Tuesday 27 January (Bretby)

All England seems in a state of excitement. In a few days the election will begin.Footnote ³⁵⁷ I do not like either Gladstone's or Disraeli's addresses.Footnote ³⁵⁸ Gladstone offers a bribe of £5,000,000 in the shape of remission of tax and Disraeli at once caps it. It is what we said at the passing of the last Reform bill, that the Constitution would be put up to auction at each general election.

Friday 6 February (London)

Dined at the Derbys who were quite alone [. . .]. After dinner when alone Derby introduced the real question by saying he wondered whether either would have Office. I replied in joke and then he asked me if Salisbury in my opinion would join. I said I could not say but I inclined to think it was not hopeless. He then said something to effect that an offer anyhow would be made but it was a question how and whether it would be pressed. I said that though I could not answer for him I thought it was possible he might join, that as Derby knew it was owing mainly to me that some two or three years since he had come up from the gangway to the front opposition bench and that if there was a real anxiety to get him the attempt would be perhaps most likely to succeed if made in some measure at least through me. To this Derby cordially assented. He however expressed some doubt whether Salisbury was really worth a large price. I said I thought he decidedly was worth it, that whatever his present good intentions he must, if outside, soon become a critic and the involuntary leader of all that unappropriated balance of Conservative feeling in the House which though discontented and generally passive occasionally became a very difficult element. The upshot of the whole was that Office would beyond doubt be offered to me, that it would be offered to Salisbury but whether as a mere form or as a reality was uncertain.

No one could be pleasanter or more like himself than Derby was.

Sunday 8 February (London)

In the afternoon had a long conversation with Salisbury who returned yesterday from France. I stated to him the great probability that an offer of office would be made to us, and then the objections to our acceptance with the counter-reasons for doing so. The objections were 1. that we could not really trust Disraeli. To this it might be said that one could trust the prime minister; that he is now in a different position as a minister with a majority from a fortune hunter in a minority, and that G. Hardy and Derby would be a sort of support if not guarantee against violent changes. 2. that it will be said that we are inconsistent. To this he attached little weight. 3. what is our duty? by standing aloof he must cause a split in the party and would certainly waste great power which he might politically otherwise exercise. On the whole I inclined towards acceptance. On the whole he leant the other way on two grounds. 1. that D. might play us a trick as before and that our last card of resignation was played out. 2. that we should be placed in a position of servitude, that it would be an act of submission and that he might then retaliate against us. Nothing could be kindlier or even more affectionate than his manner. He promised to consider the whole case, and he urged me repeatedly to remember that my case was not his, and that even if he did not join I might. Finally he said that if anything should be said he should do nothing without communicating with me.Footnote ³⁵⁹

Monday 9 February (Bretby)

My conversation last night with TownsendFootnote ³⁶⁰ was singularly confidential considering our different political views but I believe him to have a real personal regard for me. He is anxious that I should take Office but either such Office as I held before or an absolute sinecure, nothing whatever like the Post Office, his argument being that this would look like an act of surrender. He thinks either the Colonial or India Office offer the best alternatives.

The Times article today hopes that Salisbury and I shall “condone the past and return,” all which makes my return easier.Footnote ³⁶¹

Before leaving town I wrote to Salisbury earnestly hoping that we should not separate our fortunes and resting it on the ground of personal friendship and affection.Footnote ³⁶²

Monday 16 February (Bretby)

Everyone seems half-crazed by the prospects and the uncertainties of a new Government, and everyone seems very hungry for places. The only two people who are doubtful and anxious as to accepting Office are Salisbury and myself and probably for this reason it will come to both of us.Footnote ³⁶³

Tuesday 17 February (Bretby)

There is no doubt from The Times that Gladstone has resigned, but beyond this we know nothing. It is an interesting time but I own my own mind is doubtful and my heart rather heavy about Office.

Thursday 19 February (London)

A very busy day.Footnote ³⁶⁴ Breakfasted with Salisbury and discussed everything. He had virtually given in his adhesion yesterday but on the understanding that he was in complete concert with me. He had written to me to that effect but the letter had missed me. He detailed all that had passed between Disraeli and himself and the conversation seems to have been almost the counterpart of that which I subsequently had with him. So I went to D.'s Whitehall Gardens and found him in. He was very friendly and civil and he explained himself on all points with entire frankness. He began by describing the composition of the Cabinet which he said he was desirous of reducing to much smaller numbers.Footnote ³⁶⁵ The Duke of Richmond to be supported by three Secretaries of State, Derby, Salisbury, and myself and the Chancellor, the Army and Navy to be in the Commons because they involved such long and detailed financial statements.Footnote ³⁶⁶ He dwelt on the necessity of getting rid of some who had belonged to the old Cabinet and the possibilities of some heartburnings etc. As to legislation I spoke of the possibility of some aggressive measure against the Ritualists being urged, and tho’ I had no sympathy with them I should object to that and trusted that he would not sanction it. He entirely assented: and added that some private bills, such as Sandon's, on such subjects must be treated as “open questions”. He desired all Church appointments to be shared by the several parties within the Church, those parties always being within certain limits.

Friday 20 February (London)

Long talk with William Peel as to private secretary. Afterwards a conversation with Duke of Richmond. He is very much distressed at not being War Minister which he says belongs to him almost by hereditary right: but he also behaved very much like a gentleman acknowledging that there was good reason for having the War and Navy Offices represented in the Commons and saying that he was ready to take any or no office. But he added that the Presidency of the Council had always been his abomination and the place which he particularly desired to avoid. The Duke of Marlborough is very sore at being omitted. A very long conversation with Kimberley at the Colonial Office. He went through the affairs of each Colony for 2½ hours and gave me the fullest explanations.

Saturday 21 February (London)

Went down to Windsor to kiss hands and receive the seals of the Colonial Office. We were cheered at Paddington and Windsor by a tolerably large crowd, favoured by the weather, safely whirled along in a saloon carriage by special, and went through the usual ceremony. It had, as on a former occasion, no special features. The Queen was in a very small room only just large enough to hold us and we knelt down (I thought that HuntFootnote ³⁶⁷ would never succeed in recovering his legs when once he was down) and took various oaths, and kissed H.M.'s hand and turned and finally retired. The scene was like, and yet in many respects unlike, that which I remember seven years ago when Lord Derby was Prime Minister. Now it is Disraeli I hope all may go straight and well: but I have an uncomfortable feeling which is quite unreasonable but which I cannot shake off, a feeling of some coming trouble. In some ways this is perhaps well. It will at least restrain all undue satisfaction.

Sunday 22 February (London)

In spite of Sunday a busy day.

Hunt mentions an intention on part of some mad Captain to plant English flag on the Fijis, a troublesome question enough without this addition!

Conversation with Lady Derby. She assures me that Disraeli is entirely altered, cautious, disinclined to any innovation and disposed to go on quite quietly. “There is no chance of any mine” [sic]. Nor is there “any sign or risk of personal arrogance”, still less “of any feeling of personal grudge”. He has only put into his cabinet the best men whom he could find.

Tuesday 24 February (London)

I had a rather curious and not very satisfactory letter from Disraeli as to my new Under Secretary.Footnote ³⁶⁸ I showed it to Salisbury but he attached no real importance and showed me another of a similar kind to himself. This manner of writing is inherent, he says, in the man and though singular must not be taken for more than it is really worth.

Wednesday 25 February (London)

In the afternoon serious telegram from Sir G. WolseleyFootnote ³⁶⁹ announcing great battle. Heavy losses and apparent check of the whole force 15 miles from Cormassie. It seems very difficult to do anything in the way of reinforcements.

Cabinet

We discussed:

1. 1. The telegram that had arrived.

2. 2. Income tax. Northcote made a long statement to us pointing out that total abolition would involve a general revision of taxing system and balancing evils and advantages. The general feeling of the Cabinet was for ultimate abolition, Hunt and myself perhaps making the only two protests against it, but this abolition was more the result of our political situation in the House of Commons than anything else: nothing decided.

3. 3. India. Salisbury does not anticipate as great distress as supposed, but proposes to ask for powers to take loan of £10,000,000 on Indian security.

4. 4. Foreign policy. Derby says there is loose gunpowder about everywhere and Bismarck is very arrogant but hopes for the best.

Wednesday 4 March (London)

Cabinet

We talked for a short time as to:

1. 1. Ashanti War. Some question as to what should be said in Queen's Speech. I said it would be better to accept fact without going into history or reasons for it, which on the whole was generally adopted.Footnote ³⁷⁰

2. 2. Cairns announced bills on Register of Tithes and Judicature bill, including entire transfer of appellate jurisdiction from House of Lords. I opposed it, or rather said what I could against it, but when last year's bill passed knew the matter was sealed, and so it is. The only members of the cabinet who agreed at all with me were curiously enough members of the House of Commons.

3. 3. Education – decided to say nothing about it in Queen's Speech.

4. 4. Cross proposed his measures (he had talked them over with me before). Corn Law Amendment, Master and Servant Act and Conspiracy Law: agreed to issue a Commission on subject. Then discussion as to Licensing Act. All agreed some relaxation should be given (a) as regards London: question whether hour of closing should be 12.30 or 1. Anyhow the present power of exempting particular houses for the sake of theatres should be taken away as unfair (b) question whether there should be a distinction between large provincial towns and rural districts; the former ought not to close before 12, the latter might close at 11, but uniformity is very desirable.Footnote ³⁷¹

Wednesday 11 March (London)

A Levée which was wearisome.

A long talk with MageeFootnote ³⁷² as to this new church bill of the Bishops and Archbishops.Footnote ³⁷³ His account of the matter is this. There are some things which are indifferent, some which are pronounced illegal. The first should be left to the discretion of the minister, as now. The second should be in the power of the Bishop and his Council to determine 1st, by restraining them, 2nd, by refusing to restrain, i.e. by sanctioning, that is by exercising a coercive and a dispensing power. He admitted there would be a difficulty in defining the illegal, but then all legal tribunals would remain and all sources of appeal and redress continue to be available.Footnote ³⁷⁴

I spoke to Hardy on the subject. Saw at the Colonial Office Dr Featherstone and Sir W. GreyFootnote ³⁷⁵ who goes to Jamaica on Tuesday.

Thursday 12 March (London)

Cabinet

We considered Queen's Speech.Footnote ³⁷⁶ The only question whether we should allude to a bill for regulation of relations of landlords and tenants. It was finally decided in the negative. Nothing else of importance.

Entry of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in a snowstorm which afterwards became a sea of mud; but all passed off well and the Queen was said to be unusually smiling and pleased.Footnote ³⁷⁷

Saturday 21 March (London)

Cabinet to discuss Budget.

Agreed:

1. 1. to adjourn local taxation as a whole to next year, but to double contribution to Police expenses = £600,000.

2. 2. reduce Income tax by 1d = £1,540,000 this year, leaving about £200,000 for next.

3. 3. make some further exemptions in small incomes, probably exempt completely under £150, and deduct £150 from incomes under £500.

4. 4. repeal sugar duty = £2,000,000. It was a great question whether it should not be ½ tea duty instead.

5. 5. probably repeal Brewers’ licenses, about £450,000.

6. 6. probably take off Passengers’ tax, £500,000.

7. 7. repeal horse duty = £480,000.

5 and 6 to be considered, and meanwhile a sub-committee appointed to consider a railway bill. Salisbury, Northcote, Cross. Northcote estimates surplus at £5,400,000.

Saturday 28 March (London – Highclere)

Detained in the Cabinet and came down by last train. Cabinet had discussed

1. Budget. Last Cabinet we had almost come to conclusion to appropriate the surplus as follows:

But Northcote said the surplus was going too fast as to be embarrassing; accordingly the question of the abolition of the sugar duties was reviewed, and finally we agreed though Hunt, J. Manners, Salisbury and I were on the whole disagreeing and Hardy only barely convinced. But I then urged that something more should be done for local taxation and after some debate it was agreed that Northcote should consider whether Lunatic Asylums could not be given. Disraeli offered this and I and others said it was a very reasonable proposal.

2. Some questions as to Sir G. Wolseley and Captain Glover.Footnote ³⁷⁸

Disraeli announced all that had passed as to the Archbishops threatened Ecclesiastical Legislation. With the exception of Derby the entire Cabinet was opposed. Cairns expressed himself decidedly against. The matter was left with us to meditate on it.

Monday 30 March (London)

Came up, met Sir M. Beach in train. Vote of thanks to Army and Navy in both Houses. I never heard anything poorer than the speeches in the House of Lords. It was a farrago of such abominable and slipshod commonplace that I felt absolutely ashamed.

I gave a short explanation of the state of things on the Gold Coast but Lord Grey introduced the subject in such a manner as obliged me to be very brief.Footnote ³⁷⁹

Thursday 9 April (Highclere)

All these unsatisfactory rumours as to Lady C. and Disraeli and his visit to Bretby have, as I have long been expecting, come into print.Footnote ³⁸⁰ There is a contradiction in the Morning Post but put in by whom I cannot say. The expression “ridiculous” clearly indicates that it does not proceed from him.

Saturday 11 April (Highclere)

A very serious harvest of Colonial difficulties and anxieties approach.

1. 1. Fiji annexation

2. 2. Very serious difficulties on the Natal frontier

3. 3. Zulu trials and suppression of the insurrection

4. 4. New Guinea annexation looming in distance

5. 5. Gold Coast settlement.Footnote ³⁸¹

Wednesday 15 April (London)

Cabinet

1. 1. Settled the Budget.Footnote ³⁸² Hunt announced that he may have to come for a supplementary vote to make good deficiencies in the Navy. There was a rather general protest against expensive reconstruction, but he said that he did not want more than he needed.

2. 2. Annexation of Fiji. I explained that the Commissioners had exceeded apparently their powers, but that I believed annexation would be inevitable ultimately though I did not much like it.Footnote ³⁸³

3. 3. The South African difficulty. Krater award and infringement of it by South African State. I found the Cabinet very timid, and not unnaturally, at the prospect of possible hostilities. I explained as much as I could and promised to circulate papers.

4. 4. Honours and rewards to Captain Glover and his officers. Here the Cabinet misled by precedent decided against any money grant to him, an unwise decision which it is quite possible they will be obliged to retract.

Thursday 16 April (Osborne)

Wrote to Disraeli as to Glover.

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Leopold and Princess BeatriceFootnote ³⁸⁴ are here, a sort of home party, very little ceremony and rather interesting in that way. The Queen was in better spirits, and more animated than I ever saw her, laughing heartily at anything that amused her.

She asked much after my Mother, reminded me that she had first known me when I was quite a child and she was Princess Victoria, and finally went into fits of laughter over the story of Lady Chesterfield's supposed marriage with Disraeli.Footnote ³⁸⁵

She is much interested as to Fiji, but alarmed at the idea of annexation, mainly I think on the ground of the barbarous customs prevailing there, particularly strangulation of widows. The Duke of Edinburgh is very anxious that we should get the islands.

Monday 20 April (London)

I am anxious as to this South African difficulty between the Transvaal Republic and the Batlapin tribes. It looks very awkward and may easily grow into a very serious difficulty.

Saturday 25 April (Highclere)

A long and busy day and a Cabinet.

We discussed railway reforms, coming finally to no conclusion, and Scotch Patronage. Salisbury and Hardy and Duke of Richmond were in favour of abolishing it, giving compensation to Patrons and right of election to Assembly. I threw out some doubt as to how far English Church patronage would be involved in such a decision, but the general feeling was in favour of the measure. The Duke of Buccleuch was to be consulted.

We talked a little about the Archbishops’ bill. Salisbury urged it to be an open question. Disraeli wisely pressed on us if possible to come to an understanding among ourselves and finally we agreed to press the Archbishop to defer the Second Reading of the bill till at least it had been discussed in Convocation.Footnote ³⁸⁶

Wednesday 29 April (London)

Cabinet

Discussion of miscellaneous and not very important questions, except Hunt's recent alarmist speech on the Navy, evidently a silly affair for after making a great fuss about the deplorable condition of affairs, he is content to take only £150,000. The Cabinet agreed to give him this.

Thursday 30 April (London)

Interview and conversation with FroudeFootnote ³⁸⁷ as to his journey to Australia.Footnote ³⁸⁸ It may I think have some useful results. When I mentioned to him some of the difficulties as to a satisfactory joint action in naval matters by the colonies and ourselves, he said it was a curious reproduction of some of the difficulties in Irish and English history.

Saturday 2 May (London)

Academy dinner, not as dull as sometimes as Hardy, Northcote and I were sitting together. The speaking was very poor with the exception of Disraeli's speech, which was a curious and highly wrought specimen of fine art – mosaic in its structure and pervaded by a dry humour and cultivation of thought, altogether a remarkable effort.Footnote ³⁸⁹

Sunday 3 May (London)

A long walk round Kensington Gardens with Froude, discussing first his proposed journey to Australia, afterwards general matters.

Derby previously had spoken to me on this journey to the effect that he found the expense might be too great for him, £800 for the journey plus £1000 lost to him by cessation of literary work.

I held out to him some hope that I might be able to manage some help in the way of a grant if he undertook the mission as a public matter. He was, as I have always found him, very delicate in regard to personal interests.

Thursday 7 May (London)

Lord Blachford's bill passed second reading.Footnote ³⁹⁰

Saw Grant and settled I think as to PorchyFootnote ³⁹¹ and his Latin labours with Mr. Middleton.

Granville whom I met in the evening was talking of Palmerston's way of doing business at the Foreign Office. He used, he said, to devote himself to one or two particular subjects for which he cared and to allow the rest to take care of itself.

Saturday 9 May (London)

Cabinet

The first part was taken up in discussing the Archbishops bill. The subcommittee reported, and Cairns read the objections (and proposals) with regard to it. Then ensued a curious scene for Salisbury had to interrupt him at every passage and to say that it was not a correct representation of the Committee's opinions. In fact Cairns had so manipulated each proposition as to give it a different sense. I have only once before seen Cairns so upset and annoyed and that on a similar occasion when he misrepresented me in the House of Lords. The Cabinet was against him and Disraeli was quite fair and straightforward: and the conclusion was to leave us all free to speak as we pleased but I think with a general agreement to assent to nothing which would not be a really fair compromise. The subcommittee were Salisbury, Richmond, Cairns, Hardy and Cross.

Sunday 10 May (London)

Disraeli dined with us. I never knew him more agreeable or full of conversation and anecdote. The languor and lassitude so common to him was gone and he looked ten or twelve years younger. He gave a very curious account of his first acquaintance with Bismarck in England at a ball at the Russian Embassy, just at the time when B. had been summoned to Prussia to form a Government.Footnote ³⁹² Bismarck sought him out and said he wished to know him and then went on to say that he was going to Prussia to form the Government and that after weighing this and that policy he went there with the intention of “making Prussia a Kingdom”, a curious anticipation, curiously realised.

Monday 11 May (London)

The Archbishop's bill, a very late sitting. Shaftesbury's speech very good and vigorous, considering him to be in his 73rd year; The Bishop of Peterborough brilliant, personal, extremely clever, very unepiscopal and ungenerous to a man like Shaftesbury. Salisbury rather embarrassed at first from I think his speaking for the Government, afterwards very able and weighty, the Archbishop of Canterbury able and oratorical but bitter and showing much mental irritation.Footnote ³⁹³

Saturday 16 May (London – Hampstead Marshall)

Cabinet

Nothing very important till we came to the Archbishops bill. Agreed that Cairns’ proposal for one lay judge to be appointed should be offered to Shaftesbury to propose to take the place of the proposed machinery; also that Salisbury's article of comprehension should be offered to the Bishop of Peterborough to propose. The only difference on this head is that Cairns wishes to limit the toleration to the Eastward position of the Celebrant during the Consecration prayer, we desire to tolerate it during the whole service. Disraeli and indeed I think all the Cabinet leant to this view. On the whole things look well, but the insertion of the Athanasian creed will cause a great deal of opposition among the High Church.

I understand it to be agreed that we should act freely as individuals but also give our support as individual members of the Government to these proposals.

I told the Cabinet my Gold Coast supplementary vote would probably be about £30,000.

Wednesday 20 May (London)

Dined with the Derbys at the Foreign Office. It was a fine sight. The Emperor of Russia was there, Schouvaloff,Footnote ³⁹⁴ AdlerbergFootnote ³⁹⁵ and some others. I had not much talk with any of them, except Soltikoff, an admiral, who sat by me. I tried to bring him on to French and German affairs but he had had, so Lord A. LoftusFootnote ³⁹⁶ said, his mot d'ordre and would not speak.

Tuesday 2 June (London)

Cabinet

First part of time spent in discussing course of action to be taken on a resolution as to Mr. O'Keefe.Footnote ³⁹⁷ It was a difficulty whichever way it was decided.

Agreed to adjourn on the Endowed Schools Commissioners bill.

Interview with Mr. Daldy, Secretary to Copyright Association, as to Copyright bill.

Long interview with GregoryFootnote ³⁹⁸ as to Ceylon matters.

House of Lords sat late over Scotch Patronage bill.Footnote ³⁹⁹ I dined with Derby [. . .] and he then took the opportunity of saying what Lady Derby has now twice said to Evelyn, that he foresaw that before long it was likely that I should have to take his place at the Foreign Office. I made no answer and I certainly do not desire it for I could see many difficulties and objections.

Saturday 6 June (London)

Cabinet

Long discussion on Endowed Schools bill. Afterwards the question was raised as to the proposed appropriation by the War Office of the new buildings intended for the Colonial Office and Home Office. Hardy made a poor case for the War Office, only saying that the present quarters were too small and were “pestilential” and that the new buildings were more than the Colonial Office required.

I replied urging: 1. utterly bad state of the War Office buildings into which it is proposed that we should go. 2. the original intention of Parliament and the Acts by which the place is allocated to the Colonial Office and the impossibility of reviewing this. 3. the original planning and grouping of the Colonial Office with all its subordinate departments in the new buildings. 4. the new offices of the Colonial Agents placed near. 5. the connection of the Foreign Office and Colonial Office and necessity of having them together.Footnote ⁴⁰⁰

I absolutely protested and refused my consent, and with so much vigour that no one really offered me any opposition. It was accordingly agreed that the new buildings should remain as always intended for the Colonial Office and Home Office and that a Committee should be appointed to consider what can be done for the War Office. Cross supported me but very feebly; perhaps he was quite satisfied when he saw that I had it my own way. Hardy was a little bit annoyed but this was natural.Footnote ⁴⁰¹

The singular part of the matter was that I am convinced from what then passed as well as from what I have heard elsewhere that the whole affair had been planned and plotted, between the Duke of Cambridge and H. Lennox, that Disraeli had been got over and the Duke of Richmond, and possibly someone else. My extremely decided tone probably stopped the intrigue going on. Derby was absent. It is altogether a curious story.

Wednesday [sic] 16 JuneFootnote ⁴⁰² (London)

Replied to Kimberley as to the Zulu insurrection.

Serious news from Canada. An envoy is on his way from British Columbia to appeal against Railway policy of Dominion Parliament.Footnote ⁴⁰³ A very temperate protest also came to hand from Sproat, Agent to British Columbia.Footnote ⁴⁰⁴ After consideration I went over to Disraeli and explained the case. He heard it all and seemed to understand it perfectly, I then read him a telegram which I proposed to send at once to Canada, volunteering arbitration on the request of both parties and on the understanding that the arbitration should be conclusive.

He entirely agreed to it and to all that I said and saw no other prudent course open. I proposed to telegraph at once to which he assented, and I suggested whether I should bring it on in Cabinet, to which he said he thought there was no need for this; that he concurred with me and would take the full share of responsibility with me. I accordingly telegraphed.

Thursday 18 June (London)

Cabinet

Main discussion on course to be taken as to Archbishop's bill and his application for “renewal of letters of business to Convocation granted by late Government to consider rubrics.” No one knew much of letters of business except myself, but the Cabinet decided to renew the grant. Cairns to announce tomorrow.

Derby announced Congress of Brussels. Agreed to send an envoy there on distinct understanding that rules of maritime warfare are not discussed. This was a point evidently overlooked by the Foreign Office.Footnote ⁴⁰⁵

A very heavy day. Saw at the office Bishop of Capetown,Footnote ⁴⁰⁶ Bishop of Melbourne,Footnote ⁴⁰⁷ Revd. O. Crosse,Footnote ⁴⁰⁸ Dr. HamiltonFootnote ⁴⁰⁹ as to the 33 and the Prince of Wales.

Friday 19 June (London)

Answer from Canada declining arbitration from Mackenzie,Footnote ⁴¹⁰ the Prime Minister, an ignorant and shortsighted fellow, in the absence of DufferinFootnote ⁴¹¹ who would doubtless have dealt with the matter differently.

Saw Horsman at Colonial Office on Straits Settlements as to India Emigration and afterwards as to Scotch Patronage bill on which I made an unwise step, which I am afraid was owing as much to temper and personal feeling as to want of judgement. I hope that no harm will come of it.

I mentioned what had happened on this subject to Derby, Salisbury, Hardy and very generally to Northcote.

Saturday 20 June (London)

Some conversation with Northcote and Salisbury as to Endowed Schools bill.Footnote ⁴¹² Settled that the existing Commission should be continued RobyFootnote ⁴¹³ only being removed. He is to be provided for in this way. MalcolmFootnote ⁴¹⁴ is to be removed to the Colonial Office as Assistant Under Secretary and his place to be filled by Roby.

Afterwards a good deal of conversation with Salisbury 1. as to his own health. 2. as to the future of the Government in the event of Disraeli failing. His view is that we should insist on Hardy leading in the House of Commons and on a certain mode of dealing with Church questions. 3. He said he knew of no one to be Foreign Secretary in the event of Derby being Prime Minister but myself. This corresponds with what I know to be Derby's view, but I fought against it I doubt it suiting me, and I see very great objections to it.

Wednesday 24 June (London)

My birthday, and in keeping with this strange year we have had on Midsummer day heavy storms of rain at intervals and even hail. How time flies; how little one can foresee; how little one does of the work which should be done. I sometimes doubt whether as the years roll on, the horizon is contracting or widening.

Cabinet. We discussed Endowed Schools bill and we came to a fresh conclusion again. We decided to keep the old Commission providing for the retirement of Roby by giving him Malcolm's place at the Board of Trade and Malcolm coming to the Colonial Office, and adopting the other general provisions of the bill. Discussed Archbishop's bill and agreed that Cairns should make a critical (and I specially added and colourless) statement of its present condition. The Duke of Richmond very anxious to get it entirely into Cairns’ hands, but I think I shall say something myself during the discussion.Footnote ⁴¹⁵ The Duke of Richmond and Sandon certainly do not agree very well.

A long conversation with Froude at the Colonial Office, relative to his secret mission. I explained what I wished him to give his attention to in South Africa, specifying three subjects in particular:

1. 1. generally Federation

2. 2. relations of Free States and Nations and ourselves

3. 3. Natal in reference to recent insurrection. Agreed on this head that if necessary I should write to him and appoint him a Commissioner to enquire on the spot.Footnote ⁴¹⁶

Agreed that he should have £1000 from Secret Service money, to which Derby and Disraeli have both agreed.Footnote ⁴¹⁷ He expressed himself as fully and entirely satisfied in this respect. Settled that he should proceed very soon and go first to the Cape and then if he had time go on to Australia, but that Cape was first and urgent consideration.Footnote ⁴¹⁸

Wednesday 8 July (London)

Cabinet, entirely occupied with question as to Fiji.Footnote ⁴¹⁹

Finally settled to decline the conditional cession, but not to refuse an absolutely unconditional one: to telegraph this to Sir H. RobinsonFootnote ⁴²⁰ and to send him out as a supreme Commissioner for the purpose of taking the opinions of King, chiefs, natives and whites in Fiji.

Saturday 11 July (Hatfield)

Cabinet at 1

Discussion on course to be pursued with Religious Worship bill. Disraeli described state of feeling in House of Commons as passionate for the bill and that unless the Government either gave facilities or undertook next year to bring in a measure it would be forced by its own supporters. At first I doubted this but Hardy acknowledged its truth and I have had since corroboration. After much discussion it was settled to give Wednesday or Thursday for conclusion of Second reading and to offer facilities for going into Committee on Friday. Hardy and Northcote were in favour of staving off legislation this year and promising a bill next; Salisbury strongly against, and so the matter was decided. I came away feeling uncomfortable about the whole matter and seeing that any course that is taken is bad. It is a choice of evils.Footnote ⁴²¹

Friday 17 July (London)

I made my statement about Fiji in the House. It seemed well received and Kimberley made a very fair speech in reply.Footnote ⁴²²

The opposition to the Public Worship bill has entirely collapsed and Gladstone has been obliged to withdraw his resolutions. His own party are open mouthed against him and say that he has set up the Government for a fresh term of office. He certainly has not played his cards well, though at the same time the clergy will be generally angry with us for supporting the bill.Footnote ⁴²³

Monday 20 July (London)

Cabinet, to discuss Endowed Schools bill.

Northcote proposed a clause to throw open the governing bodies under the old 19th clause of Endowed Schools Act to Dissenters. Salisbury opposed this strongly on the ground that we should destroy the character of the bill. Sandon was called in and he strongly defended the proposal. I argued for Salisbury's view and finally a compromise clause drawn by Cairns was agreed on, which Sandon was to announce. It was a curious but not satisfactory Cabinet.

We carried this clause through though we were a small minority, Salisbury, myself, Hardy and J. Manners. There were signs of concert and combination and pre-arrangement, and Disraeli showed all that curious desire of going with the House of Commons, and of manipulating them which has always distinguished him.

Saturday 25 July (Highclere)

A letter from Salisbury announcing a very “unpleasant Cabinet”Footnote ⁴²⁴ yesterday. He had been absolutely beaten on all the points in the Endowed Schools bill which he had tried to carry, even Hardy voting against him. He said he “felt himself in a very disagreeable position though it was too small a matter on which to resign”, altogether very unsatisfactory. I telegraphed in general terms and wrote more fully, agreeing entirely that it was not a question on which a resignation was possible. I regret that I was not there for I might have prevented the discussion becoming disagreeable as I plainly see it was.

Later, Lady Chesterfield received a letter from Disraeli. I did not see it, but she said that he had said that the Cabinet was a “most critical one,” “that he was sorry that I was absent,” but that “he hoped all would be well.”Footnote ⁴²⁵

Tuesday 28 July (London)

Had some conversation with Salisbury as to the last Cabinet. It seems that Disraeli in stating the question of the Endowed Schools bill to the Cabinet said that he desired to consult Hardy particularly, whose position was difficult, and Salisbury “in a less degree” or words to that effect. I said that I thought this could only have proceeded from awkwardness, for that he had generally shown him marked consideration and that if he had meant anything offensive it would have been too offensive a speech. Salisbury on the whole agreed, but he is evidently annoyed.

We afterwards got into larger questions and I advised him not to speak on the bill when it comes up. I urged him not to give anyone the pretext for saying either that he had been beaten on a point where he had tried to win or that he was impracticable.

Spoke to Derby about the Fiji labourers and the payment of their wages and back passages. He was mightily discomposed at my statement.

Saturday 1 August (Highclere)

Cabinet

All the first part of the time occupied in the discussion of the Queen's Speech. On the whole a general agreement. I drafted a paragraph on the Gold Coast which was accepted.Footnote ⁴²⁶

Afterwards some debate as to the Endowed Schools bill. Salisbury objected to a clause proposed but got little support. I then interposed and finally after some discussion it was left to Cairns to draft.Footnote ⁴²⁷

Afterwards I stated the difficulty of the labourers in Fiji and proposed to take powers to pay their wages and back passages, putting a mortgage to the same amount on the estates of the planters. A good deal of opposition to this proposal, and it would have been shelved but that I said I could not have it put aside but that I must request that it could be considered fully, that the responsibility was first with me, afterwards, with them.

Finally, the Cabinet was settled to meet again on this subject next week.

Tuesday 4 August (London)

Saw Cairns, to whom I have given the Government of Queensland.Footnote ⁴²⁸ He seemed very grateful and looked better in health [. . .].

Debate in the House of Lords as to Commons Amendment on Archbishops bill. I spoke against the amendment giving an appeal to the Archbishops from the Bishops discretion. Bishop of WinchesterFootnote ⁴²⁹ made a good speech against it. Salisbury also, but he spoke with too much warmth, the result however to my surprise that one had a majority of 12.Footnote ⁴³⁰ Richmond and Cairns voted in the minority. After speaking I saw Hardy and had some talk with him on the subject. He is evidently very much out of spirits, spoke rather sadly of the way in which he had been treated by his own friends and of the anger of the Queen at his having said that she was not the head of the Church. Altogether these Church subjects are likely to give us a great deal of trouble and possibly to break us up as a Government.

Wednesday 5 August (London)

A long and very important conversation with Salisbury in prospect of possible changes of Government during the Autumn. It was agreed that we neither of us should accept anything without consultation. We both were of opinion that on the whole Derby would be the best head of the Government, that Richmond was impossible because so hopelessly ignorant and incompetent, that the question of the Foreign Office was an extreme difficulty and that the acceptance of it was equally repugnant to both of us, that individual questions would be dangerous but that everything was too uncertain here to decide on any course. I urged him again very earnestly to prune down the strength of his expressions and to give no occasion to people to call him intemperate. He accepted it all in the kindest and best part.

Oddly enough he had scarcely gone when he sent me a note from Disraeli to him, apologizing for some expressions that he (D.) seems to have used this afternoon in the House of Commons as to Salisbury.Footnote ⁴³¹ I suspect D. had not recovered his temper, and that the decision of the House of Commons was still doubtful. Subsequently they accepted our amendment of last night.

Cabinet on Fiji matters postponed.

Thursday 6 August (London – Highclere)

Certainly nothing can be worse or more offensive than Disraeli's speech on Salisbury. Not one expression but a succession of sentences, each one worse than its predecessor. Salisbury came to me and talked matters over and settled to make an explanation in the House which he did and with complete success. Cairns asked me what Salisbury thought, whether he was much annoyed. I said no, that he was above being annoyed at such a thing but that it was impossible not to feel the extraordinary nature of the proceeding.Footnote ⁴³²

I discussed everything again with S., and afterwards had a talk with Hardy. When I told him that I knew that Disraeli had sent a message to V. Harcourt assuring him of his readiness to offer him office he was overwhelmed.Footnote ⁴³³

I too have had my cause of complaint. This morning I received a letter from M. CorryFootnote ⁴³⁴ saying the Cabinet was put off indefinitely and that “D. added that it was impossible to make any advance under present circumstances as regards Fiji!” The impertinence and folly and absurdity of the proceeding at first irritated me greatly. I came down here determined to ignore this intimation and telegraph to Robinson to make the necessary advances.

Saturday 8 August (Highclere)

Froude, Delane, V. Harcourt, Dean of WestminsterFootnote ⁴³⁵ and some others came.

Harcourt very agreeable socially. He makes no secret of his liking for Disraeli, his wish that he could exchange leaders and his acting in concert with him. He is evidently looking to a coalition and in fact hardly disguises it. He says that Gladstone is evidently bent next session on advocating Home Rule and disestablishment, and that he for one will not follow him there. He told me a curious story of Disraeli. It seems that he was talking to him of Lowe and that D. sneered at Lowe, on which Harcourt said that after all his speeches in the House of Commons had carried the House with him. To which D. replied that he had made Lowe, for that after the first of Lowe's speeches he had seen the importance of it, though his own party “who are not very intelligent” had not been alive to it, and he had accordingly placed members in different parts of the House with instructions to cheer Lowe at the proper passages, and that this had made his reputation. An extraordinary story! How much truth is there in it? Harcourt evidently believed it.

Sunday 9 August (Highclere)

Received an answer from Disraeli, leaving everything to my management and withdrawing all attempts at restricting my discretion, a very civil but a very sphinx-like epistle.Footnote ⁴³⁶

Monday 14 September (Gedling)

HamiltonFootnote ⁴³⁷ from the Colonial Office came, a pleasant comprehending youth. Shot with him and Mr. Wright.

In the evening the Chandos LeighsFootnote ⁴³⁸ and Sheffield,Footnote ⁴³⁹ who looks very ill. Sheffield told me a curious story of Foreign Office blundering. It seems that Derby was on the whole prepared that General Sir A. HorsfordFootnote ⁴⁴⁰ should sign the protocol of the Brussels Conference and that he allowed a despatch to this effect to be drafted and signed. It was then submitted to Disraeli who declared himself strongly against such a signature. Meanwhile the despatch had gone back to the Foreign Office and instead of being pigeonholed and cancelled, was by mistake forwarded to Brussels and presented to Sir A. Horsford. Thus we were committed to the signing of the Protocol – the very opposite of what we intended.

Saturday 19 September (Gedling)

Our party broke up and Orlando ForesterFootnote ⁴⁴¹ returned from Bretby where Disraeli is much laid up with bronchitis.

D. has given up going to Ireland, being finally decided, it seems by a letter from Derby dissuading him on the ground of the political risks or the necessity of being in good order for the discussion of measures in Cabinet in November. He (O.F.) replied “Compulsory education”. I suspect that but for me he would have said “religious questions” and lastly, to my surprise, he said something about “home rule”, adding that M. Corry thought that it was quite possible to handle some of these questions in such a way as to be agreeable to all parties.

I believe that this must be the result of some conversation or other at Bretby and that Disraeli is as usual scheming and that he is more than ever in M. Corry's hands. Meanwhile he is certainly ill and apparently has been very low and depressed as to himself. It is quite possible that he may not get through the winter, and already Derby like the heir expectant is beginning to dictate terms and take powers. It is altogether very disagreeable. I see nothing in the future which is likely to be satisfactory – unbelief in religion, trimming in Parliament, cowardice in national policy.

Saturday 26 September (Bretby)

We came on here in the afternoon.Footnote ⁴⁴² Found Disraeli better but looking very ill, and I think extremely low and depressed about himself. He had been out for a short airing for the first time. His gout is still bad, though I suspect not yet fully developed, and he has remains of a severe bronchitis. He seemed very glad to see me and declared that he had hardly heard anything of any of his colleagues except Derby. He began by telling me what had been done at the Foreign Office, 1^st. recognition of Spain. 2^nd withdrawal of minister from Papal Court and transfer of the whole business to Paget.Footnote ⁴⁴³ 3^rd He gave me an account of the extraordinary blunder as to the Brussels Protocol.

He then went on to talk of what we must do on our meeting in November, saying that it was of no use merely to meet to ask each other how we had spent the holidays, that it was necessary to have our views as to legislation etc. ready. I expected something serious and large after this and remembered the hints as to Reform in ’57: but he proceeded to say that Cross, in whom he had great confidence, had promised to consider some scheme as to dwellings for working classes, that he had not asked him what his plan was but that he believed that he was maturing it. And there he stopped, adding I think somewhat as to sanitary reforms. He went on however to the Judicature Bills, reminding one that he had always disliked the removal of the power from the House of Lords, and saying that there would be no real opposition from Cairns on the subject. I think that he is anxious here for a modification of Cairns’ bill of last session.

Something was then said as to the Religious Worship Act, and I said that it would not come into operation till July and that then no-one could say without further experience how it would work. To this he assented, and he gave me the impression that he did not contemplate any movement in this direction. I told him that the clergy was still sore, to which he assented.

He said he had heard once from Salisbury and that nothing could be more friendly.

Tuesday 29 September (Bretby)

Had a good deal of conversation with Disraeli on Colonial subjects. I broached to him my ideas of a fusion of the St. Michael and the St. George in the Order of the Bath. He agreed in it, said it ought to have been done when the St. Michael and St. George was revived, but that it would need much consideration and care and should be dealt with as a whole.

I explained also to him my notions as to a scheme of joint Colonial Defence, military and naval. He entered into it very warmly and added that I should have his heartiest support. He said that he wanted to send “the bearskin” back again to Canada to reassert the visible sovereignty of the Empire.

Wednesday 30 September (Bretby)

I have I think seen more of Disraeli and got a greater appreciation of him than ever before. There is no doubt as to his genius and his breadth of view. He detests details and always looks to the principle or rather the idea of any question. He is in fact unable to deal with details. He does no work. For many days past he has not put pen to paper. M. Corry is in fact Prime Minister and on the whole does not manage amiss or above much his power. He is in private life amicable.

Saturday 17 October (Highclere)

Telegram of annexation of Fiji received.Footnote ⁴⁴⁴ Wrote to Disraeli as to Gold Coast slavery matter, saying I would need a naval force on the Coast.Footnote ⁴⁴⁵

Very hard day's work.

Wednesday 21 October (Highclere)

A great deal of navy business settled with HerbertFootnote ⁴⁴⁶ as far as possible.

1. Fiji matter, the proposed staff 2. Natal, course of proceedings 3. Canada Cables Act 4. British Columbian despatch: stands over.Footnote ⁴⁴⁷

Tuesday 27 October (Highclere)

The Salisburys came. He is looking better, but has little news having just returned from France. We talked over matters generally. The only point which he suggested was as to the course to be taken on the Report of the University Revenues. There are two courses assuming that we take action, which we both think desirable:

1. 1. to draw the bill and to provide for their distribution

2. 2. to enable the Universities to redistribute.

I am in favour of the 2nd and so was he, a plan for allowing Convocation to appoint 3 Commissioners, each College, as its turn comes on, 3 Commissioners, and the Crown 3 Commissioners, might give, I think, a safe body.

Saturday 31 October (Highclere)

ColensoFootnote ⁴⁴⁸ came to confer on Natal matters. I found him very reasonable in conversation at least.

His recommendations, to sum up everything briefly, are:

1. 1. Amnesty to Langalibalele tribe.Footnote ⁴⁴⁹ They are scattered and in hiding and would at once return.

2. 2. Give them power to take service for 3 years with white settlers. Government to guarantee the contract, and with their wages to buy up land as individual holdings.

3. 3. Patili tribe to go back to location but to give to each man a separate creation. There should be no power to sell to any Englishmen, only natives.

4. 4. He agrees in view which I urged on Shepstone,Footnote ⁴⁵⁰ viz. to substitute white magistrates for Chiefs, but to make the change as gradual and gentle as possible.

5. 5. To release the Chief, but not to imprison him. He has suffered enough, and Maritzburg prison is crowded and unhealthy. It will be enough to put him under surveillance.

6. 6. Question arose under whose care: he again repeated his offer of taking charge of him. I said that if I could release him it must be without creating prestige of local government, to which he assented.

7. 7. He advised a Durbar to be held every year in order to tide over transition period as the Chiefs do not come under Legislature.

8. 8. He promises all co-operation that he can give in smoothing matters and he recognizes my great difficulties in dealing with the matter.

Thursday 12 November (London)

Cabinet

Disraeli is certainly very poorly. The gout and bronchitis combined have pulled him down greatly and I own to great misgivings.

He began by a strong appeal to Hardy and Hunt in consequence of Northcote's serious financial statement to consider if a reduction between them of some £500,000 were possible; and both declared themselves unable to reduce a shilling. Hunt said that anyhow he had looked to at least 3 years to set things straight in consequence of the wholesale reductions of the late Government.

We then discussed the proposed bill for the Government of the Metropolis. Cross explained it and proposed to indicate some reforms that might be made in the Government as apart from the City, leaving the City alone. Finally agreed to oppose the bill in toto and to hold out no hope of dealing with other parts of London. There was a very divided opinion as to the fact whether any change there would be an improvement.

Public building Northcote explained there would be in this year £500,000 surplus, next year deficiency of £700,000 and if things were unfavourable, the total deficiency would be about £900,000. We would have to keep income tax as permanent tax and as at present and probably get £1,000,000 on spirits. Under these circumstances it seemed to be agreed not to commence purchase of land for War Office and new buildings which would cost £2,000,000 and with the buildings £3,000,000.

Arctic Expedition Agreed to give grant for this. This year £40,000, next £36,000, next £22,000, next £13,000.

Question of Game Decided to postpone bill.

Landlord and Tenant Decided to introduce a bill and Committee appointed, Duke of Richmond, Malmesbury and Hunt.

Endowed Schools Commission Agreed to wait to see what new Commissioners do, i.e. to do nothing at present.

Saturday 14 November (London)

Cabinet

We discussed:

1. 1. Workmen's dwellings Cross proposes a bill on principles of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Liverpool Acts, also appropriation of land near but not quite part of Battersea Park. He is to prepare a bill.

2. 2. University Revenues Disraeli to write to the Vice Chancellors, to ask for their proposals.

3. 3. Sanitary legislation Sclater BoothFootnote ⁴⁵¹ who was called in says there is enough power already given by Act of last year.

4. 4. Bills as to pollution of Rivers and Adulteration of Food to be prepared.

Immediately afterwards I received a telegram from Dufferin asking me to intervene by commuting sentence on Lepine.Footnote ⁴⁵² This is a serious matter. Talked to Northcote as to this, as to probable financial difficulties regarding Griqualand and as to the Endowed Schools scheme remaining.

In the morning I saw the Prince of Wales as to his Grand Mastership and Masonic matters. He told me he had consulted the Queen before accepting and though she was not fond of Masonry she had agreed to it.Footnote ⁴⁵³

Sunday 15 November (London)

There is this great satisfaction in doing business with Disraeli that whilst he never worries or interferes unnecessarily he has the imaginative faculty which enables him to apprehend the true state of the case in its broad outlines from a distance far more truly than the dull matter of fact politicians that one ordinarily deals with.

The Queen had just written to him on the Greville Memoirs, very indignant at what she called “the indelicacy the indiscretion and the ingratitude” of them, a very royal alliteration.Footnote ⁴⁵⁴

I had a long conversation with him and an interesting one. Among other things he discussed the late Lord Derby and said he had neither sympathy nor heart. He spoke of and rated much higher the present Derby.

Tuesday 17 November (London)

Cabinet

1. 1. Irish bills Dr. Ball gave as his opinion as to course to be taken. He enumerated 3 questions: a) Judicature bill on which he said nothing. b) Jury bill, the introduction of which he considered very important. An English bill has to be prepared and it is a question if the Irish should not follow on a line similar to it. c) Peace Preservation Acts. He says that Ireland is very tranquil, little crime, but they ought apparently to be renewed. Nothing agreed but a report to be prepared.

2. 2. A bill as to explosives discussed.

3. 3. Agreed that in January we should decide on Master and Servant bills, Irish legislation and Workmen's dwellings.

4. 4. I explained the following Colonial questions a) British Columbia controversy b) Lepine's case, in Canada and Riel c) Natal difficulty. There was a good deal of objection to an Act of Indemnity. d) Eyre's Pension, great dismay at this idea of a bill, but I left it so that I consider myself to do as I please.Footnote ⁴⁵⁵

Dined at the Derbys. Schouvaloff was there, plausible and agreeable, but as false, I doubt not, as most other Russians.

Thursday 19 November (London)

Cabinet

Disraeli asked me to explain Natal question. I did so, much discussion and questioning, but the only point which the Cabinet had was a great fear of any legislation. They all dread the House of Commons, as I think, very unnecessarily.

Finally it was agreed that I should go on with all my preliminary measures, write my despatches, take steps for recall of Pine, appointment of new Governor, etc. but reserve question of legislation and mode of release of Langalibalele till January.Footnote ⁴⁵⁶

Friday 20 November (London)

Cabinet

1. 1. Aggravated outrages. Cross read opinion of Judges, etc. as to flogging – large preponderance for it.

2. 2. Adderley produced bill as to unseaworthy ships, differing mainly from Plimsoll's in that survey should not be universal but only on suspicion.Footnote ⁴⁵⁷

3. 3. Northcote proposed for consideration a scheme of co-organisation, main principle being to transfer roads, poor law, education and sanitary business to an elective Board, leaving to Quarter Sessions judicial, prisons and Lunatic Asylums. A new valuation bill would be necessary. General feeling was against it.

4. 4. At the end of the meeting suddenly like thunder in a clear sky, a storm broke. Cairns spoke of the Judicature bill and the transfer of appellate jurisdiction in it from the House of Lords. Richmond then very pointedly said he hoped that he should not be put in the position he was in last year. He looked at me and soon after repeated it and so pointedly that I took it up and said that my position was such that I had not voted for it, that I did not care to oppose my colleagues but that the strong part which I had taken against this part of the bill in ’73 made it impossible for me to do otherwise. Then Cairns joined in and the discussion took rather a disagreeable character. On which Salisbury took up my defence and said that it was monstrous to endeavour to tighten the bonds of party discussion to try to force me to vote for what I had openly opposed. I said something implying it was not impossible for me to vote for it. Cairns said something (I could not say what) about his honour, and the matter closed rather disagreeably but I think with the understanding that I should certainly not give way, and that we should reconsider the actual question of the transfer in January.

As we broke up Richmond came up and said I had misunderstood him in thinking he alluded to me and somewhat apologised. Cairns was also much in the same line. My strong impression however, and Salisbury's, that it had been concerted between them. Disraeli I think did not anticipate it and was annoyed. No one else was prepared for it. Came down to Hatfield and found Lyons there.

Sunday 22 November (Hatfield)

I have had a good deal of conversation with Lyons, amongst other things on the disagreeable question of a possible removal of Derby from the Foreign Office. The subject came up in conversation and I thought it then to talk it over with him as an old friend and one whose opinions could well be trusted. He was strongly in favour of my taking the Foreign Office should the necessity arise.Footnote ⁴⁵⁸ I put it to him whether a foreign policy was really possible for this country. He thought it was though he admitted that we were now living on our prestige and that without stronger armaments our position was hardly one of security. Still he thought it was possible to have a certain voice in European affairs. His points were:

1. 1. No programme at first. It only hampers. Let the policy be ascertained by the acts done and gradually.

2. 2. Absolute veracity in smaller trifles, so as evince entire confidence in every word.

3. 3. Conciliation and personal attention to foreign ministry.

4. 4. Private correspondence with our own Ministers abroad.

Salisbury and Lady S. seem to me to have made up their minds that he would not take the Foreign Office and that I ought in such case to do it. But absit omen.

Tuesday 24 November (London)

Had a long conversation with Shepstone as to Natal matters; I think that I have now settled all the main points and that my despatch may go out on Friday week.Footnote ⁴⁵⁹ I heard that the first meeting of the Chiefs on the West Coast of Africa had been held and that the announcement of slave dealing had been made. It is a great step made and I trust all things will go right.Footnote ⁴⁶⁰

Saturday 28 November (London)

I called at Disraeli's. He was still too ill to see me, but I found Cairns there who made a very long face when I came in, and shaking his head, said that he was afraid that Disraeli was very ill. I am myself afraid that it is so, and I wrote a few lines to Corry to advise him to come up. I am very sorry for D. alone, untended, uncared for in the midst of his external power and fancied prosperity. Vanities of vanities. I sometimes doubt whether we are not on the immediate verge of great changes.

Derby came up to town this evening.

Monday 30 November (London)

Plots and intrigues of all kinds are going on upon the supposition that Disraeli cannot last. I dined at the Royal Society, where I had to return thanks for the Government,Footnote ⁴⁶¹ and returned with Salisbury. Much conversation with him on the point. We are agreed to prevent Richmond stepping in to the place, and it would all be easy enough but that Cairns is clearly pulling the strings. Cairns is a born plotter and of course he would not dislike having Richmond for Prime Minister, as a very flexible and docile puppet.

Tuesday 1 December (London)

Important conversation with Salisbury as to the present intrigues going on in favour of Duke of Richmond.Footnote ⁴⁶² He showed me a letter which he had written on our conversation of last night to Derby urging him in the event of Disraeli's retirement to take the Prime Ministership. It stated the case most clearly as against Richmond, urging that he was simply incompetent and that a totally incompetent Prime Minister must lead to anarchy in the Cabinet and contempt out of it. He proposed (in this letter) that he and Derby and I should refuse to serve under Richmond and that this would settle the matter. I entirely agreed.

Interview with Colenso at the Colonial Office. I told him all that I proposed to do in Natal, exacting from him a promise that what I said should be in the strictest confidence. He promised. I told him everything and he then thanked me for all the consideration which I had given to the case and said though he might have preferred that things should be in some respects different he accepted the decision as entirely just and right and promised a loyal support to everything and that he would sanction and allow “no party triumph.” Finally, I undertook to effect a personal reconciliation between him and Shepstone.

Saw Shepstone and settled this also.

Wednesday 2 December (London)

Effected a reconciliation between Colenso and Shepstone. They met in my room and shook hands. The Bishop showed a great deal of feeling. Shepstone seemed to be also much affected but in what precise way I cannot be sure.

I gave Shepstone his parting instructions and hinted that I hoped that he might obtain some recognition of his service (i.e. K.C.M.G.) I held out the hope to him yesterday of an increase of salary. He leaves London tomorrow.

Grand Lodge in the evening where I was installed Pro Grand Master. It was a very full attendance.

Thursday 3 December (London)

I announced to Gordon at the Colonial Office that he would be Governor of Fiji. He is an odd fellow for after having desired and almost asked for it he hardly seemed pleased when I told him. However I think this was probably only manner and that he will do well.

Salisbury came over to me to show me an answer from Derby in which he accepted the situation and said that Richmond would not succeed.Footnote ⁴⁶³ The curious fact of this matter was that he added that the information that Richmond was likely to put forward was entirely new to him. But had not Lady Derby said anything to him after all she said to me?