at he had urged upon Lord John in vain since the year 1846 the
organization of a militia. His lordship opposed the plan of a local
militia, preferring the old force, and, as an Irish peer, expressed some
warmth that Ireland was excluded from the arrangement.

When the bill came forth from the committee, Lord Palmerston proposed
amendments in harmony with the principles upon which he had criticised
the measure on going into committee. The two noble lords were now fairly
pitted against one another as rivals for parliamentary influence, and
the result was the defeat and resignation of Lord John Russell. The
Irish members supported Lord Palmerston in great force, and threw out
the ministry. His lordship also received considerable support from the
Derby-Disraeli party. From that moment it was obvious that Lord John
ceased--at all events for many years, should Lord Palmerston survive--to
be the leader of the House of Commons.

THE EARL OF DERBY'S ADMINISTRATION.

The majority in favour of Lord Palmerston's measure caused the
adjournment of the house. The queen sent for Lord Derby, and committed
to him the reins of power.

One of the first acts of his lordship, after conferring with Mr.
Disraeli and a few of his most attached adherents, was to offer a seat
in his cabinet to Lord Palmerston. Mr. Disraeli had, however, in the
debate upon the address, renewed his agitation of the previous year for
re-adjusting taxation in favour of the landed interest, as compensation
for the loss of high prices for corn, which had been secured by
protection. As this was only another mode of reenacting protectionist
laws, and one which was especially offensive to all the community not
inheriting land, it was impossible for Lord Palmerston to accept office
with Lord Derby, even if their political differences were less. Failing
to strengthen his government by the accession of Lord Palmerston, Lord
Derby, had recourse to Mr. Gladstone, but his repugnance to act with
Disraeli personally, and his opposition to the protectionist schemes
of both that minister and Lord Derby, rendered all negotiations
unsuccessful. The ministry, therefore, became a pure tory and
protectionist cabinet, except so far as Lord Stanley was concerned,
whose opinions were supposed to be liberal, although connected with the
ministry by the influence of his father.

The following ministry was ultimately formed:--

_In the Cabinet._

First L