sin. When it was discovered that the plot had been hatched in London
and the bombs made in Birmingham, a feverish resentment seized the whole
French Army. Addresses were sent by many regiments congratulating Napoleon
on his escape, in which London was described as _ce repaire
d'assassins_ and much abusive language used. The Press, of course, on
both sides, fanned the flame, and for some days the two nations were very
near war. The French Ambassador requested the Government to make at once
more stringent laws against refugee aliens, and in answer to this request
Palmerston brought in a Conspiracy to Murder Bill. Lord John informed the
Government that he, for his part, would oppose any such measure as an
ignominious capitulation to a foolish outcry.

_Lady John Russell to Lady Mary Abercromby_

LONDON, _February_ 4, 1858

I have never seen John more moved, more mortified, more indignant,
than on reading a letter from Sir George Grey yesterday announcing
the intention of the Ministry to make an alteration in the
Conspiracy Laws under the threats of an inconceivably insolent
French soldiery. He had heard a rumour of such an intention, but
would not believe it. He thinks very seriously of the possible
effects of debates on the measure, and feels the full weight of his
responsibility; but he is nevertheless resolved to oppose to the
utmost of his power what he considers as only the first step in a
series of unworthy concessions. . . .

PEMBROKE LODGE, _February_ 20, 1858

John woke me at two with the news of a majority for the amendment
(234 to 215)--the country spared from humiliation, the character of
the House of Commons redeemed. But, privately, what will become of
our victory? Lay awake with the nightmare of coming office upon
me--went to sleep only to dream that John was going to the scaffold
(being interpreted, the Treasury Bench).

Although the division was taken in a very small house, as the above figures
show, Palmerston resigned, and after some hesitation the Queen charged Lord
Derby with forming a Government. This was the second time Lord Derby had
attempted to govern with a majority against him in the House of Commons.
The first task of the new Ministry was to patch up the quarrel with France,
and, thanks to the good sense and dignity of the Emperor, it was managed in
spite of the scandalous acquittal by an English jury of the Fren