ueen is prepared to
accept.[44]

[Footnote 44: Ultimately the Cabinet recommended the
modification of the declaration of neutrality by the insertion
of the words "between them"; so as to run: "I intend to
maintain _between them_ a strict and impartial neutrality,"
etc.; and in the second paragraph proposed to omit the words
"with no object of aggression, but"--and adopting the form
of the Queen's paragraph, but omitting the words referring
to possible complications, to leave it thus: "Considering,
however, the present state of Europe, I have deemed it
necessary for the security of my Dominions," etc.]

[Pageheading: NEGOTIATIONS WITH RUSSIA]

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Malmesbury._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _5th June 1859_.

The Queen has read Lord Cowley's letter with regret. Nothing could
be more dangerous and unwise than at this moment to enter into
negotiations with Russia on the best manner of disposing of the
Emperor of Austria's dominions. The Queen cannot understand how Lord
Cowley can propose anything so indefensible in a moral point of view.

[Pageheading: DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS]

_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._

HOUSE OF COMMONS [? _7th June 1859_.]
(_Tuesday, quarter-past eight o'clock._)

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

Lord Hartington[45] spoke like a gentleman; was badly seconded.

Chancellor of Exchequer rose immediately at six o'clock, and is just
down. The House very full, and very enthusiastic.

The Chancellor of Exchequer presumes to say he thinks he satisfied his
friends.[46]

[Footnote 45: Lord Hartington, afterwards eighth Duke of
Devonshire, moved an Amendment to the Address, expressing a
want of confidence in the Ministry.]

[Footnote 46: He flung his taunts right and left at the now
united Opposition, and was especially bitter against Sir
James Graham. Referring to the Liberal meeting on the 6th,
Mr Disraeli reminded the House that Willis's Rooms had, as
Almack's, formerly been maintained by fashionable patronesses.
"The distinguished assemblies that met within those walls
were controlled by a due admixture of dowagers and youthful
beauties--young reputations and worn celebrities--and it was
the object of all social ambition to enter there. Now Willis's
Rooms are under the direction of patrons, and there are two of
these patrons