(12th April, 1837)] [Footnote 12: The twenty-four Articles, to which Belgium had acceded in 1831, had then been rejected by Holland.

Now, however, Holland wished to adopt them.

The Belgian Government vainly proposed different schemes, but at last the Bill for ratifying the proposal of the Powers (made 23rd January 1839, and accepted by Holland on 11th February) passed the Belgian Chambers.] [Footnote 13: The Queen opened Parliament in person on 6th February.] [Pageheading: CABINET DISSENSION] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _10th February 1839._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thinks it right and necessary to acquaint your Majesty that the Cabinet yesterday was very stormy and unpleasant.

Lord John Russell brought on the question of the Civil Government of the Army, in a temperate and judicious manner, but Lord Howick made a most violent speech, strongly condemning the whole of the present system and arraigning the conduct of the Treasury and other Departments, saying that he should not throw up his office because no measure was brought forward, but that, when questioned upon the subject by Mr Hume in the House of Commons, as it was certain that he would be, he should say that Government would do nothing upon the subject, until he (Mr Hume) compelled them, and that he should express his entire disapprobation of the present system, and his reasons in detail for that disapprobation.

Your Majesty will perceive that nothing could be more violent than this course.