CHAPTER X

.

THE DEATH OF PALMERSTON.

Opening of Parliament--Lord Russell and the American Government--Catholicism and Conservatism--Mr. Disraeli angles for the Irish Vote--Palmerston on Tenant Right--Another Panic in Piccadilly--Death of Cobden--Failure of the “Manchester School”--A Prosperity Budget and a Round Surplus--End of the American War--Moderation of the Victors--Assassination of President Lincoln--Reorganising the South--Conflict between President Johnson and the Republican Party--The Mexican Empire and the United States--The Danish Question--The Convention of Gastein--Bismarck’s Interview with the Duke of Augustenburg--The Mystery of Biarritz--Lord Chancellor Westbury’s Fall--Death and Character of Palmerston--The New Ministry--Mr. Gladstone Leader of the Commons--The Rinderpest--The Fenian Conspiracy--The Queen’s Letter on Railway Accidents--Laxity of Administration in the Queen’s Household--Birth of Prince George of Wales--Majority of Prince Alfred--The Queen at Gotha--The Betrothal of the Princess Helena--The Last Illness and Death of King Leopold of Belgium--His Character and Career--Suppressing a Rebellion with a Carpet-Bag 231

##