VOL. 16C Summary of Contents. Political correspondence relating mainly to events...

PRO 30/22/16C

1866 May 1-June 30

VOL. 16C Summary of Contents. Political correspondence relating mainly to events leading up to the fall of the Russell government (June 26). Politics and government. Reform: preparations for a redistribution bill; questions of grouping of small boroughsand other matters; J.R. tells the Queen that the government "cannot assent to any amendment (to the bill) of an insidious character" (fs. 34-5); he attempts to prevent the Queen going to Balmoral "at such a moment"; the Queen agrees but asks for ten days in June "to enjoy that dear country" (fs. 140-1) Borough franchise: Gladstone "standing or falling" on this question (fs. 73-5); J.R's attempt to enlist Lord Grosvenor's support "..... I remain, in spite of the cave (of Adullum), yours very truly" (fs. 127-8). Gladstone and J.R. decide they will resign on a small majority (fs. 233-41). Lord Dunkellin's amendment to make rating basis of borough franchise; government defeated; J.R. tenders resignation to the Queen (fs. 300-1) but the Queen hesitates to accept. Gladstone in favour of dissolution alternative; but Brand considers it would be a "fatal mistake" (fs. 304-19). Clarendon's concern for J.R's reputation; his abuse of Gladstone "..... his arrogant ill temper" (fs. 411-14). Resignations accepted by the Queen (June 26); Lord Derby summoned; his unsuccessful attempt to form a broad based government but Clarendon is prepared to accept office (fs. 440-1). Parliament adjourned. Correspondence: J.R.; Hon. H. Brand; W. E. Gladstone; Lord Clarendon; the Queen; Gen. C. Grey; T. M. Gibson and others. Lord Amberley elected for Nottingham; his advocacy of Sunday opening of museums and galleries displeases his supporters. Correspondence: Lady Amberley; Hon. H. Brand; Hon. G. Elliot and others. Cabinet and the press: Lord Clarendon considers the cabinet is a "..... very leaky body"; he apologises to J.R. for letting "the Queen know what you said about Gladstone" (fs. 71-2). Gladstone's plan for a new Treasury establishment. T. B. Potter's proposal for a Cobden Club (fs. 136-9). Royal household: vacancy for a lord in waiting: the Queen rejects the Prince of Wales's candidate (fs. 16-21). Politics and government: Vacancy for treasurer: Lord Bury's resignation and question of a successor. Princess Helena's marriage: her dowry and the Queen's wish for her husband, Prince Christian, to be naturalised. Question of supply of gunmetal for Prince Consort's memorial. Politics and government: Honours, peerages, baronetcies, legal and civil appointments. Ireland: earldom (of Kimberley) for Lord Wodehouse. Appointment of deans. Appointments to Irish Privy Council. C. S. Fortescue's scheme for national education: need to retain support of catholics. Defence: Navy: comparative strength of French and English ironclads. Correspondence: Duke of Somerset (fs. 283-6). Defence: Army: question of R.E. training in sanitary science. Correspondence: E. Chadwick. Duke of Cambridge urges increase of infantry strength. Ecclesiastical: Bishop of Llandaff calls for improved payment of Welsh deans and canons; Lord Cranworth considers that encouragement of a "higher tone" among Welsh clergy is desirable (fs. 48-9). Foreign affairs: Prussia, Austria and the European powers. Events leading to outbreak of Seven Weeks war (June 1866). Question of a conference of powers in Paris; Bright's suspicions of Louis Napoleon's motives (fs. 3-6) and Clarendon's doubts (fs. 3-6; 132-3; 144-7). J.R's historical review and proposed policy at the conference (fs. 179-86). Foreign affairs: Austria and Venice: Count Mensdorff rejects J.R's appeal for cession "..... un sacrifice ..... comme un veritable suicide" (fs. 22-9). Question of Italy joining the war with Prussia against Austria in order to seize Venetia. Correspondence: J.R.; Lord Clarendon; Counts Mensdorff, Apponyi; Hon. H. Elliot; Odo Russell. Foreign affairs: Italy: H. Elliot's political report (fs. 103-6). The Roman question: J.R. hopes the Pope "may enjoy a libera chiesa while Italy possesses a libero stato" (to Odo Russell, fs. 248-9). J.R's concern for monastery of Monte Casino "..... these learned and liberal monks" (fs. 250-1) but Elliot reports that "..... the general (Italian) public would like to breakfast ..... on slices of fried monk or fricasseéd nun" (fs. 260-3). Foreign affairs: The Eastern question again: Turkey, the Principalities and the European powers: question of recognition of "the foreign prince" (Carol I of Rumania). Correspondence: Lord Clarendon (fs. 167-71). Foreign affairs: U.S.A.: Clarendon considers that the "goodwill of the U.S. government is nearly paralysed by the Irish ticket" (fs. 387-8).

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