thought that as public affairs would not admit of our at once
confining ourselves to this subject, we should take it up the
first thing next session, and send up a new bill. Practical, as
well as other, objections were taken to this mode of proceeding,
and opposition was continued on the merits; Lord Palmerston keen
and persevering. He was supported by the Chancellor, Wood,
Granville (in substance), Lewis, and Cardwell, who thought nothing
could be done, but were ready to join in resigning if thought fit.
Lord John, Gibson, and I were for decided action. Argyll leaned
the same way. Newcastle was for inquiry to end in a declaratory
resolution. Villiers thought some step necessary. Grey argued
mildly, inclined I think to inaction. Herbert advised resignation,
opposed any other course. Somerset was silent, which I conceive
meant inaction. At last Palmerston gave in, and adopted with but
middling grace the proposition to set out with inquiries, and with
the intention to make as little of the matter as he could.

His language in giving notice, on Tuesday, of the committee went
near the verge of saying, We mean nothing. An unsatisfactory
impression was left on the House. Not a syllable was said in
recognition of the gravity of the occasion. Lord John had
unfortunately gone away to the foreign office. I thought I should
do mischief at that stage by appearing to catch at a part in the
transaction. Yesterday all was changed by the dignified
declaration of Lord John. I suggested to him that he should get
up, and Lord Palmerston, who had intended to keep the matter in
his own hands, gave way. But Lord Palmerston was uneasy and said,
"You won't pitch it into the Lords," and other things of the same
kind. On the whole, I hope that in this grave matter at least we
have turned the corner.

As we know, even the fighting party in the cabinet was forced to content
itself for the moment with three protesting resolutions. Lord Palmerston
and his chancellor of the exchequer both spoke in parliament. "The tone of
the two remonstrances," says Mr. Gladstone euphemistically, "could not be
in exact accord; but by careful steering on my part, and I presume on his,
all occasion of scandal was avoided." Not altogether, perhaps. Phillimore
says:--

_July 6._--A strange and memorable debate. Palmerston moving
resolution co