Chapter 103
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 103
Chapter Title: Civil War
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Few people believed the debate raging within the Conservative Party was truly about the Canada Immigration Act.
Whether to stick to the original draft of the act or to remove the clause supporting western expansion was not the fundamental issue.
It was merely a pretext; the real conflict was a clash between the senior members of the Conservative Party and the emerging new faction.
The Whig Party, well aware of this fact, initially refrained from any intervention.
In fact, they planned to continue watching from the sidelines, fanning the flames without getting directly involved.
Highlighting the Conservative Party's internal strife would naturally cast them in a negative light with the public, which was a boon for the opposition.
By constantly showcasing the ruling party's disarray, they could use it as momentum to steadily increase their own approval ratings.
That should have been the case...
"Bloody hell. Is this real? It's not some kind of prank, is it?"
"It's genuine, sir. The precise mention of that incident proves it..."
In an instant, the moods of Viscount Melbourne, the leader of the Whig Party, and John Russell, his presumed successor, plummeted into the abyss.
Just when they thought their opportunity had finally arrived.
As if determined to thwart them, a nightmare they had long since pushed from their minds had returned to haunt them.
"They mean to pressure us by dredging this up now... Does this mean it was the Tories who interfered with us back then?"
"But if that's the case, why have they sat on it for so long?"
"I think I have an idea."
Russell tapped the anonymous letter with his finger and continued.
"What this person wants is clear. They want you, my lord, to attack the Prime Minister. They've even laid out when, at what timing, and how we are to move."
"Yes. We must assume the sender is not Robert Peel or anyone from his camp."
"Then it must be someone from Wellesley's side. Or Wellesley himself."
"Charles Wellesley is behind this letter? The villain who completely shattered our plans, seized our weakness, and has been biding his time all this while—that's Charles Wellesley?"
Indeed, for a man in his early thirties to have built a faction comprising nearly half the Conservative Party, his ability was beyond question.
If so, it made sense why he would choose to play this trump card, one he had held for so long, right now, in the midst of a factional war with the Prime Minister.
"If it's not Charles Wellesley, there's no explanation for sending this letter at this specific moment."
"True... There were many other ways he could have used this more effectively."
"If he drives out Robert Peel and all the senior members by his side, the Conservative Party will become Charles Wellesley's domain. I had always wondered why he held our weakness over us but never used it. He was waiting for an opportunity just like this."
"A fearsome fellow. So, he predicted this factional strife within the Conservative Party even back then? Could his usual demeanor have been a facade to hide such deep cunning?"
Though a Whig, he was from a noble family and had met Charles Wellesley several times since the boy's youth.
His impression at the time could be summed up in one phrase: 'Not as good as his father.'
The comparison to the hero of Waterloo was perhaps harsh, but he had felt that neither of the Duke of Wellington's sons possessed their father's caliber.
But to think he would grow into such a titan.
Perhaps his natural talent as a soldier was lacking, but as a politician, he had far surpassed his father.
'To think a man of politics could be so lacking in judgment of character.'
Viscount Melbourne sighed softly and clutched his head.
"Russell, what are your thoughts? Should we do as it says?"
"We have no choice, do we? And this isn't entirely bad for us. After all, if the Conservative cabinet collapses and a new election is called, there will inevitably be defectors among their supporters. Will all of Robert Peel's followers flock to Wellesley? Or will some of them break away and come to our side?"
"I see. You're saying this is an opportunity for us to increase our seats as well."
"Yes. With Gladstone having recently joined our party, we can push the image that the Whigs are a more fair and open party than the Conservatives. If we play our cards right, we might even retake the majority in this election."
Even if Wellesley wins the Tory leadership struggle, it would take him at least a year, if not years, to clean up the mess.
If we can secure our own gains in the meantime, we can consider it a win, even while being played by their hand.
"Right. If we drag our feet and the Conservatives manage to reunite, we'd be putting the cart before the horse... It might be more advantageous to just pull the trigger now. But couldn't Wellesley use this to keep us on a leash?"
"That is the problem. Of course, there is a way to solve that..."
"Oh, is there? I knew you'd have something in mind. What do I need to do?"
"I am truly sorry to be the one to say this, but... there is only one way. Your Lordship must... step down from your position as party leader."
Russell couldn't bring himself to explain further, swallowing his words, but Viscount Melbourne understood his meaning completely.
In short, he was to take full responsibility and resign, thereby preventing Wellesley from ever using this weakness against them again.
The Whig Party would then have a clean slate, completely detached from the past riot conspiracy.
"So... that's the only way?"
"Yes. I, too, intend to hold no official party position for the time being and will remain an ordinary member of parliament."
"It can't be helped. We've been on a losing streak in the elections anyway, so I wouldn't have been able to hold on for much longer. It might even look better for me to step down voluntarily at this point. Since Robert Peel will be dragged down on the Conservative side, it might be strategically better for me to step down as well and put a new face forward."
"...I'm sorry. If only I had executed the plan more perfectly..."
Russell lowered his head, but Viscount Melbourne patted his shoulder encouragingly.
Taking responsibility was the duty of the ultimate decision-maker; who was there to blame?
Still, he should consider it a relief that he could at least provide the party with an escape route from the swamp of defeat before his departure.
"Our party has talented men like Palmerston, and now Gladstone has joined us as well, so I believe our future is not so bleak. You too, lay low for a while, and when the time is right, return to the center of the party. I will take all the responsibility with me when I go."
"My lord..."
"It's you I'm worried about. I can comfortably retire as an old man in the background, but you all will now have to face the Conservative Party. A Conservative Party led by that monster, Charles Wellesley."
"He is a formidable opponent, but we will do our best."
He said as much, but Russell's face didn't exactly radiate confidence.
Just how had the Duke of Wellington raised his children for his seemingly earnest second son to grow into such a devious politician, with the cunning of a serpent coiled in his gut?
Since they would both soon be semi-retired, the Viscount privately decided he ought to visit the Duke of Wellington and ask for his secret to raising children.
***
"—For these reasons, the Canada Immigration Act must be passed in its original form. It is essential for the permanent interests of the British Empire and the livelihood of its citizens."
Wellesley's voice boomed, filling the House of Commons.
As a cabinet minister, I had a front-row seat to the proceedings, watching Wellesley tear into the Prime Minister.
"But the Prime Minister is now attempting to deliberately distort this bill with nonsensical pretexts. On behalf of the citizens of the British Empire, I can no longer stand by and tolerate this tyranny."
"Watch your tongue! Tyranny, you say!"
An elderly member shouted, but Wellesley paid him no mind and continued.
"It is tyranny! If using an issue concerning the lives of millions as a tool for political strife is not tyranny, then what is?"
"The arrogance and self-righteousness of branding criticism of your own flawed bill as a political tool—that is the real tyranny!"
"If it is flawed, then let us debate it. I have repeatedly presented data to support the validity of this bill, yet certain members have consistently refused to even look at it. I even requested that the Foreign Secretary be allowed to speak, but the Prime Minister denied even that. Is this not the cabinet's current position—to shut your eyes and ears and even silence our mouths? If you are so confident, then let us settle this through debate!"
"That is why there is no reason to debate!"
Their strategy was to steamroll the opposition by refusing to listen or see, knowing they couldn't win if the evidence was laid out before them. It was an absurd, yet effective, tactic.
*What are you going to do about it?*
*Besides screaming about how unfair it is, what can you young pups possibly do?*
They had likely never faced real consequences for such behavior, so it was no surprise they thought this time would be no different.
Unfortunately for them, they had picked the wrong fight this time.
Because we had brought a scalpel, and we were fully prepared to cut them open if they dared us.
"I, too, agree with the honorable Mr. Wellesley!"
In the midst of the heated argument, a loud voice suddenly erupted from an entirely different quarter, causing the Conservative members to turn their heads.
It was the Whig Party, which until now had remained silent, watching the fire from across the river.
When Lord Palmerston, whose star was rising in the House of Commons, stepped up to support Wellesley, I saw Robert Peel's eyes waver uncontrollably.
"W-What is it you agree with?"
"Properly settling the Irish in Canada is not merely an Irish issue. It is a grand undertaking that will greatly impact the future of Canada, and by extension, send significant ripples throughout the British Empire. To engage in political squabbles over such a critical bill is a matter for which you should feel shame!"
"No, I have explained repeatedly that is not the case!"
"No. Having observed these proceedings, our party has reached a consensus. The Canada Immigration Act ought to be passed in its original form."
It went without saying, but the number of Whig seats combined with Wellesley's faction far exceeded the majority.
The Prime Minister's faction was flustered by the Whigs' move, but none of them looked truly desperate yet.
Their reaction was natural; they likely thought this was simply another setback, this time caused by the damn Whigs.
But if our only goal had been to pass the bill, we would never have resorted to such a convoluted method.
"Then... we shall table a motion to pass the Canada Immigration Act in its original form..."
"One more thing. After observing this debate, we have come to harbor grave doubts about the Prime Minister's very direction in leading the nation. To suggest amending a bill because it might cause conflict with the United States? That is an unacceptable statement for a Prime Minister of the British Empire."
"...What in the..."
"Therefore! We hereby formally express our lack of confidence in the cabinet and request that a vote of no confidence be held!"
They surely never expected a no-confidence motion to be submitted over a single bill like this.
The Prime Minister, his jaw agape, looked toward Wellesley in disbelief.
If Wellesley and his faction sided with the Whigs here, the cabinet would collapse.
The Prime Minister would then be left with two choices.
Resign and name a successor, or ask the Queen to dissolve Parliament.
Since he would have lost a confidence vote, naming a successor from his own faction was out of the question, leaving the dissolution of Parliament as his only real option.
But even if he dissolved Parliament, how could a Prime Minister who was forced into it not by a simple loss of confidence, but by losing a party power struggle, ever hope to regain power?
"We agree with the Whig Party's proposal. Regrettably, we can no longer see a philosophy of governance, nor a heart for the people, in the current government."
"W-What is this nonsense! Are you saying you will side with the opposition to bring down a Prime Minister from your own party! This is betrayal!"
"It is you, Prime Minister, who first betrayed the people! Those who govern on behalf of the citizens of the British Empire should do so with the people in their hearts, not for the sake of petty power!"
*Hoo.* I wrote those lines myself, but hearing them feels damn refreshing.
No matter how much they cried "betrayal" or "collusion," it would amount to nothing more than the pathetic excuses of losers.
As I was enjoying their outcry, the Prime Minister, his face pale, turned and our eyes met.
"You... You couldn't have... could you? You knew this would happen, and you said nothing to me..."
"Prime Minister."
I finally said the words I had held back during our last meeting.
"This may be of little comfort, but you know the River Thames, which you can see as you leave Parliament? Our proud river that flows through the heart of the world, here in London."
"What are you suddenly..."
"The river Thames flows ever onward; the old water must give way to the new. It is the law of nature, so I hope you will not take it too unkindly."
"You bloody bugg—"
I heard the Prime Minister shouting something, but I simply rose from my seat and walked out.
The vote was already a foregone conclusion, and once the result was announced, the city would be in an uproar.
I had to keep throwing fuel on the fire to make this commotion burn even more spectacularly.
Both the Prime Minister's faction and the Whigs would be scrambling to respond now, but the unprepared can never defeat the prepared.
The no-confidence vote was not the end. It was only the beginning.