ut any loss of life will cause a deep and rankling resentment. I
trust, for this and every reason, that all may pass off quietly. I
have the honour to be, your Royal Highness's most obedient Servant,

J. RUSSELL.

[Footnote 11: Chief Commissioner of Police, afterwards Sir
C. Rowan, K.C.B. The Chartist meeting had been fixed for the
10th.]

[Pageheading: THE UNEMPLOYED]

_The Prince Albert to Lord John Russell._

OSBORNE, _10th April 1848._

MY DEAR LORD JOHN,--To-day the strength of the Chartists and all
evil-disposed people in the country will be brought to the test
against the force of the law, the Government, and the good sense of
the country. I don't feel doubtful for a moment who will be found
the stronger, but should be exceedingly mortified if anything like a
commotion was to take place, as it would shake _that_ confidence which
the whole of Europe reposes in our stability at this moment, and upon
which will depend the prosperity of the country. I have enquired a
good deal into the state of employment about London, and I find, to
my great regret, that the number of workmen of all trades out of
employment is _very_ large, and that it has been increased by the
reduction of all the works under Government, owing to the clamour for
economy in the House of Commons. Several hundred workmen have been
discharged at Westminster Palace; at Buckingham Palace much fewer
hands are employed than are really wanted; the formation of Battersea
Park has been suspended, etc., etc. Surely this is not the moment for
the tax-payers to economise upon the working classes! And though
I don't wish our Government to follow Louis Blanc in his system of
_organisation du travail_,[12] I think the Government is bound to do
what it can to help the working classes over the present moment of
distress. It may do this consistently with real economy in its
own works, whilst the reductions on the part of the Government are
followed by all private individuals as a sign of the times. I have
before this spoken to Lord Morpeth[13] upon this subject, but I wish
to bring it specially under your consideration at the present moment.
Ever yours truly,

ALBERT.

[Footnote 12: Alluding to the _Ateliers Nationaux_, to
be established under the guidance of a Council of
Administration.]

[Footnote 13: Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests.]

[Pageheading: FEARGUS O'CONNOR]

_Lord John Russell to Queen