The Shadow of Great Britain

435: Chapter 244: Brothers of the Four Seas (4k) 435: Chapter 244: Brothers of the Four Seas (4k) In the living room, in front of the sofa, Arthur, Disraeli, and Great Dumas sat together discussing a battle plan against Gladstone.

From Disraeli’s clenched teeth, one could read just how much he detested that suddenly emerged outstanding Oxford graduate.

However, one couldn’t really blame the Tory bigwigs for admiring Gladstone so much; the young man’s academic background and personality traits precisely hit their political aesthetic.

He graduated successively from Eton College and Oxford University, led a life of purity and temperance, had a strong sense of public duty, did not smoke, did not indulge in alcohol, did not engage in promiscuous relationships, and had never even had a girlfriend.

In terms of moral values, he was a typical Calvinist with traditional conservative attitudes.

Politically, he agreed with the series of legal reforms carried out by Sir Peel, advocated for judicial fairness, and publicly declared ‘justice delayed is not justice’.

But at the same time, he opposed parliamentary reform, opposed the Whig Party’s proposal to give Jews who followed Judaism and the existing universities’ opening to “nonconformists” voting rights in Parliament and other liberal reforms.

If one were to disregard the last few sentences, Mr.

Gladstone would undoubtedly be a young politician widely popular with the British public.

Once the latter statements were included, however, Mr.

Gladstone’s popularity naturally shrank.

He transformed into a young politician not welcomed by Jews and nonconformists, but still able to garner a massive following within the Tory ranks.

Unfortunately, the three individuals sitting before the sofa were a rather complicated mix, including a Jew, a nonconformist.

As for the last one, it was arguably worse, for he was a French literary giant impossible to support no matter what slogan you chanted.

Disraeli slammed the table and exclaimed, “Arthur, do you see?

Gladstone isn’t just coming for me; he’s targeting nonconformists like you as well.

My fight against him isn’t just for my own sake but also to seek justice for you and Alexander.”

Great Dumas replied nonchalantly, “Come on, Benjamin.

How do the British say it?

Stop wrapping yourself in the flag to scare people.”

Arthur took a sip of tea and added, “In the East, this saying is also known as ‘waving the tiger’s pelt as the banner’.”

Great Dumas nodded and said, “Oh?

Is that so?

Arthur, it’s truly a daily education being with you.”

Disraeli, still not giving up, asked, “Arthur, although you agreed that I should add some drama at Scotland Yard, I feel that alone isn’t enough to completely take down Gladstone.

Those documents you handed me before are quite useful.

You’re correct, just attacking Lord Russell is no longer satisfying for me, perhaps I should find an opportunity to publicly criticize Viscount Palmerston soon?”

As soon as Arthur heard Disraeli’s intentions to target Palmerston, he quickly raised his hand to stop him, “Benjamin, I just had an in-depth discussion with His Lordship yesterday about the Polish issue and censorship of publications.

While I agree with your plan to attack him, I think it’s best not to do so in the immediate future.

Otherwise, it would not only trouble ‘the British’ but could even affect your chances in the upcoming election.

You wouldn’t want the Whig Party to focus their firepower on you, would you?”

Great Dumas, hearing this and not waiting for Disraeli to speak, interjected with a frown, “You met with Palmerston?

Has his attitude toward the Polish issue changed?”

Arthur spoke evasively, “Viscount Palmeston is also highly concerned about the living conditions of Polish exiles and plans to take practical action for the Polish people.

Yesterday, His Lordship told me he intends to make a personal visit to Prince Chartoryski, the leader of the Polish exiles, to see if he could help solve some of their problems.”

At this point, Arthur put down his teacup and looked towards Disraeli, “That’s why, Benjamin, I advise you not to attack him on the Polish issue at this time.

If you attack the Foreign Secretary and then the newspapers publish headlines about his concern for Polish refugees, you’d end up as the laughingstock of British politics.”

Disraeli started sweating profusely upon hearing this, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief, “My God!

Arthur, I’m lucky I met with you today; otherwise, I might have indeed run headlong into a wall.”

Great Dumas skeptically said, “But…

you believe Palmerston so readily when he says he wants to improve the conditions of Polish refugees?

Didn’t Benjamin say that fellow hardly ever speaks the truth?”

Arthur nodded, “Indeed, Benjamin’s assessment is correct, and you, Alexander, your doubts are also warranted.

Viscount Palmeston certainly wouldn’t change his stance on Poland just from a few words of mine; he’s just pretending on the surface.

Therefore, I only hope that Benjamin can raise his inquiries against Viscount Palmeston in Parliament after he becomes a member.”

“From my interaction with Viscount Palmeston, he doesn’t seem very resistant to using unorthodox methods.

If Benjamin were to criticize foreign policy as a commoner, especially right after Palmeston has put on an act, I can’t guarantee he won’t do something drastic.

After all, with social opinion on his side at that moment, if he suddenly accuses Benjamin of slandering the Cabinet, it might just pass muster.”