It may be as well to anticipate an obvious criticism by stating that the earlier title of the subject of this memoir is retained, not only in deference to the strongly expressed wish of the family at Pembroke Lodge, but also because it suggests nearly half a century spent in the House of Commons in pursuit of liberty. In the closing days of Earl Russell's life his eye was accustomed to brighten, and his manner to relax, when some new acquaintance, in the eagerness of conversation, took the liberty of familiar friendship by addressing the old statesman as 'Lord John.' STUART J. REID. CHISLEHURST: _June 4, 1895_. CONTENTS CHAPTER I EARLY YEARS, EDUCATION, AND TRAVEL 1792-1813 PAGE Rise of the Russells under the Tudors--Childhood and early surroundings of Lord John--Schooldays at Westminster--First journey abroad with Lord Holland--Wellington and the Peninsular campaign--Student days in Edinburgh and speeches at the Speculative Society--Early leanings in politics and literature--Enters the House of Commons as member for Tavistock 1 CHAPTER II IN PARLIAMENT AND FOR THE PEOPLE 1813-1826 The political outlook when Lord John entered the House of Commons--The 'Condition of England' question--The struggle for Parliamentary Reform--Side-lights on Napoleon Bonaparte--The Liverpool Administration in a panic--Lord John comes to the aid of Sir Francis Burdett--Foreign travel--First motion in favour of Reform--Making headway 21 CHAPTER III WINNING HIS SPURS 1826-1830 Defeated and out of harness--Journey to Italy--Back in Parliament--Canning's accession to power--Bribery and corruption--The repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts--The struggle between the Court and the Cabinet over Catholic Emancipation--Defeat of Wellington at the polls--Lord John appointed Paymaster-General 47 CHAPTER IV A FIGHT FOR LIBERTY 1830-1832 Lord Grey and the cause of Reform--Lord Durham's share in the Reform Bill--The voice of the people--Lord John introduces the bill and explains its provisions--The surprise of the Tories--Reform, 'Aye' or 'No'--Lord John in the Cabinet--The bill thrown out--The indignation of the country--Proposed creation of Peers--Wellington and Sidmouth in despair--The bill carried--Lord John's tribute to Althorp 63 CHAPTER V THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA 1833-1838 The turn of the tide with the Whigs--The two voices in the Cabinet--Lord John and Ireland--Althorp and the Poor Law--The Melbourne Administration on the rocks--Peel in power--The question of Irish tithes--Marriage of Lord John--Grievances of Nonconformists--Lord Melbourne's influence over the Queen--Lord Durham's mission to Canada--Personal sorrow 88 CHAPTER VI THE TWO FRONT BENCHES 1840-1845