Page:The Letters Of Queen Victoria, vol. 2 (1908).djvu/386

362 will not object to the mode of filling the Offices still vacant which Lord John Russell proposes.

Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians. BUCKINGHAM PALACE, 3rd February 1852. My DEAREST UNCLE,—My warmest thanks for your kind little letter of the 30th. Matters are very critical and all Van de Weyer has told us n’est pas rassurant.. With such an extra- ordinary man as Louis Napoleon, one can never be for one instant safe. It makes me very melancholy; I love peace and quiet—in fact, I hate politics and turmoil, and I grieve to think that a spark may plunge us into thesmidst of war. Still I think that may be avoided. Any attempt on Belgium would be casus belli for us ; that you may rely upon. Invasion I am not afraid of, but the spirit of the people here is very great— they are full of defending themselves—and the spirit of the olden times is in no way quenched.

In two hours’ time Parliament will be opened, and to-night the explanations between Lord John and Lord Palmerston will take place. I am very curious how they will go off. The curiosity and anxiety to hear it is very great.

I never saw Stockmar better, or more active and more sagacious, or more kind. To me he is really like a father— only too partial, I always think.

Albert grows daily fonder and fonder of politics and business, and is so wonderfully fit for both—such perspicacity and such courage—and I grow daily to dislike them both more and more. We women are not made for governing—and if we are good women, we must dislike these masculine occupations; but there are times which force one to take interest in them mal gré bon gré, and I do, of course, intensely.

I must now conclude, to dress for the opening of Parliament. - . . Ever your devoted Niece, Victoria R.

Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria. CHESHAM PLACE, 4th February 1852. Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to report that the Address was agreed to last night without a division.

The explanations between Lord Palmerston and himself were made. Lord Palmerston made no case, and was not supported by any considerable party in the House. His