The reaction, when it came, was sudden and complete.

The General Election of 1874 changed the whole face of politics.

Mr.Gladstone and the Liberals were routed; and the Tory party, for the first time for over forty years, attained an unquestioned supremacy in England.

It was obvious that their surprising triumph was pre-eminently due to the skill and vigour of Disraeli.

He returned to office, no longer the dubious commander of an insufficient host, but with drums beating and flags flying, a conquering hero.