e a predominating influence over all European
affairs. She would accordingly not object to see that Agent accredited
there in whom she herself places the greatest confidence. But
according to the same principle, she must insist that the posts
of Berlin and Frankfort, which in her opinion are of nearly equal
importance, should be filled by men capable of dealing with the
complicated and dangerous political questions now in agitation there,
and the just appreciation and judicious treatment of which are of
the highest importance to the peace of Europe, and therefore to the
welfare of England.

Before the Queen therefore decides upon Lord Palmerston's new
proposals, she wishes to know _whom_ he could recommend for the post
of Frankfort in the event of Lord Cowley leaving it, and thinks it
but right to premise that in giving her sanction to the proposals
Lord Palmerston may have to submit, she will be guided entirely by the
principle set forth above.

[Footnote 3: Lord Palmerston had altered his mind as to
certain proposed diplomatic changes, and suggested the
appointment of Sir Hamilton Seymour to Berlin, Lord Bloomfield
to Lisbon, Lord Cowley to Petersburg, Mr Jerningham, Sir Henry
Ellis, or Sir Richard Pakenham to Frankfort.]

[Pageheading: DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENTS]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

CHESHAM PLACE, _12th January 1851._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
has the honour to state that Mr Disraeli brought forward his Motion
yesterday.[4] His speech was long and elaborate, but not that of a man
who was persuaded he was undertaking a good cause.

He proposed nothing specific, but said nothing offensive.

The doubts about the division increase. Mr Hayter reckoned yesterday
on a majority of three! Sir James Graham is of opinion Lord Stanley
will not undertake anything desperate. He will speak in favour of
Government to-morrow, when the division will probably take place.

[Footnote 4: On agricultural distress; the Motion was lost by
fourteen only in a large House.]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th February 1851._

The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday, and
has to state in answer her decision in favour of the original plan of
appointments, viz. of Sir H. Seymour to Petersburg, Lord Bloomfield
to Berlin, and Sir R. Pakenham to Lisbon. The Queen quite agrees with
Lord