tween the different political factions by which Spain is distracted.

This marriage, however, has always been a favourite project with
Austria and the Northern Courts; and it has also been apparently
supported by the French Government. It cannot be denied that at
first sight there are many considerations by which it may seem to be
recommended; but the weight of these can only be duly estimated by the
authorities and people of Spain.

The same may be said respecting the marriage of the Queen with any
other Spanish Prince, a descendant of Philip V. which, in the opinion
of many, would be most agreeable to the feelings and prejudices of
the nation. To this project also it appears that the French Government
have recently assented.

Lord Aberdeen humbly thinks that the interests of this country and of
all Europe are deeply concerned in the exclusion of a French Prince
from the possibility of receiving the hand of the Queen; and that it
would not be a wise policy to oppose any marriage by which this should
be effected, consistently with the free choice of the Queen, and
the sanction of the Spanish Government and people. The avowed
predilections of Queen Christina, and her increased means of influence
recently acquired, render this a matter of considerable anxiety and
importance at the present moment.

[Pageheading: PARLIAMENTARY OBSTRUCTION]

_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th August 1843._

The Queen cannot refrain from writing a line to express her
indignation at the very unjustifiable manner in which the minority
of thirteen members obstructs the progress of business.[55] She
hopes that every attempt will be made to put an end to what is really
indecent conduct. Indeed, how is business to go on at all if such
vexatious opposition prevails? At all events, the Queen hopes that
Sir Robert will make _no kind_ of concession to these gentlemen, which
[could] encourage them to go on in the same way.

The Queen forgot to say this morning that she thinks it would be
better that the Investiture of the Thistle should be put off for the
present.

[Footnote 55: By opposition to the Bill removing doubts as to
the admission of Ministers in Scotland.]

_Queen Victoria to Sir James Graham._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd August 1843._

The Queen returns these papers to Sir J. Graham, and thinks that this
important Memorial[56] should _not_ be decided on without the opinion
of the House