Chapter VI: Troubles in the State, and Happiness at Home. Page

Growing Unpopularity of the Melbourne Administration--The Stockdale Case--Approaching Fall of the Government--Financial Embarrassments--Lord John Russell’s Proposal with respect to the Corn Laws--Defeat of the Ministry--General Election, and Conservative Majority--Views of Prince Albert--Settlement of the “Bedchamber” Question--Wise Counsel of the Prince and Baron Stockmar--Visits of the Queen to Places of Interest--Troublesome Loyalty--Launch of the _Trafalgar_--The Melbourne Government and Free Trade--Speech from the Throne on the Meeting of the New Parliament--Vote of Want of Confidence in the Government--Resignation of Ministers--Final Years of Lord Melbourne--Formation and Chief Objects of Sir Robert Peels Administration--The High Church Movement in England--Disruption of the Church of Scotland--Lord Melbourne’s Opinion of Prince Albert--Sir Robert Peel and the Prince--Public Appearances of the Latter in Connection with Social and Artistic Questions--Birth and Christening of the Prince of Wales--Meeting of Parliament for the Session of 1842--Splendid Festivities at Court--Attempts of Francis and Bean to Shoot her Majesty 89