the purpose evidently of conciliating them towards himself, and even incurring some risk of disturbing the general harmony by his warmth and sympathy towards them; but I have no doubt that he is as glad as any man at the dissolution of the confederacy, which now appears likely really to take place, for though they will probably not actually dissolve themselves, when the chiefs abandon the lodges their existence will be but a lingering one, and must come to an end or cease to be dangerous. In accomplishing this by moderate and healing counsels, by a conciliatory tone and manner, Lord John Russell deserves the name of a statesman. His speech is worth a thousand flowery harangues which have elicited the shouts of audiences or the admiration of readers, and he has probably conferred a great and permanent benefit upon the country. I do not mean that peace will be by these means restored to Ireland, or rather be bestowed on her, for when was she ever at peace? but until this object was accomplished, till the way was cleared, peace was unattainable. O'Connell behaved wisely; he made a short speech, and fell in cordially with the general feeling of the House. This has strengthened the Government in reality, as it ought. So Lord Stanley said, and it is true. CHAPTER XXXI. Moore and O'Connell--Defeat of the Opposition--The Carlow Election--Lord Alvanley's Speech to the Tory Peers--Norton _v._ Lord Melbourne--Catastrophe after Epsom--Mendizabal and Queen Christina--Lord John Russell's Moderation in the Ecclesiastical Commission--Theatricals at Bridgewater House--Irish Church-- Ministerial Difficulties--Deplorable State of Spain--What was thought of Lord Palmerston in 1836--Weakness of Government-- Lord Lyndhurst's Summary of the Session--Balance of Parties-- Lady Augusta Kennedy's Marriage--King's Speech to Princess Victoria--Revolution of La Granja--Rudeness of the King to Ministers--Irritation of the King at the Duchess of Kent--Scene at Windsor on the King's Birthday--Prince Esterhazy's View of the Affairs of Europe--Emperor Nicholas at Vienna--A Crisis in Trade--State of the Court at Vienna--Duc de Reichstadt. March 8th, 1836 {p.346}