos deux familles, et la bienveillance particuliere dont votre Majeste a daigne toujours m'honorer, me font esperer, que votre Majeste verra dans cet appel que je fais avec confiance a Sa politique et a Sa justice, une nouvelle preuve du respect que j'ai eu toujours pour Elle, de l'affection sincere, et des sentiments de haute consideration avec lesquels j'ai l'honneur d'etre, Madame ma S[oe]ur, de votre Majeste, le bon Frere,

FRANCOIS.

[Pageheading: TOUR OF PRINCE ALFRED]

[Pageheading: SARDINIA AND NAPLES]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _2nd November 1860._

MY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... Bertie's visit seems to have gone off most splendidly; its effects will be useful. The enemies of England always flatter themselves that mischief may come from that part of the world. To see, therefore, friendly feelings arise, instead of war, will disappoint them much. Alfred's appearance at the Cape[38] has also been a most wise measure. South Africa has a great future to expect, it is a pity it is so far and I too old to go there; the plants alone are already a great temptation. I should like very much to hear what came to your knowledge of the Warsaw meeting.[39] Prince Gortschakoff tried hard to make it believe that it would bring _Russia nearer to France_. If this was to be the result of the meeting it would be a very sad one indeed....

The way in which the English Press misunderstands all these things is quite lamentable. The meeting of the Sovereigns had this time a better object than the oppression of the liberties of Nations; that this should not be seen by people who would be the first sufferers of the supremacy of a certain power is very lamentable, but they see everything only according to the colour of _their_ spectacles. _Le Flibustive_ movement at Naples is very shameful, but that poor King has been so calumniated that Garibaldi is the rage of the present moment; Colonel Walker[40] has been shot, and Garibaldi, who comes out of that self-same school, is divinised. But it is time I should end. With my best love to dear Albert, I remain ever, my beloved Victoria, your devoted old Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 38: Prince Alfred, who, some time before, had been
appointed to the _Euryalus_, in the course of the summer
visited South Africa. After making a tour through Kaffraria,
Natal, and the Orange Free State, he returned to Cape Town,
where, in September, he laid the foundation stone of the
breakwater in Table Bay. In a letter written by the Prince
Consort a few weeks earlier to Baron Stockmar, he remarks upon
the noteworthy coincidence that almost in the same week in
which the elder brother would open the great bridge across the
St Lawrence, the younger would lay the foundation stone of the
breakwater for the Cape Town Harbour. "What a cheering picture
is here," he wrote, "of the progress and expansion of the
British race, and of the useful co-operation of the Royal
Family in the civilisation which England has developed and
advanced" (_Life of the Prince Consort_, vol. v. p. 88).]

[Footnote 39: The Emperors of Russia and Austria, and the
Prince Regent of Prussia met at Warsaw on 20th October, and
held a conference which extended over several days.]

[Footnote 40: Walker, in the course of one of the Nicaraguan
revolutions, had seized the supreme power, and had been
recognised as President by the U.S. Government; he was
afterwards expelled, and, on venturing to return, was
arrested, and shot on the 25th of September 1860.]

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd November 1860._

The Queen returns the enclosed draft,[41] which she is afraid is not likely to produce the beneficial results which Lord John seems to anticipate.

The expression of our hope, that Rome and Venetia, from their Italian nationality, will soon share in the freedom and good government of the rest of Italy, can only be understood as a declaration on our part that we wish to see them share the annexation to Sardinia, after that of the Two Sicilies shall have been completed.

The declaration at the end after the quotations of the former protests, vague as it is, viz. "That if other Powers interfere England would do as she pleases," means either nothing at all (for England is free to do as she pleases) or it means a threat of war, either an empty threat, or one intended to be followed up when the occasion arises. The first would hardly be dignified for a great Power like England, and as to the second, the Queen for one is not prepared to decide to go to war to ensure the success of the Italian Revolution.

But is such a declaration at the present moment called for by anything that has happened? Another despatch has accepted as satisfactory the French explanation about the order given to the fleet before Gaeta, and Austria has renewed her assurances that she will not interfere; the only Power likely to continue to interfere and to produce war--Sardinia--is held to have an exceptional right to it, as an "Italian" Power.

The Queen thinks this important despatch should not be laid before her again without its having received the deliberate consideration and assent of the whole Cabinet, and in case Lord John should bring it before them the Queen would wish him to communicate this letter also to them, as embodying her views on the subject.

[Footnote 41: This draft despatch, prepared in order to be
sent to all the Powers, expressed approval of the Italian
Revolution. It concluded: "Her Majesty's Government deem
it right to declare that if any other Power should attempt
forcible interference, Her Majesty's Government will hold
themselves free to act in such a manner as the rights of
nations, the independence of Italy, and the interests of
Europe may seem to them to require."]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

PEMBROKE LODGE, _3rd November 1860._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty....

With regard to the position of Great Britain, Lord John Russell is bound to advise that it shall not suffer by the change of circumstances.

From 1815 to 1859 Austria ruled Italy. If Italians had reason to complain, England had nothing to fear from the use of Austrian influence against British interests.

But if France were to sway the united Navies of Genoa and Naples, and Great Britain to look on from fear or apathy, or excessive love of peace, she might soon have to defend her possessions of Malta, Corfu, and Gibraltar.

Austria would hardly attempt any new aggression on Italy, unless she were assisted by France.

Italy as one Power would derive strength from the declaration of Great Britain, as a disinterested friend.

A letter of Lord Cowley will show your Majesty the suspicions and doubts which exist as to French policy in Italy.[42] All these projects will be scattered to the winds by the word of the British Government.

[Footnote 42: Lord Cowley wrote that he had heard through
Count Metternich that the Emperor of the French would never
consent to the annexation of Naples to Piedmont, that he
wished the Pope to retain Umbria and the Marches, and that the
Romagna should be an independent State.]

[Pageheading: REPLY TO KING OF NAPLES]

_Queen Victoria to the King of Naples._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd November 1860._

SIR, MY BROTHER,--The letter I have received from your Majesty, dated from Gaeta on the 6th of October, is altogether devoted to political considerations.

These considerations have for a long time occupied the thoughts of my confidential advisers, and I have directed them to convey to my Ministers abroad such instructions as occasion appeared to me to require.

I will therefore confine this letter to those topics which are not the immediate subjects of political controversy.

Upon your Majesty's accession to the Throne I lost no time in assuring your Majesty of my sincere wishes for the prosperity of your reign, and the permanence of your dynasty.

At the same time I was fully aware of the difficulties of the period at which your Majesty succeeded to the Crown. That these difficulties should not have been surmounted, and that they should now threaten to overwhelm the Monarchy, of which your Majesty is the heir, is to me a source of deep concern.

It only remains that I should ask your Majesty to express to the Queen my sincere sympathy in her misfortunes. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your Majesty the assurance of the invariable friendship and high consideration with which I am, Sir, my Brother, your Majesty's good Sister,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: RETURN OF PRINCE ALFRED]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th November 1860_.

MY BELOVED UNCLE,--... Here we have the happiness of having our dear Alfred back since the 9th, who gives _very_ interesting accounts of his expedition, and has brought back _many_ most interesting trophies, splendid horns of _all_ those wonderful animals, photographs, etc. He _is_ grown, though very _short_ for his age, but I think less so than his brother at the same age. Major Cowell[43] gives an _excellent_ report of him in _every way_, which, as you will readily believe, makes us _very_ happy. He is really such a dear, gifted, handsome child, that it makes one doubly anxious he should have as few failings as mortal men can have. Our poor Bertie is still on the Atlantic, detained by very contrary winds, which those large vessels with only an auxiliary screw and only eight days' coal cannot make any way against. Two powerful steamers have now gone out to look for him and bring him in....

With Albert's affectionate love, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 43: Major (afterwards Sir John) Cowell was appointed
as Tutor to Prince Alfred in 1856. He was then a Lieutenant
of Engineers, and had been Adjutant to Sir Harry Jones at
Bomarsund and before Sebastopol.]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

PICCADILLY, _22nd November 1860_.

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to submit that, as it appears from a despatch from Lord Cowley that the commercial negotiations at Paris have been brought to a conclusion, and that Mr Cobden has left Paris, the time has come for your Majesty to consider what substantial mark of your Majesty's approval your Majesty would be pleased to confer upon Mr Cobden. Mr Cobden has now for about twelve months been laboriously employed without salary or emolument in negotiating the complicated details of commercial arrangements between England and France, which cannot fail to tend to the material advantage of both countries, but more especially to the increased development of the industry and commerce of your Majesty's subjects. It would be an ungracious proceeding to leave the services of Mr Cobden with no other acknowledgment than the praises contained in a Foreign Office despatch, and Viscount Palmerston therefore with the concurrence of Lord John Russell would beg to submit for the gracious approval of your Majesty that Mr Cobden might be offered his choice of being created a Knight Grand Cross of the Civil Order of the Bath, or of being made a Member of your Majesty's Privy Council.

(_Note, in Queen's hand._--Was agreed to offer him either to be made a P.C., or a Baronet.)[44]

[Footnote 44: Mr Cobden declined both the Honours.]

[Pageheading: THE EMPRESS OF AUSTRIA]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _22nd November 1860_.

MY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I have to thank you for a most kind letter of the 20th. I hope you will see the young and very nice Empress of Austria,[45] perhaps you made a little excursion to Plymouth. I had, and have still, some cold, and therefore I was apprehensive of waiting at the station on the 20th in the evening; I sent Marie and Philip to receive the Empress. Yesterday before daybreak I went myself to Antwerp. I first paid the Empress a visit, and then I took her to your beautiful ship. She was much struck with it, and it was _very kind_ of you, and indeed, for an invalid, invaluable. It will show, besides, that even beyond Garibaldi, and that amiable, disinterested _Annex_ander, you can feel some interest. I saw the Empress already dressed for her departure, but I think there is something very peculiar about her, which is very pleasing. Poor soul, to see her go away under, I fear, not very safe circumstances, as she coughs a great deal, quite grieves one; though it certainly increased my stupid cold, still I should have been sorry not to have assisted at her going to sea. It was a beautiful day, but this night it has begun to blow from the West-south-west, which I fear will create a sea to the Westward.

That you had your sons about you must have been a great satisfaction to you. Bertie got well through his truly tremendous tour. I think that the effect on the Americans will last for some time. That the poor Duke of Newcastle got home without accident is surprising. Affy has something most winning, and is a dear little rogue. Eugenie's expedition[46] is most astonishing. She also coughs much, and I never heard Scotland recommended for Winter excursions. I believe that the death of her sister affected her a good deal. She seems to have been a good deal _choquee_ that she had been dancing in Africa when that poor sister was dying. Next to this, there seems a difference of opinion with her master on the subject of the Pope. You will recollect that at the time of his elections the clergy rendered him undoubted good service; I even doubt that he would have been elected without their aid. Now he puts the axe to the root of the whole Catholic Church by destroying the Pope, and he does this _without the slightest provocation_, and for the benefit of the revolution _et des revolutionnaires_....

I remain ever, my beloved Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 45: The Empress Elizabeth was on her way to Madeira,
in a ship placed at her disposal by the Queen.]

[Footnote 46: The Empress of the French was making a tour in
England and Scotland for the benefit of her health; she
had sustained a bereavement by the death of her sister, the
Duchess of Alba.]

[Pageheading: BETROTHAL OF PRINCESS ALICE]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st December 1860_.

DEAREST UNCLE,--I hasten to announce to you that yesterday our dear young couple here were engaged, and that we _are all_ very happy.[47] Louis was spoken to yesterday on our return from Aldershot by Albert,--who told him he would have an opportunity of speaking to Alice--and this opportunity he took last night after dinner when he was standing alone with her at the fire, and every one else was occupied in talking. They whispered it to me, and then, after we left the drawing-room, we sent for good Louis--and the young people met and confirmed in a very touching manner _what_ they had merely been able to whisper to one another before. He was very much overcome. He is a dear, good, amiable, high-principled young man--who I am sure will make our dearest Alice _very_ happy, and she will, I am sure, be a most devoted loving wife to him. She is _very, very_ happy, and it is a pleasure to see their young, happy faces beaming with love for one another. Alice is so extremely reasonable and quiet. She wishes everything kind and affectionate to be said to you, and _hopes_ for your _blessing!_ I am very, very happy, so are we both, but I am still a good deal agitated and flurried by the whole event.

On Tuesday the Empress arrives, but only to luncheon. I must end now in haste. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

Pray tell it to good Philip, and also to Leopold and Marie.

[Footnote 47: See _ante_, 31st July, 1860, and note 31.]

[Pageheading: THE SEE OF WORCESTER]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st December 1860_.

The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's second letter respecting the Bishopric of Worcester,[48] just as she was going to answer the first. While not objecting to the nomination of Mr Bayley,[49] she wanted to point out the importance of, at a future vacancy, not to confine the selection to respectable parish priests, but to bear in mind that the Bench of Bishops should not be left devoid of some University men of acknowledged standing and theological learning; it would be seriously weakened if, in controversies on points of doctrine agitating the Church, no value were attached to the opinions at least of some of those who are to govern her. Lord Palmerston may now have an opportunity of selecting a stronger man of Liberal views from Cambridge.

[Footnote 48: Bishop Henry Pepys had died in November, and was
succeeded in the following January by Canon Henry Philpott of
Norwich, Master of St Catharine's College, Cambridge.]

[Footnote 49: Probably the Rev. Emilius Bayley, Rector of St
George's, Bloomsbury; now the Rev. Sir Emilius Laurie.]

[Pageheading: EPISCOPAL APPOINTMENTS]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

PICCADILLY, _2nd December 1860_.

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and very sincerely congratulates your Majesty upon the arrangement of a marriage which bids so fair to secure for Her Royal Highness the Princess Alice that happiness to which her amiable and estimable qualities so justly entitle her.

With respect to bishops, Viscount Palmerston would beg to submit that the bishops are in the Church what generals of districts are in the Army: their chief duties consist in watching over the clergy of their diocese, seeing that they perform properly their parochial duties, and preserving harmony between the clergy and the laity, and softening the asperities between the Established Church and the Dissenters. For these purposes it is desirable that a bishop should have practical knowledge of parochial functions, and should not be of an overbearing and intolerant temperament. His diocesan duties are enough to occupy all his time, and the less he engages in theological disputes the better. Much mischief has been done by theological bishops, and if the Bench were filled with men like the Bishops of Oxford and Exeter there would be no religious peace in the land. Nor have men chosen merely for their learning succeeded better; Thirlwall, Bishop of St David's, and Blomfield, the late Bishop of London, were chosen on account of their learning; the former is acknowledged to be inefficient, the latter greatly mismanaged his diocese. The theological learning of the Bishop of Exeter[50] has caused much mischief to the Established Church. Viscount Palmerston would also beg to submit that the intolerant maxims of the High Church bishops have exasperated the Dissenters who form a large portion of the nation, and have given offence to many good Churchmen. The Bishop of Exeter, the late Bishop of Carlisle,[51] and the late Bishop of Rochester,[52] the two latter individuals kind-hearted and good-natured men, refused to consecrate burial grounds unless a wall of separation divided the portion allotted to Churchmen from the portion allotted to Dissenters--a demand which gave offence to both communities. Viscount Palmerston would beg to submit that several of the bishops whom he has had the honour of recommending to your Majesty had distinguished themselves by their classical and academical attainments, and he may mention in this respect the names of Baring, Longley, Tait, Wigram, and Waldegrave. Viscount Palmerston can assure your Majesty that although his selection of bishops has been much found fault with by the High Church, Puseyite, and semi-Catholic Party, they have given great satisfaction to the nation at large, and Viscount Palmerston has received communications to that effect, verbal and written, from persons of all classes, and political parties in all parts of the country. The people of this country are essentially Protestant, they feel the deepest aversion to Catholicism, and they see that the High Church, Tractarian, and Puseyite doctrines lead men to the Church of Rome. The disgraceful scenes last year at St George's in the East[53] were only an exaggerated outburst of a very general and deeply-rooted feeling. Viscount Palmerston believes that the clergy of the Established Church were never more exemplary in the performance of their duties, more respected by the Laity and, generally speaking, on better terms with the Nonconformist body than at the present time.

[Footnote 50: Henry Phillpotts, who was Bishop from 1830 to
1869.]

[Footnote 51: The Hon. Henry Montagu Villiers, who was
transferred to Durham.]

[Footnote 52: George Murray, who had died in the previous
February.]

[Footnote 53: For a considerable period, during 1859,
discreditable scenes of brawling took place at this Church as
a protest against the High Church practices of the Rector, the
Rev. Bryan King.]

[Pageheading: AFFAIRS OF NAPLES]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th December 1860_.

MY BELOVED UNCLE,--I have to thank you for another dear letter of the 29th. I trust that you have received both mine now. We expect the Empress at half-past one, and I will certainly give her your message. She is very amiable, and one must like her. There seems to be no doubt that there were many scenes, partly about the Pope, and also on account of her sister's funeral; she was so angry with Fould about it that she insisted on his dismissal.[54] Then the Priests are said to try and work upon her, and say that her son will die if the Emperor continues _dans cette voie_ against the Pope.

We saw Mr Elliot[55] from Naples yesterday, who has always been very fair. He says that _if_, when the King came to the Throne, he had _only_ insisted on the laws of the country being properly carried out, _no_ reforms or change in the Constitution would have been necessary--but from the want of energy, and also no strength of intellect and great indecision of character of the poor King, as well as an unfortunate _Pietaet_ for the memory of his father, nothing right was done; bad counsellors surrounded him, the Queen Mother had a bad influence, and finally everything was given up as lost--when it might yet have been prevented. They dislike extremely being annexed, but prefer it to having back the former state of things.

We have since ten or twelve days almost incessant rain, so that we shall soon be on an island. This is the more distressing as we can't go to Osborne at present--there being a sort of epidemic fever which the doctors declare is in the air and that it would be running too great a risk if we went. But we have perpetual sunshine in the house when we look at our dear young lovers, who are _so_ happy, so devoted to each other, that it does one good to see it; he is so modest and unassuming that we feel as if he was one of our own children; and he is _so_ good and amiable, has such an open honest character, such a warm heart, such high principles, and is withal so merry and _aufgeweckt_ that I feel we have _gained_ a son and shall _not_ lose a daughter--for we shall be able to have them a good deal with us, Louis not having any duties to detain him much at home at present. I can't say what happiness and comfort it is to me. I feel my dear child will first of all have a peaceful, quiet, happy home, without difficulties--and secondly, that she will not be entirely cut off from us and monopolised as our poor Vicky is.

I add a few lines since we have seen the Empress. She came at half-past one, and stayed till a little after three. She looked very pretty, but very sad--and in speaking of her health and of her return from Algiers began to cry. She seems to be much better, however, for her journey; before she could neither eat nor sleep, nor would she take notice of anything. She never mentioned the Emperor but once when she offered his compliments, and there was not the slightest allusion to politics. It is altogether very strange. She remains another week in England, and then goes back as she came. I gave her your message, and she enquired after you. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 54: See _ante_, 15th May, 1859, note 38.]

[Footnote 55: See _ante_, 17th July, 1859, note 62.]

[Pageheading: VISIT OF THE EMPRESS EUGENIE]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_Windsor Castle, 11th December 1860_.

MY BELOVED UNCLE,--I have to thank you for two _most_ kind letters of the 4th and 7th. Your kind interest in our dear child's happiness--your approval of this marriage of our dear Alice, which, I cannot deny, has been for _long_ an ardent wish of mine, and just therefore I feared _so_ much it _never_ would come to pass, gives us the greatest pleasure. _Now_--that _all_ has been so _happily_ settled, and that I find the young man so very charming--my joy, and my _deep_ gratitude to God are very great! He is so loveable, so very _young_, and like one of our own children--not the _least in the way_--but a dear, pleasant, _bright_ companion, full of fun and spirits, and I am _sure_ will be a _great_ comfort to us, besides being an excellent husband to our dear, good Alice, who, though radiant with joy and much in love (which well she may be), is as quiet and sensible as possible.

The Empress is still here, and enjoys her liberty of _all_ things. We went to town for the Smithfield Cattle Show yesterday, and visited her at Claridge's Hotel. She very civilly wanted us to avoid the trouble, but we felt that it would not be civil if we did not, and that hereafter even the French might say that she had not been treated with due respect. She looked very pretty, and was in very good spirits, but again carefully avoided any allusion to her husband and to politics, though she talked a great deal about all she was seeing!...

I must now wish you good-bye. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

TO CHAPTER XXX

Early in 1861--a year destined to close in sorrow and desolation--Queen Victoria experienced a heavy grief in the death of her mother, the Duchess of Kent, at the age of seventy-four.

In January, fresh overtures were made to Lord Palmerston by the Conservative leaders, with a view of supporting him in office against the dissentients in his Ministry, especially Lord John Russell and Mr Gladstone, whose views on the questions of Reform and National Defence respectively were opposed to those of the Premier. Lord Palmerston was indifferent to the support of Mr Gladstone; but a unity of view on the Italian policy of the Government held the three Liberal statesmen together.

The attack on the Paper Duties was repeated by Mr Gladstone, who, on this occasion, combined all his fiscal proposals in a single Bill. The measure, after strong opposition, passed the Commons by a majority of fifteen, and the Peers subsequently accepted the Budget, which took a penny off the income tax, while maintaining the existing tea and sugar Duties. In July, Lord John Russell, who had entered Parliament in 1813, before he came of age and had been leader of the House of Commons at the time of the Queen's accession, was transferred to the House of Lords. In August, the Queen and the Prince Consort, with the Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred, paid a third visit to Ireland.

The affairs of Italy still continued to attract public attention. At the end of 1860, the French fleet had been despatched to Gaeta to protect the interests of King Francis; this protection, given in violation of the principle of non-intervention, was withdrawn in January, and the garrison surrendered to the Piedmontese Admiral. On the 18th of February, the new Parliament of Italy met at Turin, the debates emphasising the vital necessity of including both Rome and Venetia in a united nation; Victor Emmanuel was declared King of Italy, a title promptly recognised by Great Britain; but in June, to the profound grief of the Italian nation, Cavour, its Prime Minister, and the mainspring of the Piedmontese policy, died while still in the prime of life.

King Frederick William of Prussia had died in January, and was succeeded by his brother, William I., Prince of Prussia, who was crowned with Queen Augusta, at Koenigsberg, on the 18th of October, Lord Clarendon attending as British representative. In the following month, King Pedro of Portugal, son and successor of Donna Maria, and his brother Ferdinand, died of typhoid fever; another brother, Prince John, succumbed to the same malady before the close of the year.

Events of great importance took place in North America, where the secession of South Carolina was followed by that of other Southern States. The delegates of the latter assembled in February at Montgomery, Alabama, and nominated Jefferson Davis as their President, Abraham Lincoln having been previously elected as the new President of the United States. The first shot had been fired, on the 9th of January, in Charleston Harbour, where a Secessionist battery opened its guns on a vessel sent by the Federal Government to reinforce Fort Sumter. In April, the Confederate troops attacked the Fort, which was compelled to surrender, whereupon President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers; President Davis replied by issuing (in default of an official fleet) letters of marque to privately owned vessels, and Lincoln declared the Southern ports in a state of blockade. In May, Lord John Russell announced that the British Government would recognise the South as a belligerent power, and a proclamation of neutrality was issued. At Bull Run, on the 21st of July, the Federals were defeated, and fled in confusion to Washington. Hostilities continued during the year, and Great Britain was nearly involved in war, by the seizure, on the 8th of November, by the captain of a Federal vessel, the _San Jacinto_, of Messrs Slidell and Mason, the envoys accredited by the Confederate States to Great Britain and France. This high-handed action was taken while the envoys in question were passengers to Europe, by the British mail steamer _Trent_, between Havana and St Thomas, and the public mind of Great Britain was greatly excited in consequence; but eventually the envoys were transferred to a British ship-of-war, and arrived in Great Britain, not, however, until in view of a threatened aggression on British North America, troops had been despatched from England to strengthen the Canadian garrisons on the frontier. The despatch of Lord Russell to the American Government, which led to a pacific result, had been revised by Prince Albert, in the direction of leaving open to that Government an honourable retreat from the aggressive attitude they had taken up; the Prince's action in this respect, the beneficial effect of which it would be difficult to exaggerate, was destined to be the last of a long series of political services rendered to this country.