A motion directed against him in the House of Lords was passed by a substantial majority.

The question was next to be discussed in the House of Commons, where another adverse vote was not improbable, and would seal the doom of the Minister.

Palmerston received the attack with complete nonchalance, and then, at the last possible moment, he struck.

In a speech of over four hours, in which exposition, invective, argument, declamation, plain talk and resounding eloquence were mingled together with consummate art and extraordinary felicity, he annihilated his enemies.

The hostile motion was defeated, and Palmerston was once more the hero of the hour.