Osborne, 17th March 1852.
My dearest Uncle,—I delayed writing till to-day as I wished to see the papers first, and be able to give you an account of the first Debate in the two Houses. They are not satisfactory, because both Lord Derby and Mr Disraeli refuse to give a straightforward answer as to their policy, the uncertainty as to which will do serious harm.27 The Opposition are very determined, and with right, to insist on this being given, and on as early a Dissolution as possible. The Government will be forced to do this, but it is very unwise, after all this agitation for the last five years and a half, not [to] come forward manfully and to state what they intend to do. We tried to impress Lord Derby with the necessity of this course, and I hoped we had succeeded, but his speech has not been what it ought to have been in this respect.
The President seems more occupied at home than abroad, which I trust he may remain.
Stockmar is well.... One thing is pretty certain—that out of the present state of confusion and discordance, a sound state of Parties will be obtained, and two Parties, as of old, will again exist, without which it is impossible to have a strong Government. How these Parties will be formed it is impossible to say at present. Now, with Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 27: This uncertainty led to the Anti-Corn-Law League, which had been dissolved in 1846, being revived.
Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria.
House of Commons, 19th March 1852.
(Friday night, twelve o'clock.)
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with his humble duty to your Majesty, lays before your Majesty what has taken place in the House of Commons to-night.