When he stood for Parliament his election expenses were jubilantly paid, and his father afterwards maintained him with as generous a hand as the estate could possibly bear, often in the teeth of the grudging resentment of Robert his firstborn.

Richard showed signs of making a rapid success, at any rate on the political platform.

He spoke with facility, and grappled with the drudgery of committees during his first two years at Westminster in a way to win him the favourable attention of the Tory whips.

He had a gift for modern languages, and spoke chiefly on foreign affairs, so that when an important Eastern Commission had to be appointed, in connection with some troubles in the Balkan States, his merits and his father's exertions with certain old family friends sufficed to place him upon it.
The Commission was headed by a remarkable man, and was able to do valuable work at a moment of great public interest, under the eyes of Europe.

Its members came back covered with distinction, and were much feted through the London season.