The Press.
London, England, 1857-10-03 00:00:00

been left to die like dogs. The heroes of antiquity were more fortu-
nate. They did not depend upon a Minister at War. That it has been
the same everywhere is not remarkable. The most heroic efforts
are paralysed, the most disheartening losses inflicted, for want
of force. The question we aro now told is narrowed to one
of reinforcements." It is more ; it is a question of time as
well as reinforcements. It was a question of time and reinforce-
ments in May and June, when Ministers, slothful and dilatory,
refused to believe that force would ever be used or could ever
be necessary. It was the same in July, when aroused from their
torpor. Time even then was a matter of indifference to them. The result
has been what all wise men anticipated, and what the country feared.
As each succeeding mail now tells us of calamities we might have
prevented, of heroic struggles we might have relieved, and of conquests
we might have consolidated, every heart in the country writhes to
reflect upon the unparalleled incapacity and criminal neglect which
deserted our countrymen in their hour of need. Alas ! these regrets
are embittered by the consciousness that reflection is useless, and
remorse without avail, fur this page of our history is written
by Ministers in the heart's best blood of our countrymen and
friends.

The Imperial interview at Stuttgardt has terminated, and that
at Weimar has followed, to be in its turn superseded by one more dis•
tinguished nearer Paris. The result of either interview at Stuttgardt
or Weimar does not trouble the English nation much. We have per-
fect confidence in the good faith of the Emperor NAPOLEON, and we
thoroughly understand the position and necessities of Austria and of
Russia. The incidents of the interview at Stuttgardt were numerous,
and lengthy letters have daily detailed each as it arose. The
unbounded popularity of the Emperor NAPOLEON is very generally
noticed. The Emperor of RUSSIA, amidst his own relatives, with good
tact gave the place of honour to the stranger. Nothing had happened
to mar the occasion, when the sudden appearance upon the scene of
the Empress of RUSSIA, whose advent was wholly unexpected and defi-
nitely set aside, took everybody by surprise. It is not for us to ques-
tion the tact or the good feeling of a lady of such illustrious rank,
but it is certain that her Majesty's appearance chilled cordiality, and
justly roused a sense of disappointment that was not easily removed.
The visit of the Emperor NAPOLEON to Weimar and his interview with
tits Emperor of AUSTRIA, which had been nearly arranged, was post-
poned at the last moment. It is possible that in the course of the
month the camp at Chalons will be honoured by the presence of some
distinguished visitors, and that either then or shortly afterwards
this postponed interview may take place.

The Liberals must speak out about " Reform." It is now the
month of October, and the country has a right to know what are the
intentions of the Ministry about the new Reform Bill which has been
kept so long suspended over Parliament. Lord Jortx RUSSELL has
declared himself at Sheffield:—
Gentlemen (said the Noble Lord), I believe the lime has come, and the Government
of the day has allowed that the time has come, when the franchise may be further ex•
tended ; and I think, nearly in the words of the Prime Minister, that large classes who
have not hitherto possessed the franchise should in future enjoy and exercise that
privilege.
'this declaration of opinion was received with " loud cheers." That
expression of sentiment was delivered at Sheffield on Thursday, the
24th ultimo. On the same day Mr. OSBORNE found his voice at Dover;
he delivered a long and elaborate speech, taking special care to avoid
the subject of " Reform." Twice over the Secretary quoted " the
great BURKE," and once to the following effect, in which the first
axiom of English Conservatism is enunciated :
A. man of pure speculative benevolence may wish the frame of society under which
he lives to be differently constituted ; but a good patriot and a good politician will
endeavour to make the best of existing materials. The disposition to preserve and the
ability to improve would be my standard of a wise and true statesman.
No " loud cheers" followed the quotation, which, under the circum-
stances, was probably one of Mr. OSBORNE'S intended indiscretions.
One of the Liberal M.P.'s present animadverted on the " reserve" of
Mr. OSBORNE upon " Reform." That is just the point. If we are to
have a new Reform Bill, the country must not be taken unawares
without proper preliminary discussions and due notice. In mercan-
tile language, " stock must be taken," and Ministers must declare
what are their intentions. On Wednesday evening, at "a Reform
Demonstration at Bury," Sir CITARLES NAPIER, said—" I think that
" Reform cart go on at the same time that we are sending out
" troops to India;" and Mr. R. N. PHILLIPS, M.P., spoke of "a new
" Reform Bill being wanted," and if Lord PALMERSTON would not
bring it forward, that Lord JOHN RUSSELL would do so ; and the
Honourable Gentleman expatiated on the advantages of " bringing
" forward a Reform Bill jest now." Let it be marked that this occurred
at " a Reform Demonstration." The literary organs of the Ministry
utter contradictory opinions upon this important question. We think
that it is due to the country at large that Ministers should speak out
as to their views. The public must not bo taken unawares. England
recoils from violent acts of power. A main cause of the objection to
"Catholic Emancipation" in 1801 and 1829 was, that both Mr. PITT
and the Duke of WELLINGTON were supposed to have surprised the
country. Lord PALMERSTON has pledged himself to a new Reform Bill
for 18;►H. This is the tune to say whether he means to keep his pledge,
and many think his Lordship could not escape from it without a ship-
wreck of character. Ministers, surely, must have their minds made