Results of the Elections--Defeat of Cobden and Bright--The War with China--Death of Lady Ashburton--Lord Palmerston's Success--The Handel Concerts--M. Fould in London--The Queen and Lord Palmerston--The Indian Mutiny--The Prince Consort--Death of General Anson--The State of India--Royal Guests--The Government of India--Temper of the House of Commons--Debates on India--Royal Visits--The Divorce Bill--The Divorce Bill in the House of Lords--Close of the Session--A Dukedom offered to Lord Lansdowne--Death of Mr. Croker--History of the Life Peerages--The Indian Mutiny and the Russian War--The Struggle in India--Reinforcements for India--The Queen's Attention to Public Business--Attacks on Lord Canning--Big Ships and Big Bells--Lord Canning defended--Courteous Behaviour of Foreign Nations--The Capture of Delhi and Lucknow--Difficulties in India--Depression in the City--Speculations on the Contingency of a Change of Government--The East India Company and the Government--Exaggerated Reports from India--A Queen's Speech--The Bank Charter Act _page_ 104 CHAPTER XV. Opening of the Session--Prevailing Distress--Lord John reconciled--Ministerial Speculations--Contemplated Transfer of India to the Crown--Military Position in India--Conversation with Mr. Disraeli--Bill for the Dissolution of the East India Company--Difficulties of Parliamentary Reform--The Relief of Lucknow--Lord Normanby's 'Year of Revolution'--Brougham's Jealousy of Lord Cockburn--Refutation of Lord Normanby's Book--The Crown Jewels of Hanover--Labour in the French Colonies--The Death of General Havelock--Gloomy Prospects in India--Inadequate Measures for the Relief of India--Lord John Russell hostile to Government--Death of the Duke of Devonshire--Mr. Disraeli suggests a Fusion of Parties--Marriage of the Princess Royal--Weakness of the Government--Excitement in France against this Country--Petition of the East India Company--Drowsiness of Ministers--Decline of Lord Palmerston's Popularity--Effect of the Orsini Attempt on the Emperor Napoleon--Opposition to the Conspiracy Bill--Review of the Crisis--Lord Derby sent for by the Queen--Refusal of the Peelites--The Catastrophe unexpected--The Defeat might have been avoided--Mismanagement of the Affair--Ministers determined to resign _page_ 139 CHAPTER XVI.