ter the
Government had only a few days before had a majority of more than 100
on the introduction of their Bill. He did not know how it came about,
but thought it was the work of Lord John Russell and Sir James Graham
in the interest of the Radicals; Mr Gladstone's junction must have
been accidental. As to his own people, they had, owing to his
own personal exertions, as the Queen was aware, though many very
unwillingly, supported the Bill; but the amendment of Mr Milner Gibson
was so skilfully worded, that it was difficult for them not to vote
for it; he had to admit this when they came to him to ask what they
should do, merely warning them to save the Measure itself, which the
Amendment did. He then blamed the Government very much for leaving
Count Walewski's despatch unanswered before coming before Parliament,
which he could hardly understand.

[Footnote 8: Summoning him to advise her.]

On the Queen telling him that the Government had resigned, and that
she commissioned him to form a new Administration, he begged that
this offer might not be made to him without further consideration, and
would state clearly his own position. After what had happened in 1851
and 1855, if the Queen made the offer he _must_ accept it, for if he
refused, the Conservative Party would be broken up for ever. Yet
he would find a majority of two to one against him in the House of
Commons, would have difficulty in well filling the important offices,
found the external and internal relations of the country in a
most delicate and complicated position, war in India and in China,
difficulties with France, the Indian Bill introduced and a Reform
Bill promised; nothing but the forbearance and support of some of his
opponents would make it possible for him to carry on any Government.
The person who was asked first by the Sovereign had always a great
disadvantage; perhaps other combinations were possible, which, if
found not to answer, would make him more readily accepted by the
country. The position of Lord Palmerston was a most curious one,
the House of Commons had been returned chiefly for the purpose of
supporting him _personally_, and he had obtained a working majority
of 100 (unheard of since the Reform Bill), yet his supporters had no
principles in common and they generally suspected him; the question of
the Reform Bill had made him and Lord John run a race for popularity
which might lead to disastrous consequences. Lord Derby did not at