This bridge, rather more than a mile in length (the principal spans being 1,710 feet each), was designed by Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker. It was commenced in 1883, and opened by the Prince of Wales in 1890. It contains about 44,500 tons of Siemens steel, and cost over £2,000,000.] [Illustration: _From a Photograph_} {_by Thiele, Chancery Lane._ THE TOWER BRIDGE: THE RAISING OF THE BASCULES ON THE OPENING DAY. The bridge, which cost over £830,000, was commenced in 1886, and opened by the Prince of Wales, June 30, 1894. The bascules each weigh 1,000 tons.] [Sidenote: Lord Randolph Churchill Resigns.] [Sidenote: The Round Table Conference.] By far the most striking figure in the Conservative ranks of the House of Commons was Lord Randolph Churchill. He became Chancellor of the Exchequer in the new Cabinet and leader of the House of Commons. Right well he led it through the six weeks of autumn session following on the elections. His admirers were delighted--his critics reconciled--by his adroit exchange of the manners of a political bravo for those of a responsible statesman; and that, too, without sacrifice of power in debate or pungency in retort. What was the dismay of Ministerialists when, in a moment of caprice, impatient because he could not get exactly his own way on a question of military and naval expenditure, Churchill threw up his office and left the Cabinet! This happened in December 1885; active negotiations were going on at the time for the redintegration of the old Liberal Party. Mr. Chamberlain and Sir George Trevelyan, as Unionists, had consented to confer with Sir William Harcourt and Mr. John Morley, as Home Rulers, at a "round table," under the presidency of Lord Herschell (also a Home Ruler). In the opinion of most people, the return of at least half the Liberal Unionists to their former allegiance might be expected, as the outcome of this conference. The stability of the Ministry, therefore, was peculiarly jeopardised by any appearance of internal disunion at this juncture. The crisis passed over in safety. Mr. Goschen, an old colleague of Mr. Gladstone, having been First Lord of the Admiralty in his first Administration, now determined to throw in his lot with the Unionists, and accepted the office vacated by Lord Randolph. The Round Table Conference separated without having found a basis of agreement, and the main body of Liberal Unionists remained staunch in support of Ministers.