Disraeli once said in his whimsical way that there were six parties in the Ministry.

The first party wanted immediate war with Russia; the second was for war in order to save Constantinople; the third was for peace at any price; the fourth would let the Russians take Constantinople and _then_ turn them out; the fifth wanted to plant the cross on the dome of St.Sofia; "and then there are the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who desire to see something done, but don't know exactly what[158]." The coupling of himself with the amiable Sir Stafford Northcote is a good instance of Disraelian irony.

It is fairly certain that he was for war with Russia; that Lord Carnarvon constituted the third party, and Lord Derby the fourth.
[Footnote 158: _Ibid_.pp.

105-106.

For the telegrams between the First Lord of the Admiralty, W.H.Smith, and Admiral Hornby, see _Life and Times of W.H.Smith_, by Sir H.Maxwell, vol.i.chap.