n the 17th this vote was rescinded by a majority
of twenty-two, Mr Disraeli taunting the Premier with expecting
that "upon every division and at every crisis, his gang should
appear, and the whip should sound."]

[Footnote 20: The name given to the group comprising Disraeli,
George Smythe, Lord John Manners, etc. See _Coningsby_, which
was published about this time.]

[Footnote 21: See _ante_, p. 15.]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

SOUTH STREET, _19th June 1844._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
your Majesty much for the letter of the 14th inst. Lord Melbourne was
very glad to have the opportunity of seeing the Emperor of Russia at
Chiswick. Lord Melbourne humbly believes that the opinion, which your
Majesty has formed and expresses of the Emperor's character is just,
and he considers it extremely fortunate that a sovereign of such
weight and influence in Europe, and with whom it is probable that
Great Britain will have such near and intimate relations, should also
be a man upon whose honour and veracity strong reliance may be safely
and securely placed.

Lord Melbourne is very glad to believe that the late political
movements, with which the public mind has been agitated, have
subsided, and are entirely terminated by the last vote of the House
of Commons, and by the determination evinced to support the
Administration.[22]

This finishes for the present a business which at one moment seemed
likely to be troublesome, and out of which there did not appear to
present itself any hope or practicable escape.

Lord Melbourne will not make any observation upon what is known and
understood to have passed, further than to say that, as far as he is
acquainted with the history of public affairs in this country, it is
an entire novelty, quite new and unprecedented.[23] Many a Minister
has said to the Crown, "My advice must be taken, and my measures
must be adopted," but no Minister has ever yet held this language or
advanced this pretension to either House of Parliament. However, it
seems to be successful at present, and success will justify much.
Whether it will tend to permanent strength or a steady conduct of
public affairs, remains to be seen.

Lord Melbourne begs to be respectfully remembered to His Royal
Highness.

[Footnote 22: See _ante_, p. 16.]

[Footnote 23: Lord Melbourne refers to the House rescinding
its own vot