Chapter IV

The Conference at Olmütz--The Turks declare War--Lord Palmerston's Views--Lord Palmerston lauded by the Radicals and the Tories--Failure of the Pacific Policy--Lord Aberdeen desires to resign--Lord John to be Prime Minister--Obstacles to Lord John's Pretensions--Danger of breaking up the Government--Lord John's Wilfulness and Unpopularity--Alliance of the Northern Powers defeated by Manteuffel--Conflict of the two Policies--Meeting of Parliament discussed--French Refugees in Belgium--General Baraquay d'Hilliers sent to Constantinople--Mr. Reeve returns from the East--Lord John's Reform Bill--The Emperor of Russia writes to the Queen--Sir James Graham's Views on Reform, &c.--Opponents of the Reform Scheme--Abortive Attempts at Negotiation--The Four Powers agree to a Protocol--Lord Palmerston threatens to secede--Lord Palmerston resigns on the Reform Scheme--Lord Palmerston opposed to Reform--Effects of Lord Palmerston's Resignation--Conciliatory Overtures--Lord Lansdowne's Position--Lord Aberdeen's Account--Lady Palmerston makes up the Dispute--Lord Palmerston withdraws his Resignation--Baraquay d'Hilliers refuses to enter the Black Sea--War resolved on--Review of the transaction _page 92_

CHAPTER V.

Lord Palmerston's Return--The Czar's Designs--Uncertain Prospects--A Dinner of Lawyers--Preparations for War--The Reform Scheme modified--Russian Preparations for War--Entry of the Black Sea--Intrigues of France with Russia--Attacks on Prince Albert--Virulence of the Press--Attitude of Russia--Reluctance on both sides to engage in War--Prince Albert's Participation in Affairs of State--Opening of Parliament--Vindication of Prince Albert--Offer of Marriage of Prince Napoleon to Princess Mary of Cambridge--Publication of the Queen's Speech--The Hesitation of Austria--Justification of the War--The Blue Books--Popularity of the War--Last Efforts for Peace--The Emperor Napoleon's Letter--Lord John's Reform Bill--Difficulties arising--The Greeks--Objections to the Reform Bill--Postponement of the Reform Bill _page 121_