r claims, he was accused
of arrogance towards his chief. This, however, was a dilemma, the vexations
of which wore off as places were apportioned and the Ministry got to its
work; there was a more fatal incongruity in his position. He was
technically a subordinate Minister, pledged to reform (as Prime Minister he
had opposed a Radical Reform Bill on the ground that he would introduce his
own), and the representative of the strongest party, also pledged to
reform, in a coalition Cabinet anxious for the most part to seize the first
excuse to postpone it indefinitely. In ordinary circumstances, if thwarted
by his colleagues he would have resigned; but as it turned out, their
excuse for thwarting him was at the same time the strongest claim on his
loyalty. They made Crimean difficulties at once an excuse for postponing
reform and for urging him to postpone his resignation.

At first, however, as far as those who were not behind the scenes could
see, all went smoothly with the Coalition. The work of the session was
admirably carried out. Lord John entered the Cabinet as Foreign Secretary;
but as the duties of that office combined with the leadership of the House
of Commons were too much for one man, he resigned, remaining in the Cabinet
without office until 1854, when he became Colonial Secretary. The great
event of the session was Gladstone's famous first Budget.

_Lord John to Lady John Russell_

_April_ 19, 1853

Gladstone's speech was magnificent, and I think his plan will
do.... I think we shall carry this Budget, as Gladstone has put it
so clearly that hardly a Liberal can vote with Disraeli to put him
in our place. It rejoices me to be party to a large plan, and to
have to do with a man who seeks to benefit the country rather than
to carry a majority by concessions to fear.

_Lady John to Lord John Russell_

PEMBROKE LODGE, _April_ 20, 1853

I am delighted with Gladstone's Budget. I don't pretend to judge of
all its details, but such of its proposals as I understand are all
to my mind, and the spirit and temper of the whole speech
admirable; so bold, so benevolent, so mild, so uncompromising. I
read it aloud to Lizzy and the girls, and we were in the middle of
it when your letter came telling us how fine it had been.... Surely
you will carry it? I feel no fear, except of your allowing it to be
damaged in the carrying.

_Mrs. Glads