Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception from the department of despatch No. 1934, of 18th of February.
On Saturday the rumors which had been for some time current of a division of opinion in the cabinet on the question of a reform bill received confirmation by the resignation of three leading members, General Peel, Lord Carnarvon, and Lord Cranbourne.
I transmit copies of the Times of yesterday and today, containing reports of what was said on Monday and Tuesday evenings upon the subject in the two houses of Parliament. It would appear from this that Lord Derby has already filled the posts thus made vacant, and purposes to go on with a plan of settling this vexed question. What this really is, remains as yet unknown. Enough of it has, however, leaked out to make it more than doubtful whether it will be acceptable to a majority of the Commons.
There is, however, so strong a desire in the opposition to leave the initiation of this process in the hands where it now rests, that the bill will not be resisted so long as there is a reasonable chance of using it as the means of carrying out their views.
It yet remains to be seen whether known existing differences can be so reconciled, and portions of the respective parties so far fused, as to produce a result which may be identified with the policy of a conservative cabinet, and at the same time accepted as a triumph of the liberal side. It is obvious that so far as the ministerial party is concerned it occupies a position essentially false and transitional; so that whether it succeeds or fails in the establishment of a plan, the result can only inure to the restoration to power of the opposite side. In any event a dissolution of Parliament seems likely soon to happen, the issue of which will certainly mark a new epoch in the government of this kingdom.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.