old Tories say they
will certainly _not_ support them; they very truly say Lord
Derby's party--that is those who want to get into office _coute que
coute_--whether the country suffers for it or not, wanted to get in
under _false colours_, and that they won't support or abide--which
they are _quite_ right in. There is reason to hope that a better class
of men will be returned, and returned to support the Government, not a
particular cry of this or that.... Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.[14]

[Footnote 14: In his address to the electors of Tiverton,
the Premier declared that "an insolent barbarian, wielding
authority at Canton, had violated the British flag, broken
the engagements of treaties, offered rewards for the heads
of British subjects in that part of China, and planned their
destruction by murder, assassination, and poison." The courage
and good temper displayed by Lord Palmerston, and the energy
with which he had carried the country through the Crimean
struggle, had won him widespread popularity, and the Peace
party were generally routed, the prominent members all losing
their seats. The Peelite ranks were also thinned, but Lord
John Russell, contrary to general expectation, held his
seat in the City. There were one hundred and eighty-nine new
members returned, and the Ministry found themselves in command
of a handsome majority.]

_Earl Granville to Queen Victoria._

[_Undated._ ? _19th May 1857._]

Lord Granville presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to
submit that the Lord Chancellor made the best statement he has yet
done, introducing his Divorce Bill.[15]... Lord Lyndhurst made a most
able speech in favour of the Bill, but wished it to go further,
and give permission to a woman to sue for a divorce if she was
"maliciously deserted" by her husband.... The Bishop of Oxford
pretended that he was not going to speak at all, in order to secure
his following instead of preceding the Bishop of London; but upon
a division being called he was obliged to speak, and did so with
considerable force and eloquence, but betraying the greatest possible
preparation. The Bishop of London, after showing that the Bishop
of Oxford's speech was a repetition of Mr Keble's speech, made an
excellent answer. The Debate was finished by the Duke of Argyll.

For the Bill, 47. Against it, 18.

[Footnote 15: Before this date a di