Chapter XXI

Signs of the Weakness of Government--The Irish Coercion
Bill--Lord John Russell on Ireland--Protectionist Opposition--The
Oregon Question--Lord Brougham canvassed--Weakness of the
Protectionists--Embarrassments of the Government--Violence of the
Protectionists--The Victories in India--Change of Opinion amongst
the Farmers--State of Ireland--Intentions of the Government--Lord
Palmerston visits Paris--A Scheme of Alliance with the
Protectionists--Lord John Russell's Resolution--Lord Stanley's
Violence--The Duke of Wellington's Dissatisfaction--Anecdote of
the Father of Sir Robert Peel--Sir Robert Peel and Disraeli--Lord
Palmerston in Paris--Irish Coercion Bill--The Protectionist
Alliance--Conversation with Sir Robert Peel--Conversation with Sir
James Graham--The Factory Bill--The last Debate in the Commons
on the Corn Bill--Intrigues with the Protectionists--Defeated by
Lord John Russell--Meeting at Lansdowne House--Fine Speech of
Lord Stanley--'Alarm' wins the Emperor's Cup--Violent Attacks
on Sir Robert Peel--The Conduct of Sir Robert Peel to Mr.
Canning--Brougham and Stanley in the Lords--Opposition of the
Whigs to the Coercion Bill--Anxiety of Lord John Russell to get
back to Office--Mr. Disraeli renews the Attack on Peel--Lord
George Bentinck and Disraeli worsted by Peel 374