ments of the
other Allies, as we must not do or say anything which might
disturb our harmony with them. This caution, and not any
indisposition to take the matter up, was the reason no notice was
taken in the House of Commons last night, and they are now
waiting for further information to determine what course to take.

[13] [M. Stuermer was the Austrian Internuncio at
Constantinople.]

March 14th, 1841

[Page Head: BAD EFFECT OF THE HATTI-SHERIF.]

On Friday, Francis Egerton put questions to Palmerston, and Peel
took a part. He told me that he was much surprised at the way in
which Palmerston received as well as answered them, as they had
intended nothing hostile and thought it was doing him a service,
and affording him an opportunity of explaining away the bad
effect of the Hatti-sherif, but that he took it very ill, and
answered with evident embarrassment. From his manner, and the way
in which Labouchere cheered when Palmerston said that their
intention had been to give a _bona fide heredite_ to Mehemet Ali,
he inferred there was some disagreement in the Cabinet.

Yesterday Reeve went off to Paris, having had a conference with
Lord Lansdowne, who not only expressed his dissatisfaction with
the firman, but authorised him to say so to M. Guizot, and to
assure him that this was the sentiment of the Government, and
that it was quite inconsistent with any instructions to Ponsonby
_which he had ever seen or heard of_.

The Tories were extremely dissatisfied with Palmerston's answers
the other night, but they have an extraordinary reluctance to
provoke any discussion on foreign affairs, though he is so
vulnerable on all points. It is, however, highly probable that
the matter will not be suffered to rest here. In such a manner
does one bold, unscrupulous, and able man predominate over his
colleagues, one of whom is John Russell, not less bold at times,
and as able as himself; but of a quiet disposition, shrinking
from contest, controversy, and above all, I take it, from the
labyrinth of underhand dealing which he must thread and
disentangle, if he insists upon a regular settlement of accounts
with Palmerston. There is no other way of accounting for his
acquiescence in the latter's proceedings. As for the rest,
Melbourne is too indolent, Lansdowne too timid, and the others
too indifferent to interfere. Clarendon has the will and the
courage, but he can do nothing alone, and he cannot rouse anybody