The Sun.
London, England, 1864-03-01 00:00:00

tainly cannot be considered out of place to 11.4
originators with what particular object it his
plenn-d, ay .1 on what basis it is proposed to oai
it into operation. Such was ia effect the iefors
tion dereanded of the Government by the '.e. der
the Opposition last evening ; end althrugh
reply of the Premier could scarcely he consia
as entirely satisfactory, Mr. Disraeli secured,
main of ject of slightly ventilating the fore
policy of the Government. Generally speaking
may be assumed that, if the proposed Confers
takes place, the basis of negotiations will be f
nished by the Treaty of London, and by the Co
nition of the political necessity of maintaining
integrity and independence of the kingdom of -1):
mark. So much was taken for granted by '
Disraeli, and would, as a matter of course, he Cc
firmed by her Majesty's Government. But
happens, singularly enough, that no Europe
States have been louder in their protestatieng
adherence to the London Levy than Austria t'
Prussia, and none have more unequivocally
witted the principle of the integrity and indePe,
once of the Danish monarchy. But, notwithsta`
ing this reciprocity of sentiment between Orr,
Britain and the principal German Powers, 11;
comes it that the latter have invaded and occoP,l
a considerable portion of the Danish territoo
whilst the former has been exhausting the reaped
trf
of diplomacy to prevent the accomplishment of tv
acts of aggression P It must be manifest, there
that the Cabinet of St. James's and those of Ber,,
and Vienna must employ the same terms wit'
different signification, and consequently that ,
'
announcement that the Conference will be held
the representatives of Powers prepared to recogu
the integrity and independence of Denmark in tr
conveys no intelligible meaning. It was not sl
prising, then, that Mr. Disraeli should be curl'
to know the exact interpretation which is to
put upon these apparently plain terms at the 1~
jetted Conference ; and it was still less surpruri
that the Premier was unable to afford bill
desired information. The Austrian and pruge
Governments, through profuse in admissions oft
validity of the Treaty of London, have 01,1„
coupled them with a singular qualification.
have always acknowledged that treaty "in Pt
ciple," and in the same spirit have recognised ,
integrity of the Danish monarchy. But until
obtain a key to the interpretation of this clattgei
is idle to say that Great Britain and the Gergl
Powers will be of one accord in their treatment
the Dano•German question. Perhaps, however'
may be thought premature to canvass the subi,
matter of discussion of a Conference which ill°,
in embryo, and the Government may consider lti ;
slight diplomatic triumph to have brought the u,
putants on speaking terms, though they have "
yet determined what they shall talk about.
ferring to the foreign policy of the Governol,;
Mr. Disraeli could not avoid the temptation of 0,
ring to some of fiascJn which have marked I;
diplomatic career of the Secretary for Fore
Affairs. It is undeniable that the history of the lj
would augur unfavourably for the future, althea
it by no means follows that failure may not be
parent of success, and that indiscretion may
give place to prudence and caution. It eaut
with fairness be said that the Leader of the OPI
sition merited the Premier's reproach of abaci
an absent man, because Earl Russell is a mero',
of the Upper House, since it is obvious that
Minister of State does not possess, and oughtr
to possess, an immunity from criticism in the JO
of Commons from the accidental circumstinee:
being a peer. The chief answer, however, 141;
it is in the power of the Government to give to
criticisms on their foreign policy is Ifurnished
the fact that this country is at peace with all ttl
world. England has endeavoured to arrange
differences of other States; and if, in this reel);;
she has failed, she has at all events contributed
avoid entanglement in quarrels with which shell,
no immediate concern. If peace was the final,r, 0
ject of foreign policy, there can be no doubt
her Majesty's Government would be entitled toll
qualified praise. But even peace, it may be ure
can be purchased too dearly. Whether we 11/,
paid an extravagant price for the proud privilege
asserting that we are at peace with the end;
world is a question which many perhaps may co'
sider open to discussion. The time, however, A
not be far distant when her Majesty's Goverarne,
will be prepared to expose fully, and, if need be;
justify the policy which they have pursued ill
eonduct of our foreign relations.