the necessity of giving the Garter in
return, and was at its second offer accepted by the Prince, together
with the first orders of almost every country, on the understanding
that no return would be expected. It would have been impossible to
give the Garter to every Sovereign, and very difficult to make a
selection. The Queen of Spain ought to be made aware of the fact that
among the reigning Sovereigns, the Emperors of Austria and Brazil,
and the Kings of Sweden, Denmark, Bavaria, Holland, Sardinia, Naples,
Greece, etc., etc., have not got the Garter, although many of them
have expressed a wish for it, and that amongst the Kings Consort, the
King of Portugal, the Queen's first cousin, has not received it yet,
although the Queen has long been anxious to give it to him.

Anything short of these explanations might offend, or leave the claim
open to be repeated from time to time.

[Footnote 17: The Queen of Spain had expressed a desire
through Lord Howden to receive the Order of the Garter.]

[Pageheading: EXTENSION OF THE FRANCHISE]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

DOWNING STREET, _14th October 1851._

Lord Carlisle, Lord Minto, and Sir Charles Wood are appointed a
Committee to consider of the extension of the Suffrage. They meet
to-morrow. Lord John Russell expects to see Mr Peel to-morrow. It is
proposed that Parliament should meet on the 3rd or 5th of February....

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th October 1851._

The Queen does not consider the Committee appointed to consider the
extension of the Franchise a very strong one. Will Lord Carlisle be up
to the peculiar business?

[Pageheading: KOSSUTH IN ENGLAND]

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._[18]

WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th October 1851._

The Queen concludes Lord John Russell has read the accounts of
Kossuth's arrival in to-day's papers.

She wishes Lord John could still try to prevent Lord Palmerston from
receiving him. The effect it will have abroad will do us immense harm.
At all events, Lord John should take care to have it understood that
the Government have not sanctioned it, and that it is a private act of
Lord Palmerston's.

The Queen will else have again to submit to insults and affronts,
which are the result of Lord Palmerston's conduct.

[Footnote 18: Substance of the note to Lord John Russell,
written down from recollection.]

_Lord John Russell to Queen