George Hamilton-Gordon had not expected the other man to come after him. Instinctively seeking to avoid conflict, he hurriedly explained.
"We are not at a time to blame one another. We must unite and face Britain's crisis together."
Though John Russell was not as shameless as Palmerston, he would not let this opportunity slip by. He immediately said, "Prime Minister, do you think your gentlemanly manners can move a dictator like the Tsar? He cannot see your humility. All he can see is a coward who hesitates and lacks courage.
"All your actions will do is drive those wavering fools toward the side that is more resolute and more powerful!"
What John Russell was attacking was precisely the flaw for which George Hamilton-Gordon had always been most criticized. Yet the latter himself had never realized it, and he habitually replied, "You may criticize me, but you cannot ignore the calls for peace from the members of Parliament and the people! I am only thinking of Britain's interests. Why can't we settle this peacefully?"
"Peace? Prime Minister, did I hear that right? Do you believe peace between us and Russia is even possible?
"You are the Prime Minister of the British Empire. You should guide the people, not be led around by them!"
George Hamilton-Gordon had begun to hesitate. He was uncertain what result further arguing would bring, but in some sense, he had already begun to agree with what John Russell had said.
Yet the problem had returned to its starting point. No allies, insufficient strength, enormous expenses—every single point made George Hamilton-Gordon feel that Britain should not become involved in this war.
He could only try to say, "But the problems we face now are a lack of allies, a lack of funds, and, even more so, a lack