atives of the Allies were instructed from home not to accept
the proposal of counterpoise. So the second alternative of the Austrian
Chancellor was the last remaining chance of Austria and the Allies agreeing
upon the terms to be offered to Russia. Lord John wrote to the Government
urging them to accept this compromise; for in his opinion the only chance
of peace lay in the Allies acting in concert with Austria. At this juncture
he received a telegram from home saying that the Government were in favour
of a proposal, which had reached them from Paris, for neutralizing the
Black Sea.

Prince Gortschakoff at once pointed out that such a plan would leave Russia
disarmed in the presence of Turkey armed. Lord John considered this a
perfectly just objection on the part of Russia, while the proposal had the
unfortunate effect of detaching Austria from the Allies, who considered
neutralization to be out of the question. M. Drouyn de L'Huys, the French
representative, held the same opinion as Lord John, and when his advice was
not accepted by the Emperor, he sent in his resignation. Lord John likewise
wrote to Lord Clarendon, then Foreign Secretary, tendering his own.

_March 31,_ 1855, VIENNA

Private letters from Lord Clarendon and Lord Lansdowne full of
distrust and disapprobation of the proceedings here, though not
openly finding fault with John. Lord Clarendon's more especially
warlike, and anti-Austrian and pro-French; the very reverse of
every letter he wrote in the days of Lord Aberdeen.

_April 1,_ 1855, VIENNA

More letters and dispatches making John's position still worse;
representing him as ready to consent to unworthy terms, whereas he
was endeavouring to carry out what had been agreed on by the
Government. No doubt Lord Clarendon's present tone is far better
than his former; but that is not the question. John naturally
indignant and talked of giving up mission and Colonies. This I
trust he will not do unless there is absolute loss of character in
remaining, for another breach with Lord Palmerston, who is far less
to blame than Lord Clarendon, would be a great misfortune--besides,
it might lead to the far greater evil of a breach with France. I
rejoice therefore that John has resolved to wait for Drouyn de
L'Huys and do his utmost to bring matters to a better state.

On April 5, at Vienna, when he wished to resign, she wrote: "Anxiou