Lord Lyons to introduce my real object in the interview. I expressed the hope that he might be going out for a long stay. I had indeed been made of late quite fearful that it would be otherwise. If I had entirely trusted to the construction given by the public to a late speech I should have begun to think of packing my carpet bag and trunks. His Lordship at once embraced the allusion, and whilst endeavoring to excuse Mr. Gladstone, in fact admitted that his act had been regretted by Lord Palmerston and the other Cabinet officers. Still he could not disavow the sentiments of Mr. Gladstone so far as he understood them, which was not that ascribed to him by the public. Mr. G. was himself willing to disclaim that. He had written to that effect to Lord Palmerston. I replied that I had no intention to ask a disavowal, nor did I seek even to impute to Mr. Gladstone the construction of his language adopted by others. At the same time I saw its mischievous effects in aggravating the evil of the growing alienation of the two countries. Mr. Gladstone's speech would be published everywhere in America. It would therefore be regarded as an official exposition, and as such would aggravate the irritation already much too great. On the other hand, it formed a nucleus here around which all those adverse to peace with us would concentrate. Lord Lyons had called on me in the morning and we had joined in regretting the change going on here for the worse. Much as I had been disposed to friendly relations I was beginning to despair. His Lordship admitted the change in a degree, but he thought there was still a majority in any ordinary meeting well inclined. I said that it might be so now, but two more speeches like that of Mr. Gladstone would dissipate it all. His Lordship said that the policy of the government was to adhere to a strict neutrality, and to leave this struggle to settle itself. But he could not tell what a month would bring forth. I asked him if I was to understand that policy as not now to be changed. He said Yes. I answered that my errand was then finished. And I took my leave."

Remarks were made during the meeting by Messrs. CHARLES E. NORTON, WILLIAM R. THAYER, FRANKLIN B. SANBORN, and ARCHIBALD CARY COOLIDGE.