and moderate man.
But no one can predict into what courses the popular influences of
France may force him, or what changes may on any day occur. The extreme
Communist party is weaker than it was; and a Royalist party--for some
king, but not for Louis Philippe--is growing up; and between these is a
Government of a republic and an army. The first political difficulty
will be that of Italy, where the Austrians will not readily make any
concession, and where the French will not readily see them again
accumulate strength. It is to be seen whether their mediation and ours
will be of any avail."

"The condition of the present French Government is precarious," Lord
Auckland said in another letter, dated the 9th of November. "According
to present appearances, Louis Napoleon will be elected President, not
because he is personally esteemed, but from his name, with some parties,
and because it is anticipated by others that his rule will be short, and
that he will be made to make way for others." "The election of a French
President is over," Lord Auckland was able to say on the 25th of
December, "and has been carried at last with a rush; and we are to have
a new dynasty of Napoleons. Louis Napoleon was supported by the army for
his name, by the bulk of the nation because Cavaignac and the Republic
were hated, and by the Legitimists because they think he may presently
be overthrown. He is pronounced to be a foolish man; but his course has
been lately one of prudence and perseverance, and he will enter upon
power with good auspices. But he will have many difficulties to contend
with, and we may yet see many changes before the condition of France
will be settled."

The Earl of Auckland, one of the worthiest and most generous statesmen
of his time, Lord Dundonald's firm friend, and the friend of all with
whom he came in contact, did not live to see these changes. Just a week
after that letter was written, Admiral John Dundas, who had been his
chief adviser on Admiralty matters, had to write to Lord Dundonald. "It
is with great regret," he said, on the 1st of January, 1849, "I have to
inform you of the death of Lord Auckland, after a few hours' illness. He
was on a visit to Lord Ashburton, near Winchester, on Saturday--seized
with a fit--never spoke after--and died this morning. You may well
imagine the universal sorrow at such a loss; and I am sure you will join
in that, for I know well the friendship that existed between you."

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