The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1566: Chapter 10: Palmerston’s Invitation

It is well known that a tree cannot bear two kinds of fruit. I hate Arthur Hastings, just as I hate Henry Brougham.

—— Viscount Palmerston

Since he resolved to leave Russia, Arthur’s heart began to gradually shift from the Whig Party to the Tory Party.

The reason for this decision, apart from the “fleeing from guilt” mentality, was primarily due to his intention to revive cold stoves.

Though Talleyrand, the old cripple, had a bad reputation, it must be said, he indeed taught Arthur many things.

After Napoleon was exiled to Elba Island, Talleyrand was appointed as the French Representative to attend the Vienna Congress.

At that time, many people avoided discussing Napoleon, fearing that talking too much would lead to trouble. But Talleyrand secretly maintained correspondence with some Bonaparte Party members who still harbored fantasies about Napoleon.

Later, Napoleon returned during the “Hundred Days”, and many who had previously betrayed him scrambled to pledge loyalty to the restored Emperor, but Talleyrand remained seated in Paris, watching the changes calmly without any intention of adhering to him.

Facts proved that the old cripple’s two choices were both models of wise decision-making.

As he said: Do not be too quick to abandon anyone, nor too quick to trust anyone.

Applying this principle to Arthur is: Do not be too quick to abandon any political faction, nor be too quick to trust any political faction. A change of regime is not a disaster but an opportunity.

For him personally, idle times were not entirely without purpose; indeed, these periods were more critical than when he was in power.

Because only those who still have friends when they are in disfavor can gain supporters when they regain power.

As for how to deal with someone like Ledley, who annoys people?

Ha, in Arthur’s view, an unfaithful friend might be detestable, but at the right time, they are still useful.

However, at this moment, the stove to be lit is not just the Tory Party, and the relationships to maintain extend beyond faithless friends like Ledley.

Inside the carriage, Arthur unfolded the freshly printed The Times from this morning, which boldly carried a prominent headline: “Count Grey Submits Resignation, Viscount Melbourne Assumes Prime Minister Role”.

Insiders like Arthur naturally were not surprised by this personnel change that shocked Britain, as they had already caught wind of it a week ago.

Yet, even within this article contained elements that Arthur found subtle.

Firstly, with Viscount Melbourne assuming the role of Prime Minister, the vacant position of Home Secretary is to be filled by the former Minister of War, Earl of Carlisle.

Of the three great seats in the Cabinet, Viscount Althorp remains Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Viscount Palmerston stays as Foreign Secretary.

Lord Stanley, Minister of War and Colonial Affairs, resigns, while Lord Grant, chairman of the Indian Management Committee, is promoted to Minister of the Department of Colonial Affairs.

Sir James Graham, Naval Minister, steps down, with the position taken over by Lord Auckland, the chairman of the Trade Commission and Director of the Mint.

Of course, Arthur is most concerned with the change in the High Chancellor’s position.

Fortunately, there is no change in that position.

The High Chancellor of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland remains the esteemed chairman of the University of London’s board, Lord Brougham.

Upon hearing this news, Arthur’s appetite this morning improved greatly, consuming a plate of bacon and two fried eggs for breakfast, even unintentionally drinking an extra pot of tea without sugar or milk.

In his delight, Arthur also understood the policy direction of the former Prime Minister Count Grey and the Whig Party from this personnel change.

Excluded from the new Cabinet are Sir James Graham, Naval Minister, and Lord Stanley, Minister of War and Colonial Affairs, while careful examination of non-Cabinet personnel changes in the London Gazette reveals that Duke of Richmond, Postmaster General, and Earl of Ripon, Minister of Seal, have also stepped down.

This group of Whig Party bigwigs, called the “Derby Gang” by The Times, shares a common trait in that they believe the Ireland Church Secular Affairs Bill threatens the established position of the Church of Ireland, contrary to their political principles, strongly opposing Ireland church reform.

The collective departure of the Derby Gang also signals the current attitude of the Whig Party, even if former Prime Minister Count Grey resigns, they remain resolute in advancing the Ireland Church Secular Affairs Bill.

Only Arthur has always felt that the Whig Party seems to be oversimplifying the issue, admittedly, the Derby Gang opposes church reform in Ireland, but many among them have played pioneering roles in numerous reforms in recent years.

Among them, what Arthur appreciates most is Sir James Graham, former Naval Minister, who was once considered an indispensable stalwart among the Whig Party’s radicals.

Even years ago, when Duke of Wellington held power, the marginalized Graham boldly declared his political stance in campaign speeches: I am a Blue Party man, I was a Blue Party man in the past, I am a Blue Party man now, and I hope I will always be a Blue Party man in the future. I am not ashamed of it, and may God bless that the Blue Party will never have to be ashamed of me. The Tory Party is the ‘Court Party’, their goal is to expand the King’s Power, whereas the Whig Party, the ‘Gentry Party’, fights to uphold the people’s rights, defend public opinion, and promote the people’s happiness.