I read Leopold’s letter to Lord Aberdeen, in which he refers to his letter of February 11, for the statement of his views in taking the Greek coronet, saying that he only acceded from courtesy, and as a matter of form, to the protocol, and further urging some alteration in the frontier.  He has made an application for a joint guarantee by the three Powers of a loan of 60,000,000 paras, or 2,400,000L.  Now we only agreed to guarantee 50,000L a year, and that for troops.  Nothing will be said upon this point till he has withdrawn his letter.  He seems to be Aberdeen’s pet.  I do not think, had the Greeks searched Europe, they could have found a man whose character was more congenial to their own.

March 17.

Leopold has withdrawn his obnoxious letter.

March 18.

House at five.  Debate on the Duke of Richmond’s motion for a select Committee on the state of the labouring classes, and the effect of taxation upon the productive powers of industry.

A most dull debate, till Lord Holland spoke.  I answered him.  Lord Lansdowne next, then the Duke.  I spoke, showing the impracticability of the Committee.  I however showed up Committees rather too much.  This Lord Lansdowne took hold of, not very fairly, but he did it well.

We had in the House 69; they 39.

With proxies we had 140 to 61.  My uncle voted in the minority, and so did
Coplestone.  Dudley, Lord Malmesbury, Lord Gower, voted with us.

The Whigs, Brunswickers, and Canningites were in the minority.  The Duke of
Cumberland was there.

I find we have some recruits—­in proxies Lord Lauderdale, Duke of Bedford,
Downshire, Lord Wilton; and Lord Jersey sits behind us.  He has now Lord
Lauderdale’s proxy.  All this is consequent upon Lord Rosslyn’s accession. 
Lord Grey has now no one left.  No one expressed a wish to turn out the
Ministers.

March 19.

It seems that in the House of Commons Huskisson made a friendly speech, finding he can do no harm, and Lord Althorp a very friendly one.  In short, everybody seems to be of opinion that the worst thing that could be done would be to turn out the Government.

Peel says, and so does Herries, that the House is in favour of an income tax.  That what we have determined upon is the best for this year, but that next year there must be an income tax.

Cabinet.  Leopold wants more money.  It was agreed he should have 70,000 pounds a year loan guaranteed to him for seven years, instead of 50,000 pounds.

The holders of 4 per cents. are to have the option of 100 pounds stock 3 1/2, or 70 pounds stock 5 per cents.  Trustees may only convert into the 3 1/2 per cents.

March 20.

Chairs at 11.  They have made some alterations in the letter to the Indian Government respecting their conduct, and have praised Lord William for his perseverance, &c.  This is contrary to the Duke’s view and to mine.  I shall see whether I can allow their amendments.