The Express.
London, England, 1864-02-05 00:00:00

PBBSA 1864.. T.

7aa—ajr, -1-liffilicithern the linden • via* had
separated asthma eriestasimg every day thrown down
by mutual intercourse, by treaties of commerce, and by
the acknowsest of the universal brotherhood of men,
Emland shoaled proclaim for the drat time an utterly selfish
and isolated policy should repudiate her internationel obit-
and rimy her internatimal interests. (Load cheers.)C.dml
appelinsi to kiss that it would bees imposible as it would
be niconsietent and impolitic for England to profess herself
a disciple of peace at any price. (Remind cheers.) The
responsible government of a great country could not follow
that course, or say in the face of Europe that whatever
might occur, it was impossible for them to have MOWS* to
any means beyond diplomacy. A confuskm appeared to
I exist in the minds of many as to the nature of the wan
' which were waged in them days. It was mid that all wars
sprang from king and aristocracies ; but the great struggles
of the preeent day appeared rather to have their origin in
the aspirations and the interests of the peoples. (Opposi-
tion cheers.) The wars to Italy, in Poland, and in
America wens all waged for popular ideas ; and
the war now existing is Germany had like-
wise • national and popular origin. (Cheers.) It
was sot kings that now waged war for their own ag-
grandisement, but nations which fought for their own inte-
rests or for ideas which were rooted in the popular mind.
If it were merely • question whether • Glucksburg or an
Augustmbarg should rule in Denmark, one might well sub-
scribe to the strong deelaration they had heard, that it
would be criminal in England in any event to go to war
in such a quarrel (Cheers.) But if • treaty
was made In 1852, and so many European powers
had declared it to be essential to the peace of Europe that
the integrity of Denmark abeuld be preserved, the issue
seemed to him to be • very different one. It might be an
open question what our engagements and interests wens, or
what our hooour might command us to do • but he thought
it was for the interest of this country at 'least to protest
against the assumptioo that the Sleserig.Holstein difficulty
was use in which, under no circumstances whatever, we
should allow ounelves to be involved. (Cheers.) It was
ucivernally believed on the oontinent that nothiog
would indnoe England to go to war. (Opposition cheers.)
It was believed that we had got an interested motive. The
German people thought that we were jealous of the free
harbour of Kiel falling into German hands, by which our
commercial prosperity might be impaired. (Laughter.)
The house might have full confidence that the government
of this country would not depart from the system of
non-interference so far as it was practically possible
to abide by it. The government bad given too many
pledges that they would not interfere in disputes be-
tween subjects and their governments.

Mr. DISRAELI began by complaining of the deficiencies
in the speech of the royal commissioners. No notice was
wee taken, he observed, of the condition of Ireland. It
would have been wise and politic, he thought, to acknow-
ledge not only the existence of diaries in Ireland, but the
moaner in which it bad been borne. He should like, he
said, to have seen some reference to America in the speech,
the omission of which he oonsidered strange. It would
have been satidactory to know whether the principle of
neutrality was still reoognised, sad whether, during the
=it had bees impartially observed sad strictly en-
Nothing was said about China, or of the diplo-
matic action regarding Poland, or of the proposal of the
Emperor of the French for a Conger. There
was a still more remarkable and • significant omis-
sion, which the house could not allow to pus un-
noticed. Parliament was not congratulated, as usual, upon
the frieelly relatioce between this country Lod foreign
powers. Reviewing the diplomatic action of the govern-
ment in relation to Russia, Greece, and Franca, he censured
the mode and manner in which the proposal of the French
Emperor for • congress had bees met by the Foreign Se-
cretary. Although it could not be said that the affair of
SleswigHobiteis was not notioed in the speech of the royal
commissioner, ha complained of the manner in which the
questioa had been put before the House of Commons, ,
stowing that her Majesty', government avoided giving an
opinion upon it. The paragraphs in the speech appeared to
him to be drawn up to prepare the home for what were
cossidered the logical consequences of Lord Palmerston's
speech of last year. He objected to this mode of treating the
hones. If (said the right hos. gentlemen) there be • me-
topes, of the crown it is the prerogative of making mem
or war without the interference of parliament, by her
Majesty sad by the advice of her responsible ministers. If
her Majesty is of opinion that the country should go to war
for any cause or any side—if her ministers should
advise her to take that step, and there is a war,
whether the war be just or unjust, parliament, I have no
doubt, would supext her Majesty, at the same time taking
their constitutional opportunity of expressing their opinion
of the government in order to obtain information and throw
light on the subject. I mentios this particularly because 1
do not think her Majesty's government ass entimst for the
very courteous manner in which they treat the Home of
Commons. It is oely very recently- not by the noble lord,
but I dare say by writes whom he recosnims as great mas-
ters of the English lansmag•—thrit the affairs of this coun-
try have bees npresested ss being DOW carried on
in a very satisfactory way as fez as the Home of
Commons L eciecersed—that the meat dspartaeeta
are there represented by under-secretaries, and that
nobody cares about what they do or say—(laughter)—end
that the relations between the ministers and the House of
of Commons are fast arriving at that satisfactory condition
which subset. between the French chamber sad their
nester. Well, humiliate us if you like, degrade us if we
must submit, but at may rate don't call upon us to bear the
responsibility. (" Hear," and laughter.) If the relations of
the Home of Commies are feat appeosching to the same
condition as the relations of the French chamber to their
=Am, then I say the house ham • joss right to look to
the government to do that which, is the language of the
day, is called " taking the initiative." I, for cm, will sot
help government in the difficulties is which they Sad
themselves by coming forward with • out sad dry
policy to settle all the difficulties of Europe. (Hear.)
The condition of Europe is, no doubt, can of very grave
character, and upon the conduct of the government and of
the parliament very much depends. We inset look to
minister, to frame their policy, and I have no doubt that
when it is brought beton us, if it is wise and fair, the
house will unanimously approve it. But I have always
men that when foreign affairs occupy the attention of the
' house there has always been an abeam of party strife and
feeling. (Hear, boar.) If we believe that the country is
espied in • just sod bit quarrel, who'rer may form the
government, the House of Commons will support them.
(Hier, hear.) If we go to war let us be sure in the drat
Mom that the war is just and areassary. And if
just sad necessary, whether it might not have been
messaged (by more conciliatory and skilful counsels.
(Hear, hear.) I think I bare shows' some ramose
why the House of Commons and the country should look
with some suspicion on our foreign policy. I looked at it
with sumicioo last year, became I thought there was an
uncertainty sod inconsistency in the courses mootamended
by different members of the cabinet which seemed to portend
the greatest of all evils in public affairs—indecision whoa
the critical hour arrives. (Cheers.) The government seam
to me to resemble, not the Prism of Augustenliurg, not the
Prises of Glucksburg, but that prime who will survive
them both—that Prince of Denmark who was Marto of
PurPow—

" The times are out of joint ; oh, cured 71*
That I was ever born to met them right.
(Laughter.) 1 protest against their cocain to parliament
this critical state of affair, without a poli . When their
policy is brought forward we shall oomider it fairly sod
candidly, but Ist as have no masked and visored policy.
(Loud cheers). Let us have a dietinot avowal of their policy,
bermes what has ormined during the aeons Is not of mach •
mature as to authorise the opposition to give them a blind
ecolidorios oil questions of foreign policy. (Hear, bear.)
It could hardl have been in our expsetatioe when we but
met, whim we to those bold words of the noble lord
. .

ou the position of Damask, end the determination of Eng-
land to uphold Denmark—for that was the only isterpreta.
Sion that could be put oa hie declaration—it oonld hardly
have been in our belief then that during the six months
that elapsed since thee, a policy so profound, so adroit, so
deeply skilful, should have bees pursued by her Majesty's
gomawnesat—that they bad cootrived in that specs of
time to forfeit alike the confidence of Rums and
to lose the cordiality of France. (Bear, hear.)
That seemed a masterpiece. but what are we to my of mea
who, having brought about two such opposite regalia, should
sow be witli;s an ace of going to war with Germany? (Bear,
bear.) I must end ma I began. What are your object, sad
who are your allies ? (Heir, hear.) I will sot say you have
sate ; you have the King of Denmark, whom you are not
going to aid. (A laugh.) Is that a position for Eagleed ?
Oaa we believe that our affairs ban been properly coo-
dusted wheat, a crisis having arrived. we literally And our.
selves without allies i (Bear, bass.) But eve° if the govern-
ment were withostallissould had axles: course, and frankly
appealed to the House of Clossmonik I am goofident the
house would support them, but we Red them with all
this reserve sad retiosocia, which may be justified ia
the ass of miniature of Magular ability for conducting
public affairs, who, if sot supported by the Bowe of Com-
mons, may be supported by Frame, Russia, or Austria;
sod I say, if her Majesty's ministers were in that position,
they might perhaps ask for our confident». But when
they come forward to us in, I think, as desolate a conditiou
is respect to their foreign policy as any government could
be planed in, they are bound to act with fraaknem—they
are bound to MU England at this moment what is the policy
they recommend, sad I am coefideut the country and
rament will support them if their muse is just—
bear, hear)—and I am equally ears that, having
brought our affairs to this oosilitios, if they
have at this momentso policy whatever, they here
sot fulfilled their duty se Lectern of the mown. (Cheers.)
The Doble lord may tell me—it is ow of the Mereotyped
pumges is his speeches—if you have sot confideoce in the
misisters of the crows why don't you tell us so ? I tell the
noble lord that when the opportunity Is fitting we will of
course challenge the opinion of parliament. These is no
opportunity given in that document which I bold in my
hood. Would it be becoming is me to move an &mini.
meat to the address because there is incongruous diplomatic
language is them three paragraphs ? That is not a ground
upon which the Maus of state should be decided.
Will the noble lord inform us what is his policy
Will he place the necessary papers before toho
house, which papers are not promised is the speech of
the royal oommianiosers ? We are told, indeed, that her
Majesty is actuated by the same desire to preserve peace,
and has bees unremitting is her eadeavours for that object-
But what 'vides°, have we that those labours have bees
waremitted 'f I should have thought the noble lord would
have appeared at the her on the first eight of the amolea,
mil *sad same of the ptocb as the WM of the Muss`

What has imeamaref the mimics of Lord Workhouses ? We I
may be told that he hed so mission but a minim ef more-
interims; bat we knew that Lord Wodebouse went away In
*great hurry—that Lord Wodehouse went to Paris, and
had • mission of the greatest importance, which
was eminently nesamemsfuL (Hear. hear.) Ben when the
Home of Commons is told there have been unamdttiag
efforts to maintain peace, and not a eiratpaper is placed
on the table, are we to remain silent' Cheers) Are we
to submit to the common-place remark, if you have no
confidence In the government, propose • vote of want of
confidence! Give us the documents which will throw the
necessary light upon the present state of public' affirm, now
involved in obscurity, perplexity, and mystery. and we will
form upon those documents a fair parliamentary opinion.
If the policy of the government is cleat and straight, they
will be supported . but if they have no policy, if they
are at this critical moment without allies, looking
for the vague eympatby of parliament to guide
and support them, I say they are taking an
unworthy course, that they are unfit for the offices they fill,
and the place* they occupy, and if it is proved that is the
state of affairs, I do sot believe parliament will hesitate to
express its opinion epee their conduct. (Cheers)
Lord PALMERSTON observed that the objections of
Mr. Disraeli related not to what the speech of the Royal
Commissioners contained, bat to what it did not contsia ;
and he briefly explained the reasons for the oinissices am-
planked of. As to the manner in which the proposal of the
Emperor of the French had bees received lad &bewared, he
denied that there was anything uncoorteons in the de-
spatches of Earl Russell. The habits of this conntry were
more plain and simple than those of other countries • but
there was nothing on our part that could be justly ialled
unoourteous or unfriendly, and our relations with Frame
were as cordial as before. With respect to the Sleswig.
Holstein question, Mr. Disraeli complained that the govero-
meet came down to the house without a policy. He denied
it. The policy of the government was to eodeavour to
bring the question to a kindly settlement. in conneximi
with the treaty of 1852. He was happy tory that, within
the last few hours, be had received information that Austria
and Prussia were prepared so declare their readiness to
abide by the treaty, and to maintain the integrity of the
Danish monarchy. He promeded to explain the course
of action adopted by the diet and by Austria sod Preemie,
its object., and the ceases which had rendered the govern-
ment of Denmark backward in fulfilling what he considered
to be its obligation. The required concessions, however,
had been Idris/ally mode by Newark ; but, unfortunately,
Austrisaad Prussia, in spite of omelet suggestions sod ages
of a guarantee by the British government. had determined
most unjustifiably to take possession of Sleswig as a material
guarantee. One motive no doubt (continued the noble lord)
has been that they think the winter season
more favourable far their operatiom than the spring, and
that in the winter it would be more difficult for the Danes
to receive military or naval aid from any other power that
might be disposed to afford it. But they have now de-
clared that they are ready to 'mouses that they mean as
soon as possible to seed • formal declaration that they
abide by the treaty of 1852, that they maintain the integrity
of the Danish umearday, mad that the invasion of
Elkiewig, however lamentante and however moth we may
deplore the effusion at blood which has takes place, is
not intended to dismember the Danish monarchy, but to
maintain the integrity of Denmark whenever the condition
they attach to the entry into Sleswig shall have been em-
ptied with. The right hoe. gentleman complain, that in
the spmch we have not proposed to lay any papers of
the table. Sir, we thought the speech long enough, and
did not wish to smoother it witli.unoscomary stem:neat+ ;
of course, we shall lay papers on the table, and I only
wish joy to any man who may have to read
them. (Laughter.) It has takes • great many
hours a day to go through the multitude
of despatcher, and perhaps my noble friend will tot think
it necessary to encumber the table with all we have bad to
read ; but I mime the right boo. gentleman that enough
will he given to the house Minable any body to exactly secer-
Jain the course of events and the policy of her Majesty's go-
vernment. The last complaint of the right hon. gentleman
is that there is nothing in the speech which enabled him to
move an amendment. I mat say that that is • very mar-
! %dying circumstance, and of this he is entitled to complain
' —(a langh)—for it may be said, in a parliamentary sense,
that while it is the duty of the opposition to move mead-
meats if possible, it is also part of the fair game on both
sides of the house that the government should furnish the
opposition with • peg on which to hang those amendments.
(Laughter.) I regret that the goverment are wanting in
that respect, and I offer an apology to the right bon.
madman for the omission, which has saved the house from
that lengthened debate which might have followed
upon an amendment founded upon an incautious
or mitiarded expression. (Laughter.) Thanking the
right hon. gentleman far his very courteous, tru and
unqualified promises of support when we oome to state
what our policy is, I am persuaded that any further de-
velopment of policy will receive his acquiescence mid sup-
port, and if he ham any hesitation, I will remind him of the
assurances he has made, and in the meantime amuse him
that the policy of her Majesty's gommeneet is • policy of
peace—(cheare)—end that the meet laborious sad mire
milting efforts will be made to reconcile differeoses,
and to prevent quarrels and collision between the states
of Europe ; acid I am persuaded that that policy—which I
maintain to be a policy, will modes the approbation of the
house, and until I hear anything to the contrary, thisardice
of the oouatry. (Loud cheers.) _ _ _ _

Mr. & FriZGERALD eauMeded that Lad Palnierstcm
had pot aoswered the cejectioes of Yr. Diemen, who bad
corepleMed that the past policy of the government had
bees soubased, vacillating, arid oostradistorr, and he
pointed out indications of these chanoterktios of their palmy
is their diplomatic connounicatioes with the Danish govern.
meet is relation to the Duchiea Haring brought matters
to a deogerous crisis, he wanted to know what the .
meat proposed to do, is order. in furtherance of their peace
policy, to secure the peace of Europe. If we were to steed
by sad see conosesion made after coomeatoe, oar policy
would be justly stigmatised seas ignominious policy.

Mr. O. DUFF eetered into the details of the
I Hagan inestioa, pursuing it at considerable 'moth is all
Its intricsons and complicaticat. He was of opinion that
' the Duke of Auguatelerg was garbled to rale in Holstein,
! sad probably in Sleswig. England, he coosidered, had no
interest whatever in the quarrel.
Sir IL VERNEY dimmed the details of the tame qua-
lion, which. be said, really was whether • fkazdinavian
rata should muses a German was.
Mr. HENNESSY adverted to a declaration by Earl
Rummell that, by the violatioe of the treaty of Visas.,
Russia had forf said a title to Poisod, sod asked why that de,-
Mustn't had been withdraws from a despatch. Ho tom-
plaited of the policy of the goverment in rela-
tion to Poland. and accused the Emperor of Ramis of
being tint real author of the minorities exercised
testate the Polas. With regard to the Danish
he examiaed the history of the treaty of Loadoe, and
denied its validity. The questios, he said, was noe in
which we might not to have iota/fend. Denmark was ac-
tually dismembered, tad Loth Essen w resposaible for it.
Th. CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER denied that
there was say divine ia the cabinet en the Blentrie-Hop.
stens question, sad said that the gum and saistmee of the
advice which the government had give. to Denmark was
that she should fulfil her engagements. So far frau one.
teaming • debt to Denmark, or any other enatry, by
Mtn( that advice, ha held that they had performed the
part of a true friend, sod motioned apes her a real obli-
gatioo.
Lord JOHN MANNERS said the Debi. lard at the bead
1 of the government had the satisfaction of knowing that
1 he spoke not only for himself, but for two
other members of his cabinet, a freak proof to
the boos of the notability in the council of ministers. (A
lamb.) The noble lord mid that tin policy of the govern-
meet, which had bees sooosesfal, was to animals pesos;
bat had pane bees maistained ? (Hoer, hear.) The sank
lord alio said that within the last few boors they had no.
'mind most gratifying intelligence that their labours had
got been throws away, and that both Austria and
Prang had at the last looniest entered into •
moat solemn and binding seaman. that the
treaty of 1852 should index all esrentnernooss ho
scrapolously observed; but be wok" ask him what was his
real cad hornet opinion of the worth of that dernaratim
which was vaunted so much? (Hear, bear.) His noble
1 colleague who was entrusted with the management of
Foriggli Affairs had said in the haute; of man y in that
1 home that no relate* whatever multi ho placed on that
declaraumi—(bear, hem) ;--nay, more, that be could net
scan understood it, and that he trusted that time might
elmidato the mystery which had hitherto defied his
comprehension. Did that deg's:atlas satisfy the country
for Oa abandonment of Denmark, and fat its being rat
over by the troops of Austria and Proton ? Th. gob'. lord
admitted that Austria and Prussia asked an impossibility of
De imark, end of what did it cousin? A demand at the
point of the sword that the King of Datum* should
by the stroke of hie pan , net merely suspend.
but abrogate and destroy the oommog coernitutioa
which had been given. That was a deemed which they
were now told by the right hoe. pntleems in no way con-
cerned the rights and lodependeoce of Denmark. The gable
lord said that this invasion of Danish territory we., if sot
°outsells& ataay rate samested by the English govenumet.
(" No, so," from Lord PALWEINTON.) He eartaialy loader-
stood him to my that in trivia( with Austria and Prise*
in order to keep there straight with 'aspen
to their treaty obligations contracted is 1852, he stated
that if they had • quarrel with Denmark about iotertational
stipulations which Deems rk mi6t have catered into with
the. is 1851, if they said that Deemed' had diereaarded
Mune to sad sot fulfilled theta, then they had a
perfeot t, if so minded, to go to war. If that statement
were made to Austria mid Prima by her Ma jests gonna.
mint, those orieutries in what they were sow doing
were acting, if not aim the advice, at soy mit
of the suggestion, of her Majesty's government.
Lord PALMERSTON—Whoa I stand yea thit—We
said to Austria sod Press* if you have • kat doomed to
make en Derattark, sad Denmark retro onstplimmern it is •
case in whisk you have the right to go to war; but Deatherim
says the will comply, and she oily asks for time to amble
her to do it is the only way it slash it oat be does, sad
therefore you have no cease to go to war. (Chalet)
Lard J. MANNERS mid that no doubt
facts stated by Denmark pat Austria and
sia merely la the wrosig. The noble viensent went
ot to say that them Ina now an reel emus
bath. If that were so, was the war is the epithet of her
Majesty's goveraniset likely to tome to auend 3 (Hear.)
Mr. PEACOCKS laysigbsd avian the diplomatic arnica
of Lord Rowell is our foreign podia, and said be believed
1 that a large saturant of the maapseity whirl wee kit fat

Denmark in this aunts, was thrown away upon a worthies
object.
Mr. H. BAILLIE reviewed the question of our relations
with the Federal States of Atuerks, .14 observed that by
the course which the government had punted they bad not
conciliated the aniMoeity prevailing in these states agaiust
this country. but had given just muse of oomplaiut and
offence to the Southern Confederacy.
Sir J. FAKINGTON baited the Under Secretary for
Foreign Affairs to give the full substance of the despatch
referred to by Lord Palmerston u h.oung arrived wit bin the
last few hours.

Mr. LAYAHD read the despatch accordingly. (It will
be found is the report of the proceedings in the House of
eek)
Mr. WHITESIDE thought the boo. gentleman would be
adding to his kindness if he would aka throw that light
upon the document which it rto much required.
Mr. KLNIGLAKE hoped the goverement would peon
before eupgiog the country any further is this matter. I
they did vast Lod colossal indeed must be their prepare
bone. They would stand in opposition to 40.000,000 of
Germans who had hitherto beep our best allies, while Ramis
bung beck, and the Emperor of the French was apart, but
not indifferent, and perhaps abiding his time. (Hear, bear.)
He trusted that they would remain at peace, and that the
diplomatic Legumes el the country would be in conformity
with the moderation of our aims and the peaosableoess of
our intimations. ( Hear. bear.)

Bit 21. FARQI7HAR bad resided is Germany for some
time, end be behoved the country was in a most danger-
ous state. If Austria wait on the ground of nationalities
she should look at home. He hoped Europe would be
awed the great calamity of war.
Mr. NEW DEGATE said he believed that the pro.
pie of this country were pre-eminently a practical people,
and that they looked at this Danish question io a very
different light to the Polish insurrection of last year.
Besides they could reach Denmark, and the pswen
now oppressing her, bat they could riot reach Poland. He
did not wish the government to take soy step beyond what
the Judie, of the use demanded. But the noble lord had
&awed that the present aggression was perfectly unjus-
tifiable_ ; because if Denmark had not fulfilled her engage-
ment else was reedy to do so. Bat now she was prevented
from fulfilling any mpg...menus by the occupation of her
territory. There was a feeling in Germany that there ought
to be some extension of the territory of the country, and
that had induced the great powers to undertake a war upon
Denmark, which the noble lord had rightly aid was most
usjustafiable. (Hear, bear.)
The address was thee aged to, and the house adjourned
at tee minutes to 12 o'clock.