§ EARL GRANVILLEI have now the honour to ask your Lordships to agree to a Message of Condolence to Her Imperial and Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh, on the great loss she has sustained by the assassination of her father, the Emperor of All the Russias. The noble Earl has just alluded in feeling and touching terms to the festivities which he said appeared to have been almost but yesterday. Yet it was seven years since that marriage took place; and when the Emperor of Russia confided his only daughter to an English Prince, he said—"It is for her happiness; but the brightness of my life is gone." During those seven years political circumstances have sometimes made the position of a Russian Princess in this country one of some delicacy. During that time no act has been done or word spoken by the illustrious lady which could diminish the affection for her of the Queen and the Royal Family, or the respect of the people of her adopted country. The Duke of Edinburgh stated to me last Sunday that on the very morning of that day the Duchess of Edinburgh and her brother congratulated each other on the greater sense of security which reigned in their father's home. In the afternoon of that day the fatal news arrived. I doubt whether this House has ever voted with more sincerity a vote of deep sympathy than they will do that which it is now my duty to propose.
§ Moved to resolve, That this House do condole with Her Royal and Imperial Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh, Grand Duchess of Russia, on the heavy loss which she has sustained in the death, under circumstances of so painful a character, of His imperial Majesty the Emperor of All the Russias.—(The Earl Granville.)
§ THE EARL OF BEACONSFIELDseconded the Motion.
§ On question, agreed to, nemine dissentiente.
§ Ordered, That a message of condolence be sent to Her Royal and Imperial Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh, Grand Duchess of Russia; and that the Duke of Richmond and the Duke of Bedford do attend Her Royal and Imperial Highness with the said message.