The Shadow of Great Britain

Don’t mention colonial rebellions as basic issues that can’t be covered up; even the content of small internal party meetings often ends up in the papers the next day.

Therefore, even if the intelligence about the colonial rebellion was indeed leaked from Count Minto, he merely committed the ”mistake” that ministers often do.

Meanwhile, Grant’s request for an investigation seems to be breaking political norms.

Russell tapped the table softly, yet with the authority of the Home Secretary: ”Enough, gentlemen. We are not here today to settle petty accounts with each other or to look for scapegoats.”

He placed the copy of the ”Westminster Review” back in the center of the table: ”The most urgent matter now is not the leak or the rebellion, but the Radical Party’s intention to withdraw from our majority alliance. If they truly join forces with the Conservative Party to launch a motion of no confidence against the Cabinet, the situation will indeed be irreparable. After all, we cannot truly ally with the Conservative Party.”

Russell didn’t spell it out, but it was enough for everyone present to understand.

Although the Whig Party has now formed a private understanding with the Conservative Party, the alliance between the two ultimately can only be regarded as an ”underground affair,” absolutely unable to see the light of day, nor can it be placed on the table.

Because if the Whig Party were to openly ally with the Conservative Party, what would be the difference between voting for the Whig Party and voting for the Conservative Party?

Thus, those who still harbor illusions about the Whig Party, the vast majority of centrist voters, would naturally lose the motivation to vote for them.

And this means that ultimately, whether the Conservatives or the Radical Party benefit, the Whig Party would inevitably suffer a crushing defeat in the next election.

This is an outcome they cannot accept under any circumstances.

Palmerston simply put his legs up: ”So, the question now is, what do the Radical Party want? Do they want us to concede on the issue of responsible government in Canada, or the Anonymous Voting Bill, and thereby prove that their policies are wiser and more foresighted than the current ones?”

Lord Holland sighed and took over: ”But if we truly concede, it amounts to admitting our colonial policy has failed. This would become ammunition for the Conservatives, and Peel wouldn’t miss such a chance.”

The room fell silent once more.

Everyone realized that no matter which side they conceded to, it would shake the Whig Party’s dominant position.

Now, it’s merely a discussion about which side would suffer less loss.

Russell raised his head: ”Gentlemen, regarding this matter, on my way to Brooks Club today, I have discussed it with the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister and I hold the same view, and we believe that the only course of action right now... is to send Earl of Dalmo back to Canada.”

As soon as these words were spoken, it was like throwing a stone into the water.

With a splash.

Count Minto reflexively sat up straight: ”Dalmo? But...”

”Yes.” Russell interrupted him with a raised hand: ”It’s Dalmo.”

Lord Holland gently rubbed his forehead, murmuring: ”One of the Radical Party’s leaders, if he is reappointed as Governor of Lower Canada, perhaps they would feel that their voices are finally being heard?”

Colonial Affairs Minister Grant, albeit reluctantly, had to acquiesce: ”Indeed, this would weaken the reasons for their withdrawal from the alliance. After all, the government is now willing to listen to their radical demands. In that case, what reason would they have to withdraw?”

Palmerston also found this a good idea: ”Canada is a mess right now, if they want to take over, then let their hero give it a try. If Dalmo truly has the capability, the Prime Minister could earn the reputation of having a discerning eye. If Dalmo fails, then...”

Palmerston didn’t finish, but Grant viciously completed it for him: ”Then Dalmo would have to admit that he and his supporters are all talk and no action, and the Radical Party would naturally have no face to continue to call for a motion of no confidence against us.”

Viscount Duncannon also nodded: ”Yes, yes... Canada... is really not... not a position anyone wants to take. Since the Radical Party desires a responsible government, then, then... then let their... representatives take responsibility firsthand.”

Unlike Grant and others who hoped for Dalmo’s failure, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rice still hoped that Dalmo could indeed handle the colonial issues properly, and he frowned deeply: ”However, now Dalmo might be unwilling to return immediately. We all understand his character; he must be fuming inside, and even if the Prime Minister personally visits, he’d get a cold reception.”

Grant enthused about offering strategies: ”So we have to make him understand that if he doesn’t go, he’s just a theorist full of ideas but doesn’t dare to step in and solve problems. I’ll head to Fleet Street shortly to contact The Morning Post and Chronicle Morning Paper, and have them prepare some articles.”

Lord Holland also nodded: ”Placing a politician on an unrefusable moral high ground has always been the most reliable way to solve problems.”

But Lord Russell disagreed with their approach; he tapped the table, halting Grant’s urge to act recklessly.

”Ladies and gentlemen, I understand your thinking, but we can’t do things so crudely.” He paused, ensuring all attention was focused on his next words: ”Dalmo is not our subordinate, nor a backbencher, and certainly not a bureaucrat we can easily sacrifice. He is the Radical Party’s standard-bearer, the son-in-law of Count Grey, and a parliamentary reform achiever. Unless absolutely necessary, Viscount Melbourne and I believe we shouldn’t be so ruthless. If we rashly use Fleet Street’s media to pressure him aboard, it wouldn’t be an invitation, it would be an insult.”