Metternich." What engaged their delibera- | considerations of the public interest, and not corn. I will not say more than that the generous support which I had uniformly received from her Majesty and from the prince, and all that passed on the occasion of the retirement, made an impression on my heart that can Sir Robert Peel had at first been in-never be effaced. I could not say less than clined to submit to her Majesty an order this without doing violence to feelings of in council "at once throwing open the grateful and dutiful attachment. ports and trusting to Parliament for an Peel's Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 222. indemnity." He must, however, have been overruled by his colleagues, for Parliament was not called together, as had been the general expectation, but was prorogued. tection Mr. Martin notices that, at that time, the Whigs, at least the Whig leaders, had also changed their views on the subject of protection. But, as he justly remarks, there was a great difference between the position of the Conservatives and the Whigs in respect to this question, all-important at the time. The Whigs were not hampered by pledges to uphold propledges on the faith of which their rivals had been placed in power. Then came Lord John Russell's famous Edinburgh letter, dated 22nd November, 1845, in which he said, "It is no longer worth while to contend for a fixed duty. The imposition of any duty at present, without a provision for its extinction in a short period, would but prolong a contest already sufficiently fruitful of animosity and discontent." The effect of this letter was, no doubt, very great, but it is probable that Sir Robert Peel's determination was not much influenced by it, and had been resolved upon in his own mind before. To so shrewd a man his position for some time must necessarily have appeared untenable. As our author says, "A minister, whose judgment went along with the policy announced by his adversary, had no alternative but to provide for him the opportunity of carrying it out." Accordingly, on the 5th December, he placed his resignation in her Majesty's hands. How it was received the following extract from Sir Robert Peel's "Memoirs " will show: In the course of the interview with her Majesty, which took place after my arrival at Osborne on the 5th of December, I trust that I satisfied the queen that I was influenced by Sir R. Lord John Russell was then summoned from Edinburgh to attend the queen, and was entrusted with the formation of a ministry. This proved at once to be no easy task: Lord John Russell had from the first anticipated failure as by no means unlikely, and he had told her Majesty that in such an event Sir Robert Peel would have no difficulty in carrying on the government. But not the less severe and loyalty when appealed to by his sovereign was the strain upon that statesman's courage to resume the helm of affairs. The experience of the last year had taught him what he must be prepared to face in the coolness of former friends, the grudging support of unwilling adherents, and the rancour of disappointed political antagonists. Very significant is the brief record in the prince's diary down in the afternoon, is very much agitated, of what occurred: - "Sir Robert Peel comes but declares that he will not desert the queen, and will undertake the government.” The biographer comments upon the sacrifice of his private feelings which Sir Robert Peel must have made on this memorable occasion. And, indeed, nothing can well be more painful for a highminded man than, as the leader of a party, to have adopted some distinct line of policy on some very important question, thereby largely pledging both himself and his followers, and then turning suddenly round and saying, "We are in the wrong, and our adversaries in the right." Sir Robert Peel's very sensitive nature must have made this confession doubly distressing to him. And then, when from the force of circumstances, as in the present case, the leader is not only compelled to retract his opinions, but to take action upon the contrary opinions, the painfulness of his position rises to its utmost height, and every generous mind, not under the immediate sway of party politics, must feel deeply for him and with him. Such were the feelings of the | was, "of his thoughts and fancies." And queen and the prince consort: They had been long accustomed, [writes our author,] to admire Sir Robert Peel and those about him, for thinking only of what was best for the welfare of the State, with little care whether it was good for his party or not. But in this most trying hour they felt more strongly than ever that he had shown himself "a man of unbounded loyalty, courage, patriotism, and high-mindedness." These are her Majesty's words, writing two days after his resumption of office. "His conduct towards us," she adds, "has been, I might say, almost 'chivalrous.' I never have seen him so excited and so determined, and such a good cause must succeed." many of those who had the privilege of being present at the private concerts in the palace will recognize the truth of the following picture of the prince in his later years: which those could best understand who knew He would often stand apart in the drawing. room, while some great work of Beethoven, Mozart, or Mendelssohn was being performed, wrapt in reverie, but with a look in his face by it, that the pressure on a brain often too severely taxed was for the moment removed. prince was called upon to take a public In the first year of his marriage the Entertaining such views of the minister and part in the promotion of that art which of the situation, the result of the ministerial he so greatly loved :crisis could not be otherwise than gratifying to the queen and prince. "We are seelenfroh (glad in soul), as they say in Coburg,' ," the prince writes to his step-mother (25th December), "or still more frequently ganz fidel (in high glee), that we have survived a ministerial crisis of fourteen days' duration, and are now standing exactly where we stood beforeupon our feet, whereas during the crisis we were very nearly standing on our heads." Our object in quoting the foregoing narrative, is to show the support and encouragement given by her Majesty and by the prince consort to the queen's prime minister. And this support was not given to that prime minister only, but also to preceding and successive minis ters. It now remains that we should speak in detail of the prince consort's love of art, and of the service which he rendered to his adopted country by the promotion of art. As the prince's devotion to art soon became known, he was called upon to take a prominent part in its encouragement before the public. So early as March he was appointed one of the directors of the Ancient Concerts, and directed his first concert in this capacity on the 29th of April. His selection of the music for the occasion was made with great care, and he attended an elaborate rehearsal of it with the queen two days before. concert has peculiar interest as the first of a very remarkable series directed by the prince, which, with what was done by him elsewhere, music, and of musical art gencrally in England, gave a stimulus to the cultivation of classical that has been of the highest value in raising the public taste. This A much wider sphere of action in respect to art was to be opened to the prince consort in the succeeding year 1841: the instalment of his ministry, was to suggest One of the first acts of Sir Robert Peel after that the prince, whose wide range of knowledge in art and science was by this time generally known, should be placed at the head of a royal commission to enquire whether advan tage might not be taken of the rebuilding of the Houses of Parliament to promote and encourage the fine arts in the United King dom. The original commission included a very remarkable array of names : The constant labours of his very laborious life prevented that continuous self-culture in art, to which he would otherwise, doubtless, have devoted himself. Our author tells us "that, both in painting and in musical composition, he had acquired considerable technical skill; and in the etcher's art the queen and himself found a delightful occupation for their scanty leisure. To sing and play together was also one of their constant recreations. To the prince music was, In May 1844, the names of Lord Mahon and at all times, a source of supreme delight Mr. (afterwards Lord) Macaulay were added -an element in which the hindrances by a supplementary commission. "To me and disappointments, and shortcomings personally," the prince writes to Sir Robert of life were forgotten." Mr. Martin has Peel (4th April, 1844), in answer to his letter given us, in "Extracts from Letters of suggesting this addition to the strength of the Lady Lyttleton's," a vivid idea of the poet-gratifying, as these sittings (besides the intercommission, "their addition would be very ical power which the prince threw into est of the subject itself) give me an agreeable his playing of the organ, "the eloquent opportunity, which otherwise I should not exponent," as Mr. Martin assures us it have, to get more intimately acquainted with some of the most distinguished men of the | was a very sincere person in his way of day without reference to politics." talking; so that, when he spoke at all upon any subject, he never played with it; he never took one side of a question because the person he was conversing with had taken the other; and, in fact, earnest discussion was one of his greatest enjoyments. He was very patient in bearing criticism and contradiction; and, indeed, rather liked to be opposed, so that from opposition he might elicit truth, which was always his first object." The secretary to this commission was Mr. (afterwards Sir) Charles Eastlake. He met the prince possessed with the then prevalent but utterly groundless idea that the prince would entertain some peculiar favour for his own countrymen, as it was not then generally known, as it is now, how completely naturalized in heart and soul the prince was; and that there was nobody more thoroughly devoted to British interests and to British welfare Sir Charles Eastlake now thought that than himself. This kind of error is not the moment had come when he must make confined to the British people, though a stand against the introduction of foreign they have often been especially accused artists. Had his Royal Highness insistof it. In the history of all nations it may ed upon this, Sir Charles had made up be seen that the foreigner is, for a time, his mind to resign his secretaryship. suspect, although it may be shown from We must now give his own words: history (from that of Spain especially) that the foreigner has often exceeded the I almost said as much by observing that I native in his devotion to the country of was irrevocably committed on that point by his adoption. Sir Charles Eastlake man-my letter to the chairman of the late committee. Prince Albert said he knew I was, ifested, in the course of this interview, for he had read that letter. He added, howthe spirit and the good sense which ever, that he quite agreed with me. I then might be expected from so eminent a said I saw no objection to English artists, man. "I listened to his (the prince's) who might be entrusted with the management plans, and made objections where I of considerable works, employing Germans thought it necessary. Two or three under them. To my agreeable surprise Prince times I quite forgot who he was, he talked Albert would not even admit that this was so naturally, and argued so fairly." necessary, for he said he was convinced that Sir Charles, who was afterwards much in all that related to practical dexterity, which was the department in which it was assumed in contact with the prince, and also saw not a little of the queen, must have often that some instruction (for fresco) would be rebuked himself at the surprise he felt ful. He observed that in all mere mechanism necessary, the English were particularly, skil that a prince should talk so naturally, the English generally surpassed all other naand argue so fairly. In other courts, and tions. He gave several instances, and among in our own in a former day, such a feel- others said," Even to the varnish on coaches, ing would have been not only natural, it is surprising how much more perfect the but more than justified. The earthly English practice is than that one sees on the Jove's hand would grasp the thunderbolts | Continent." on the slightest indication that his supremacy in knowledge and wisdom was questioned, and his talk would be of the The prince, it is well known, was particucharacter of "thunder, nothing but larly observant of the materials used in manthunder." But those who have had the ufacture, and of their special qualities, and good fortune to converse with either her often surprised people by his intimate knowlMajesty or the prince, must soon have edge of the technicalities of their own craft. been made to feel that they welcomed in We are able, on the authority of Lord Portothers the simplicity, the directness, the the accuracy of his knowledge in a matter man, to cite the following striking instance of frankness which are conspicuous in them- purely technical. When at Salisbury, in 1857, selves. This was especially the case with on the occasion of the Royal Agricultural the prince, who had singular delight in Society's Show, the prince visited the Cathewhat Dr. Johnson would have called good dral Chapter-house, the restoration of which talk, and who has been heard to say that was then nearly completed. The prince adone of the greatest pleasures in life is to mired the work, but observed to Lord Porthear a long course of good argument. man, who attended him, that the paint used The author of the "Introduction to the was of the wrong kind, “and that in, a short time it would fall off in flakes." A friend of Collection of the Prince's Speeches" cor- Lord Portman's visiting the Chapter-house roborates this statement. "In serious in July, 1870, found the walls in great disorconversation," he says, “the prince was, der, a part of the paint falling away precisely perhaps, the first man of his day. He as the prince had foretold. VOL. IX. 454 LIVING AGE, On this Mr. Martin notes: The prince's attention was not merely ing portion of his "Life," which Mr. directed to the encouragement of art, Martin has yet to publish. But enough according to the common but restricted has already been stated to prove that, use of that word, which is mostly em- from the prince's first coming to Eng ployed to signify works of sculpture, of land, up to the time at which the present painting, and of music. His attention narrative ends, he did not fail to be a was not the less directed, and was not most attentive observer of all that was the less usefully employed, in visiting going on in these great departments of and encouraging whatever of skill was to labour, and to render his aid and symbe seen at the great centres of commerce pathy to all good efforts made in that, or in this country. Mr. Martin gives a indeed in any worthy direction. vivid account of the prince's visit to Liverpool: It is to be noticed of the prince, as it is very characteristic of the man, that he did not care for those works only in which he himself took an active part. mentioned that It is Not a point was lost to his observation. "He had often heard," was his remark to Mr. Bramley Moore, the chairman of the Liverpool Dock-Committee, who attended him, "of He loved to ride through all the districts of the greatness of Liverpool, but the reality far London where building and improvements were exceeded his expectations.' After opening in progress, more especially when they were the dock with the usual ceremonies, the prince such as would conduce to the health or recreabrought the enthusiasm of his hosts to a tion of the working-classes; and few, if any, climax by proposing at the déjeuner which knew so well, or took such interest as he did, followed," Prosperity to British Commerce." in all that was being done, at any distance, The prince's dock, the largest in the port, east, west, north, or south of the great citywas then inspected; visits were paid to the from Victoria Park to Battersea from the South Corporation and Bluecoat Schools, and Regent's Park to the Crystal Palace, and far a careful survey was made of the St. George's beyond. "He would frequently return," the Hall, with which considerable progress had queen says, "to luncheon at a great pace, and been made. Mr. Elmes, the architect, found would always come through the queen's dressto his delight that every architectural feature ing-room, where she generally was at that of novelty or importance, which he would time, with that bright loving smile with which have wished to be noticed, was appreciated he ever greeted her; telling where he had and commented on by the prince. At the been what new buildings he had seen docks and warehouses it had been the same. what studios, &c., he had visited. Riding The dock-engineer, Mr. Jesse Hartley, a man for mere riding's sake he disliked, and said: of the first eminence in his profession, was at Es ennuyirt mich so. (It bores me so.)" once surprised and gratified by the technical knowledge of hydraulic engineering shown by the prince. From a work so comprehensive and varied as this is, it is difficult to determine what passages to select, in order to give the best idea of what the reader will find in it most worthy of notice. But we cannot go wrong in calling attention to Some of the prince's remarkable expressions of opinion which are scattered through the book. So close and practical [says Mr. Martin] was the prince's interest in the details of the work, that he requested that a sample of the granite-rubble masonry used in the docks, by the excellence of which he had been struck, might be sent up to him at Windsor Castle. These details are given on the authority of Mr. Robert Rawlinson, C.B., an intimate of both Mr. Elmes and Mr. Hartley, from whom In a memorandum by the prince, which he received them at the time. "St. George's he gave to Lord John Russell, on Italian Hall," Mr. Rawlinson writes, "is a noble affairs, there is the following pregnant monument of the artistic skill of the young and judicious passage: those of our and gifted architect. The Liverpool docks readers who recollect the political events are among the finest specimens of hydraulic of the day (1847) will not fail to rememengineering in the world. The prince was at ber the occasion referred to by the home with such men amidst such works. To prince : an architect he could talk as an architect; to an engineer, as an engineer; to a painter, as a painter; to a sculptor, as a sculptor; to a chemist, as a chemist; and so through all the branches of engineering, architecture, art, and science." What will be Lord Minto's position at Rome? Will he be a minister accredited to the pope, or a member of the British Cabinet? He will be opposed by the Corps Diplomatique, at the head of which the Austrian ambassador is supreme, who will be supported (if only The further development of the prince underhand) by his French colleague. These consort's incessant labours to promote two great Catholic powers have means in ! the best interests of art, science, and their hands to influence the Vatican, which we manufactures, will be seen in the remain- cannot dream of competing with. The proba E bility is that Lord Minto will have very little ent development is sought to be impeded from real influence, and will be made responsible without. for every act of a doubtful nature, and of which he may have been totally ignorant. These are surely very wise suggestions, and very remarkable as coming from a young man only twenty-eight years of age. Lord John Russell assured her Majesty, that the views expressed in the memorandum entirely coincided with the course of conduct which Lord Palmerston and himself had agreed to recommend to the queen. In a subsequent letter to Lord John upon the same subject the prince ob serves: Again, with what sagacity and boldness the prince comments, in a letter to Baron Stockmar, upon the king of Prussia's speech. "I have to-day read with alarm the king of Prussia's speech, which in my vile word-forword translation into English produces a truly strange impression. Those who know and love the king recognize him and his views and feelings in every word, and will be grateful to him for the frankness with which he expresses them; but if we put ourselves into the position of a cold critical public, our heart sinks. What confusion of ideas! And what boldness in a king to speak extempore; and at such a moment, and at such length, not only to touch all the most terrible and difficult topics, but to plunge into them slap-dash, to call God to witness, to promise, threaten, protest, &c." In writing to Baron Stockmar a few days later the prince remarks on two qualities in which were soon found to interfere fatally with the character of King Frederick William, his powers to deal with the problems of practical politics. England has, by her own energies and the fortunate circumstances in which she has been placed, acquired a start in civilization, liberty, and prosperity over all other countries. Her popular institutions are most developed and perfected, and she has run through a development which the other countries will yet in succession have to pass through. Eng land's mission, duty, and interest is, to put herself at the head of the diffusion of civilization and the attainment of liberty. Let her mode of acting, however, be that of fostering and protecting every effort made by a State to advance in that direction, but not of impress-out only so far as they suit his purpose, and ing upon any State an advance which is not which frequently by no means reflect the true the result of its own impulse. Civilization state of things, but satisfy because they are and liberal institutions must be of organic clever and suggestive (geistreich). This makes growth and of national development, if they close discussion with him impossible." are to prosper and lead to the happiness of a people. Any stage in that development missed, any jump made in it, is sure to lead to confusion, and to retard that very develop ment which we desire. Institutions not answering the state of society for which they are intended must work ill, even if these institutions should be better than the state that society is in. Let England, therefore, be careful (in her zeal for progress) not to push any nation beyond its own march, and not to impose upon any nation what that nation does not itself produce; but let her declare herself the protector and friend of all States engaged in progress, and let them acquire that confidence in England that she will, if necessary, defend them at her own risk and expense. This will give her the most powerful moral position that any country ever maintained. To the same effect the prince wrote on another occasion: which captivate his fancy, which he carries "The king lets himself be misled by similes This last remark of the prince consort will be allowed by observant men to be singularly shrewd. Most of the greatest errors in the world find a large support in similes which captivate the fancy, but do not serve to enlighten the understanding. His character of Pope Pius IX. is equally striking: The pope is the counterpart of the king of Prussia: great impulsiveness, half-digested political ideas, little acuteness of intellect, with a great deal of cultivated intelligence (Geist), and accessibility to outward influences. The rock on which both split is the belief that they can set their subjects in motion, and keep the direction and spread of the movement entirely in their own hands; nay, that they alone possess the right to control the movement, because it emanates from them. In conclusion, we would' cite a remark We are frequently inclined to plunge States into constitutional reforms towards which that was made by the prince consort, they have no inclination. This I hold to be which we think, though it is not of a poquite wrong (wide Spain, Portugal, Greece), litical or diplomatic nature, deserves although it is Lord Palmerston's hobby; but, much consideration in the present time. on the other hand, I maintain that England's true position is to be the defence and support "I don't understand," he would often say, (die Schutz-Macht) of States, whose independ-" people making a business of shooting, and |