| Collection | Victorian Papers, Main Series |
| Description | The Queen thinks Mr Wilson very well qualified for office, but wonders whether he might be more useful to the Government as an independent supporter by his admirable articles in the Economist. Mr Milner Gibson's leaving to be more independent, and other circumstances, look as if the new Hume-Cobden Party wanted to insinuate that the Liberals are betraying their mission for the sake of office, and the Queen has heard it said that Mr Cobden accuses Mr Wilson of opposing him merely for the sake of office. Should Mr Wilson, who is not reckoned an effective speaker, not add material strength to the Government, the loss of his independent support will be a great disadvantage to it. Queen Victoria sanctions Mr. Stanley's elevation to the House of Lords. Before giving an answer about Lord Granville, the Queen would like to know what this may lead to with regard to the Buckhounds, as she has an impression that some people will clamour for reductions in the Royal Household and in the income of the Crown. Queen Victoria is ready to pay any Income Tax that will fall on other incomes, but thinks that if she were singled out alone, that would neither be just nor do any real good to the finances of the country. |