who
called on Lady Derby this morning, assures her that Lord John Russell
does not desire the fall of your Majesty's present Government, and
that in no case will he enter into any combination with the Radical
Party, a declaration quite at variance with the course he has pursued
since Parliament met.

Of course Lord Derby, in these circumstances, has not taken any step
whatever towards exercising the discretion with which your Majesty was
graciously pleased to entrust him this morning.[49] He much regrets
having to send your Majesty so unsatisfactory a statement, and has
desired to have the latest intelligence sent up to him of what may
pass in the House of Commons, and he will endeavour to keep your
Majesty informed of any new occurrence which any hour may produce.

_Half-past six._

Lord Derby has just heard from the House of Commons that Sir James
Graham has given the history of the framing of the Amendment, and has
expressed his intention, if Lord Palmerston's Amendment be accepted,
to advise Mr Villiers to withdraw. Mr Gladstone has held the same
language; there appears to be much difference of opinion, but Lord
Derby would think that the probable result will be the adoption of
Lord Palmerston's proposition. He fears this will lead to a good deal
of discontent among the supporters of the Government; but a different
course would run imminent risk of defeat.

[Footnote 49: The Queen had allowed him to enter into
negotiations with the Peelites and Lord Palmerston on the
distinct understanding that the latter could not receive the
lead of the House of Commons.]

[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON]

_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._

HOUSE OF COMMONS, _26th November 1852._
(_Half-past one o'clock_ A.M.)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty,
reports to your Majesty that the House of Commons has this moment
divided on Mr Villiers' resolution, and in a House of nearly 600
members they have been rejected by a majority of 80.[50]

The debate was very animated and amusing, from the rival narratives of
the principal projectors of the demonstration, who, having quarrelled
among themselves, entered into secret and--in a Party sense--somewhat
scandalous revelations, to the diversion and sometimes astonishment of
the House.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer deeply regrets that, having been
obliged to quit the House early yesterday, he was unable to forward a
bullet