Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of despatches from the department numbered from 1680 to 1686, inclusive, with the exception of 1684. The four others noted as missing last week have not yet come to hand.
The London Times of yesterday morning contained a leader which made some sensation for a while. It gave countenance to, without absolutely affirming the truth of a rumor that Lord Russell had signified to the Queen his inability to continue in his post as leader, and had suggested the Duke of Somerset as a suitable person to be called to form a new government. This story obtained more currency than credit until the evening papers were issued, when four of the number were found to contain authorized positive contradictions. The inference generally drawn is that the article was intended to precipitate the fall of the cabinet, in order to make room for the new combinations, in which one of the persons believed to be much connected with the paper is understood to be deeply involved. If so, it has failed of its object, and by its failure has for the present imparted more strength to the government than it had before.
There are nevertheless reasons to believe that the tenure of Lord Russell will not be extended much beyond the period which it may take to mature and carry a bill through Parliament for the extension of the franchise. That he is in earnest in pushing such a measure cannot be doubted. If he should fail at first, it is not unlikely that he would continue to struggle until the lukewarmness which prevails among a large section of his own friends, and constitutes the greatest obstacle to success, shall have been fully overcome. This may keep him at the head of his party yet for some time to come. I cannot perceive any prospect of effective ultimate resistance to such a policy, provided Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Bright determine to work in harmony in the House of Commons. No combination [Page 71] possible in that body, as now constituted, can stand long against their opposition. Hence the question seems to be simply one of time, provided no external topics should come in to give to popular sentiment some new direction. Yet it may very possibly be that several changes in the ministry will intervene before the final triumph.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.