The Prime Minister · Chapter
The Gathering of Clouds explained
The Coalition Ministry survives its early months but faces growing challenges, including Mr.
What happens
The Coalition Ministry survives its early months but faces growing challenges, including Mr. Turnbull's parliamentary attack, tensions with Irish Home Rulers, and a contentious debate over Brewers' Licences. Phineas Finn is recalled from Ireland as the government's strength begins to wane.
Themes in this chapter
Political Ambition and Power
The Coalition's struggle to maintain authority against attacks from Turnbull and the Brewers' interest highlights the precarious nature of political power.
Reputation and Scandal
Sir Orlando's jaunty response and the press's criticism of the Ministry's financial weakness threaten the government's reputation.
Duty vs. Personal Desire
Phineas Finn's reluctant return from Ireland and the Duke's firm stance on licences illustrate the tension between personal inclination and political duty.
Characters to notice
- The Duke of Omnium
The Prime Minister remains firm on financial policy, supporting Mr. Monk against the Brewers' Licences.
- The Duchess of Omnium
Her popularity helps sustain the Ministry despite the Duke's social sins and her occasional despair.
- Phineas Finn
Recalled from Ireland to London due to political tensions; discusses Irish affairs with Barrington Erle at Brooks's club.
- Barrington Erle
Observes the need for careful handling of the House after Sir Orlando's jaunty response to Turnbull.
- Sir Orlando Drought
Answers Mr. Turnbull's attack with jokes, but his jauntiness is seen as a misstep by experienced politicians.
- Quintus Slide
Mentioned indirectly through press organs expressing opinions against the Coalition's financial strength.
- Mr. Turnbull
The great popular orator attacks the Coalition, questioning the Duke's attention to Parliamentary details.
- Mr. Monk
Chancellor of the Exchequer who firmly refuses to relieve Brewers from their licences, carrying his point despite opposition.
Key passages
“Throughout June and the first week of July the affairs of the Ministry went on successfully, in spite of the social sins of the Duke and the occasional despair of the Duchess.”
The government managed to function well during June and early July, despite the Duke's social missteps and the Duchess's periodic hopelessness.
Sets the initial tone of apparent success amid underlying tensions.
“Mr. Turnbull had disliked the Coalition from the beginning; but then Mr. Turnbull always disliked everything.”
Turnbull opposed the Coalition from the start, but he was habitually opposed to everything.
Characterizes Turnbull's perpetual opposition as a personal trait.
“The jaunty statesman must be very sure of his personal following.”
A politician who acts casually must be confident of his supporters.
Critique of Sir Orlando's overconfident demeanor.
“I would endeavour to teach them that they can get nothing by Home Rule—that their taxes would be heavier, their property less secure, their lives less safe, their general position more debased, and their chances of national success more remote than ever.”
Phineas would try to convince the Irish that Home Rule would bring higher taxes, less security, and worse prospects.
Phineas's argument against Home Rule reflects his political stance.
“The Brewers’ Licences were allowed to remain, as one great gentleman from Burton declared, a 'disgrace to the fiscal sagacity of the country.'”
The Brewers' Licences were kept, which a prominent Burton brewer called a shameful failure of financial wisdom.
Highlights the controversy and the government's narrow victory.
