are obstructing a pacific arrangement
here, they are rendered much more serious by the discussions in
the French Chamber on the Secret Service money, when the insolent
and extravagant speeches in favour of keeping up the _isolement_
and the state of armed observation were hailed with vociferous
applause; and this frantic violence is the Parliamentary response
to the calm and dignified expression of peace and goodwill to
France which marked our first Parliamentary night, and in which
the leaders of all parties joined with equal cordiality. If this
goes on, and if Guizot is not strong enough to give effect to his
pacific disposition and to venture upon a reconciliation, all
amicable feelings towards France will be swallowed up in a
general sentiment of indignation at her insolence; and instead of
wasting any more time in fruitless endeavours to bring her back
into the councils of Europe, we shall begin to think of the means
of securing ourselves against any possible effects of her ill-
will and obstinate resentment. Those who have most strongly
advocated the French alliance will be soon ready to cement that
of the four great Powers, to curb the extravagant pretensions and
mischievous designs of France, if the latter does not come to her
senses and descend from her high horse very soon.

March 4th, 1841 {p.381}

Yesterday morning Dedel, who was pretty accurately acquainted
with all that has lately passed, called on me. His account
confirmed my notions. The other Ministers of the Conference had
told Bourqueney what he was to expect at his conference with
Palmerston. When, therefore, the latter tendered him the draft of
the Convention, he said, 'This is very well, but have you nothing
else to give me?' 'No,' said Palmerston; 'what do you mean? I
know of nothing else.' 'Have you not also a Protocol, announcing
the _cloture_ to propose to me?' 'Oh no; that is impossible.
There has been a question of such a Protocol, but great
difficulties have arisen. Chekib says he cannot agree to such a
Protocol without previous application to his Court and receiving
a specific authority.' On this, Bourqueney very indignantly said,
'he must know it was quite useless to offer him the one without
the other, as the formal termination of the alliance of July was
an indispensable preliminary of any convention to which France
could be a party.' A warm conversation followed, in the course of
which (as Dedel says), Bourqueney saying, 'Nous ne