Catalogue description VOL. 11B Summary of Contents. Political correspondence, mainly on the Eastern question...

VOL. 11B Summary of Contents. Political correspondence, mainly on the Eastern question (Russia, Turkey and the European powers) and on the new reform bill. Politics and government: W. E. Gladstone's views on items of parliamentary business: Kensington Estate; Aldershot; Burlington House; decimal coinage etc. (fs. 78-9; 101-2). Appointments: Lord Aberdeen's integrity "..... I am reluctant to confer any office upon a person connected with myself" (fs. 88-9); his anxiety not to offend J.R. "..... I thought I had done little else than comply with your wishes" (fs. 173-6). Board of Health: Lord Palmerston urges creation of a separate department with a political head. Reform: discussion on the proposed new bill. John Bright's plea to include working-men in a lowered franchise; his definitions of the cause of strikes "..... (we are) almost two nations" (fs. 156-7); question of corporate towns and the municipal franchise. Lord Palmerston gives his reasons for rejection of the bill (fs. 92-8) and J.R's reply (fs. 99-100); Palmerston's resignation (Dec. 14). Lord Lansdowne's doubts about the bill. Palmerston's resignation withdrawn. Correspondence: J.R.; W. E. Gladstone; Lords Aberdeen, Palmerston, Portman, Lansdowne; Dukes of Argyll, Newcastle; Sir J. Graham; Sir C. Wood; John Bright; G. C. Lewis and others. Foreign affairs: Russia and Turkey: movement towards war. J.R's definitive views "..... we must appear in the field as the auxiliaries of Turkey" (fs. 5-12). Argyll urges caution "..... we are now standing on the ridge of our resolves" (fs. 13-18). Advance of the fleet to the Bosphorus; question of extra force of marines. Pro-Russian attitude of the British press. Duke of Argyll considers that "..... we could not have a worse subject to defend than Turkey" (fs. 49-62). Question of a Vienna conference; doubts as to its value. Sir H. Seymour reports Russian government order for 250,000 sheepskin pelisses "..... an indication of hostile (winter) operations" (fs. 177-8). J.R's plan to intercept Russian ships in the Black Sea if her troops cross the Danube; Aberdeen uneasy "..... you will not forget your assurance that your policy is (one) of peace" (fs. 271-4). Correspondence: J.R.; Duke of Argyll; Sir J. Graham; Sir G. H. Seymour; Sir C. Wood; Lords Minto, Palmerston, Aberdeen, Clarendon, Lansdowne. Foreign affairs: Italy: Lord Minto's report (fs. 34-5). Foreign affairs: U.S.A. and England: correspondence of J.R. and Edward Everett on need to improve relations between the two countries "..... we are the only natural allies" (Everett, fs 77-8). Foreign affairs: Diplomatic appointments: Lord Minto deplores system of selection without regard to merit. Education: proposals for Scotland. Correspondence: Lords Murray, Melgund; Duke of Argyll. Education: Oxford university reform: Gladstone states difficulties and obstructions (fs. 225-32). Personal: J.R's Life of C. J. Fox: Lord Lansdowne's suggestions (fs. 40-3). Gen. Ewart protests at references to the madness of his father Joseph. G. C. Lewis's contributions. Personal: Moore's Journals: Thomas Longman anxious for progress.