memorandum—­On the 29th November he sends to each of his colleagues a more detailed exposition of his views—­Several reply—­Another mem. brought before them on the 2nd December—­The Cabinet in permanent session—­On the 5th of December Sir Robert resigns—­Lord John Russell fails to form a Government—­The old Cabinet again in power—­Mr. Gladstone replaces Lord Stanley, 75

CHAPTER IV.

Meeting of Parliament—­Queen’s Speech—­The Premier’s speech on the Address—­Goes into the whole question of Free Trade—­The protectionists—­Lord Brougham’s views (Note)—­The twelve nights’ debate on the Corn Laws—­No connection between it and the Famine—­Stafford O’Brien’s speech—­Sir James Graham’s reply—­Smith O’Brien’s speech—­His imprisonment (Note B.)—­O’Connell’s motion—­His speech—­Sir Robert Peel replies—­Substantially agrees with O’Connell—­Bill for the protection of life in Ireland—­Its first reading opposed by the Irish members—­O’Connell leads the Opposition in a speech of two hours—­Mr. D’Israeli mistaken in calling it his last speech—­His account of it—­He misrepresents it—­The opinions expressed in it were those O’Connell always held.  Break up of the Tory party—­Lord George Bentinck becomes leader of the Protectionists—­Their difficulty in opposing the Coercion Bill—­Ingenious plan of Lord George—­Strange combination against the Government—­Close of Debate on Coercion Bill—­Government defeated by a majority of 73—­Measures to meet the Famine—­Delay—­Accounts from various parts of the country—­Great distress—­“Are the Landlords making any efforts?”—­Notice for rent—­The bailiff’s reply—­Number of Workhouses open—­Number of persons in them—­Sir Robert Peel’s speech on his resignation—­Accident to him—­His death—­The Peels—­Sir Robert’s qualities and character—­His manner of dealing with the Famine—­His real object the repeal of the Corn Laws, 93

CHAPTER V.

John Russell Prime Minister—­He confers important offices on some Irish Catholics—­His address to the electors of London—­Its vagueness—­Addresses of some of the other new Ministers—­The Irish difficulty greater than ever—­Young and Old Ireland—­The Times on O’Connell and English rule in Ireland—­Overtures of the Whig Government—­O’Connell listens to them—­The eleven measures—­Views of the advanced Repealers—­Lord Miltown’s letter to O’Connell—­Dissensions in the Repeal Association—­The “Peace Resolutions”—­O’Connell’s letters—­He censures the Nation newspaper—­Debate in the Repeal Association—­Thomas Francis Meagher’s “Sword speech”—­The Young Ireland party leave Conciliation Hall in a body—­Description of the scene (Note)—­Reflections—­Sir Robert Peel’s speech after his resignation—­Lord John Russell’s speech at Glasgow—­His speech on the Irish Coercion Bill—­His speech