that between
Neuchatel and the Diet. I have, in anticipation of any such event,
instructed Sir Stratford Canning to exert himself to his utmost to
dissuade the Diet from any plan of aggression on your territory, and
he has been furnished with an able and elaborate state paper for his
guidance, which Chevalier Bunsen had drawn up, discussing the legal
merits of the case. Should events prove that Sir S. Canning did
not arrive in time, or had not the power of averting a hostile step
against Neuchatel, you may rely upon my readiness at all times to
put my good offices at your disposal. Should a conference upon Swiss
affairs still become necessary, I conceive that the only plea upon
which the great Powers could meet in conference would be their having
guaranteed the independence and neutrality of Switzerland, and by
implication the Federal Compact amongst the Cantons. This has not been
the case with regard to the German Confederation, and I do not readily
see in consequence how the Confederation could be admitted into this
Conference, however much I confess I would like to see Germany take
her place amongst the Powers of Europe, to which her strength and
population fairly entitle her. I may say that my Government are
equally impressed with me with the importance of German unity and
strength and of this strength weighing in the balance of power
of Europe; I am sure that the English public generally share this
feeling, but I must not conceal from your Majesty that much would
depend upon the manner in which this power was represented. Much
as the English would like to see this power represented by the
enlightened councils of your Majesty, they would be animated with very
different feelings in seeing it in the hands of Prince Metternich ...

VICTORIA R.

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._

OSBORNE, _19th December 1847._

The Queen has to acknowledge the receipt of several letters from
Lord John Russell. She was pleased to see that the Debates have been
brought to such a satisfactory conclusion, all the propositions of
the Government having passed with such good majorities. The Queen must
mention to Lord John that she was a little shocked at Sir Charles Wood
in his speech upon the Commission of Inquiry, designating the _future
Government_, and selecting Lord George Bentinck, Mr Disraeli(!), and
Mr Herries as the persons destined to hold _high offices_ in the next
Government.

The Bishops behave extremely ill abou