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

tainly cannot be considered out of place to ask its
originators with what particular object it has been
planned, and on what basis it is proposed to carry
it into operation. Such was in effect the informa-
tion demanded of the Government by the leader of
the Opposition last evening ; and although the
reply of the Premier could scarcely be considered
as entirely satisfactory, Mr. Disraeli secured his
main ol'ject of slightly ventilating the foreign
policy of the Government. Generally speaking, it
may be assumed that, if the proposed Conference
takes place, the basis of negotiations will be fur-
nished by the Treaty of London, and by the recog-
nition of the political necessity of maintaining the
integrity and independence of the kingdom of Den-
mark. So much was taken for granted by Mr.
Disraeli, and would, as a matter of course, he con-
firmed by her Majesty's Government. But it
happens, singularly enough; that ro European_
States have been louder in theirprotestations
adherence to the London Treaty that Austria and
Prussia, and none have more unequivo,7lll9
ad-
mitted the principle of the integrity and indel:evu,
ence of the Danish monarchy. But, notwithstano.'
inn this reciprocity of sentiment between Great
Britain and the principal German Powers, hog
comes it that the latter have invaded and occupied
a considerable portion of the Danish territories,
whilst the former has been exhausting the resources
of diplomacy to prevent the accomplishment of these
acts of aggression P It must be manifest, therefore,
that the Cabinet of St. James's and those of Berlin
and Vienna must employ the same terms with a
different signification, and consequently that the`
announcement that the Conference will be held by
the representatives of Powers prepared to recognise
the integrity and independence of Denmark in truth
conveys no intelligible meaning. It was not sur-
prising, then, that Mr. Disraeli should be curious
to know the exact interpretation which is to be
put upon these apparently plain terms at the pro-
jected Conference ; and it was still less surprising
that the Premier was unable to afford him the
desired information. The Austrian and Prussian
Governments, through profuse in admissions of the
validity of the Treaty of London, have always
coupled them with a singular qualification. They
have always acknowledged that treaty "in prin-
ciple," and in the same spirit have recognised the
integrity of the Danish monarchy. But until eve
obtain a key to the interpretation of this clause, it
is idle to say that Great Britain and the German
Powers will be of one accord in their treatment of
the Dano•German question. Perhaps, however, it
may be thought premature to canvass the subjects
matter of discussion of a Conference which is still
in embryo, and the Government may consider it no
slight diplomatic triamph to have brought the
putants on speaking terms, though they have na
yet determined what they shall talk about. In re'
ferring to the foreign policy of the Government,
Mr. Disraeli could not avoid the temptation of refer-
ring to some of the fiaschi which have marked the
diplomatic career of the Secretary for Foreign
Affairs. It is undeniable that the history of the past
would augur unfavourably for the future, although
it by no means follows that failure may not be the
parent of success, and that indiscretion may not
give place to prudence and caution. It cannot
with fairness be said that the Leader of the Oppo-
sition merited the Premier's reproach of abusing
an absent man, because Earl Russell is g nlembet
of the Upper House, since it is obvious that
Minister of State does not possess, and ought not
to possess, tan immunity from criticism in the Hones
of Commons from the accidental circumstance of
being a peer. The chief answer, however, whie,h,
it is in the power of the Government to give to all
criticisms on their foreign policy is furnished by
the
feat that this country is at peace with all the
world. England has endeavoured to arrange the
hdifferences of other States; and if, in this respect,
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asserting that we are at peace with the entire
world is a question which
The
perhaps may con"
cider open to discussion. Ile time, however, can'
not be far distant when her Majesty 's Government
will be prepared to expose fully, and, if need be, to
justify the policy which they have pursued in the
eonduct of our foreign relations.