rsigny, which is a real loss--but he
would resign. Walewski behaved ill to him. The Emperor has, however,
named a successor which is _really_ a compliment to the Army and the
Alliance--and besides a distinguished and independent man, viz. the
Duc de Malakhoff.[19] This is very gratifying.

In all this business, Pelissier has, I hear, behaved extremely well. I
must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 17: Marie Henriette, Duchess of Brabant, afterwards
Queen of the Belgians; died 1902.]

[Footnote 18: Princess Louise of Belgium was born on the 4th
of February.]

[Footnote 19: Formerly General Pelissier; see _ante_, 14th
September, 1855, note 80.]

[Pageheading: THE HOUSE OF COMMONS]

_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._

HOUSE OF COMMONS, _23rd March 1858_.
(_Tuesday._)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer with his humble duty to your Majesty.

The discussion on the Passport Question, this evening, was not without
animation; the new Under-Secretary, Mr Fitzgerald,[20] makes way with
the House. He is very acute and quick in his points, but does not
speak loud enough. His tone is conversational, which is the best
for the House of Commons, and the most difficult; but then the
conversation should be heard. The general effect of the discussion was
favourable to the French Government.

In a thin House afterwards, the Wife's Sister Bill was brought
in after a division. Your Majesty's Government had decided among
themselves to permit the introduction, but a too zealous member of the
Opposition forced an inopportune division.

[Footnote 20: William Robert Seymour Vesey Fitzgerald, M.P.
for Horsham 1852-1865. He was Governor of Bombay 1867-1872.]

_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._

HOUSE OF COMMONS, _25th March 1858_.
(_Thursday._)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer with his humble duty to your Majesty.

The Lease of the Lord-Lieutenancy was certainly renewed to-night--and
for some years. The majority was very great against change at present,
and the future, which would justify it, it was agreed, should be the
very decided opinion of the Irish members. It was left in short to
Ireland.

The Debate was not very animated, but had two features--a most
admirable speech by Lord Naas,[21] quite the model of an official
statement, clear, calm, courteous, persuasive, and full of knowledge;
it received the praises of both sides.

The other incident notice