tastes, and made Stafford House a great social centre. She was
deeply interested in philanthropic and social movements, such
as the Abolition of Slavery, and had a strong sympathy for
national movements, which she showed by entertaining Garibaldi
in 1864. She combined a considerable sense of humour with a
rare capacity for affection, and became one of the Queen's
closest friends; after the Prince Consort's death she was for
some weeks the Queen's constant companion.]

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

TO CHAPTER VII

The Melbourne Ministry were able to maintain themselves in office
during the year (1838), but were too weak to carry important measures.
The prevailing distress led to much criticism of the Poor Law Act of
1834, and the disturbances in Canada turned the tide of emigration
to Australia. But public interest in politics was eclipsed by the
gaieties of the Coronation, in which all ranks partook. The events
of Imperial importance elsewhere centred in Jamaica and Canada, the
apprenticeship system in the former place leading to a renewal of the
anti-slavery agitation at home, and the passing of a Colonial Bill for
absolute emancipation. The Canadian troubles brought about the passing
of an Imperial Act for the suspension for two years of the Legislative
Assembly of Lower Canada, and Lord Durham, an impulsive and
generous-hearted man, was sent out as High Commissioner. Having
dismissed the Executive Council of his predecessor, he nominated a
fresh one, but an ordinance thereafter promulgated in reference to
the rebels was severely criticised. Lord Brougham, rejoicing at the
opportunity of paying off old scores, castigated the Government,
especially Lord Glenelg, the Colonial Secretary, and carried a measure
censuring their Canadian policy. The Ministry disallowed the ordinance
of Lord Durham, who, finding himself unsupported, resigned his
Commission and returned home. On his arrival at Plymouth, he made a
speech, in which he described the rebellion as finally at an end;
the news, however, subsequently arrived that after his departure from
Canada, disturbances had broken out afresh. Sir John Colborne was
appointed to succeed Lord Durham with full powers.

The Civil War continued in Spain through the year, and intermittent
rioting took place in Portugal, a country which was now verging on
bankruptcy. The old Dutch and Belgian controversy as to the possession
of Luxemburg was revived, the Ki