I have no idea what they mean to propose about the Bank Charter Act, but if it be what Lewis told me some time ago, to give the Queen the power of suspending the Act by Order in Council, I much doubt if they will carry such a proposal, and it appears to me on reflexion thoroughly unconstitutional, and as such I expect it will be vehemently attacked by all the opponents and the quasi-opponents of Government, and indeed by all except those who are prepared to follow Palmerston with blind submission, and to vote for anything rather than allow him to be put in jeopardy. John Russell, for instance, would hardly be able to resist the temptation of falling foul of such a proposal, though he would approve of their having followed a precedent which he had himself set in a case somewhat similar, though in some respects less urgent.
Opening of the Session--Prevailing Distress--Lord John reconciled--Ministerial Speculations--Contemplated Transfer of India to the Crown--Military Position in India--Conversation with Mr. Disraeli--Bill for the Dissolution of the East India Company--Difficulties of Parliamentary Reform--The Relief of Lucknow--Lord Normanby's 'Year of Revolution'--Brougham's Jealousy of Lord Cockburn--Refutation of Lord Normanby's Book--The Crown Jewels of Hanover--Labour in the French Colonies--The Death of General Havelock--Gloomy Prospects in India--Inadequate Measures for the Relief of India--Lord John Russell hostile to Government--Death of the Duke of Devonshire--Mr. Disraeli suggests a Fusion of Parties--Marriage of the Princess Royal--Weakness of the Government--Excitement in France against this Country--Petition of the East India Company--Drowsiness of Ministers--Decline of Lord Palmerston's Popularity--Effect of the Orsini Attempt on the Emperor Napoleon--Opposition to the Conspiracy Bill--Review of the Crisis--Lord Derby sent for by the Queen--Refusal of the Peelites--The Catastrophe unexpected--The Defeat might have been avoided--Mismanagement of the Affair--Ministers determined to resign.
_London, December 4th_, 1857.--Parliament opened yesterday, very quietly, and at present a quiet session seems probable, but such appearances are often fallacious. The most alarming consideration is the probability of a very hard and hungry winter for the working classes, vast numbers of people being already out of employment. I met Sir James Shuttleworth yesterday, who knows a great deal about Lancashire, where he lives, and he told me that though the distress was considerable and threatening to increase, the conduct of the people was admirable. There was no disaffection or bad feeling towards the upper classes and employers; they seemed to have greatly improved in good sense and reflection, and were satisfied of the sympathy felt for them, and the disposition entertained by the rich to do all in their power to alleviate the distress of the poor. And he stated (what seemed to me a curious fact) that they preferred that the time of working should be shortened, or even mills closed, rather than a general reduction in the rate of wages. This moral condition of the labouring classes is a most satisfactory sign of the times.