Charles Francis Adams to William H. Seward, April 19, 1866

Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.

Sir: The debate in the House of Commons on the enfranchisement bill continues, and the probabilities now are that it will not terminate before the latter part of next week. Meanwhile, a considerable change in opinion has taken place respecting the chances of its passage. The defections from the ministerial side are becoming more and more marked. It is even doubted whether the amendment of Lord Grosvenor may not be carried, in which case a change of the government will immediately follow. But should this danger be passed, the fate of the bill, in committee, in any shape that the ministry can adopt, is held to be certain; so far as I can learn, no dissolution of Parliament is anticipated, until after the experiment of conducting affairs under some combination or other of the disaffected materials shall have had full opportunities of trial. At this moment it is not easy to perceive how any fusion of principles can be made which will long stand the test of a discussion of measures quite apart from the question of the franchise. Although opinion points distinctly to the Earl of Derby as the nominal chief, the expectation seems to be that the more liberal ideas of his son, Lord Stanley, will be made the shield under which the recalcitrant whigs will have an opportunity to seek protection against the opposition of Messrs. Gladstone, Bright, and the rest of their old associates. The progress of this struggle, as it has a bearing upon the ultimate form to be assumed by the institutions of the country, cannot fail to be of great interest.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,