The Sun.
London, England, 1864-02-26 00:00:00

DENMARK.

Mr. M'EVOY asked the Under Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs whether it was true that the Danish Go-
vernment had officially claimed the active assistance
of England on the ground of the London protocol
And whether the Government were aware that a
similar application had been addressed to the
French Government,with an intimation in each case that if
refused the Danish Government would avail themselves of
the assistance alleged to have been offered by the Govern-
ment of the King of Italy ?
Mr. LAYARD said that under the treaty there was no
guarantee of interference given under the protocol. He
took that opportunity of stating that, in addition to
Danish papers already in the hands of hon. members, he
would be able to lay another instalment to-morrow on the
table, and the remidning papers on Monday and Tuesday.
(Hear, hear.) He could assure the house that no unnes-
sary delay had occurred in the production of these docu-
molts. (Hear, hear.)

CONFERENCE ON THE AFFAIRS OF DENMARK
Mr. D. GRIFFITH asked the First Lord of the Trea-
sury whether it was true that Prussia and Austria have
agreed to a conference on the affairs of Denmark ; and, if
so, whether that engagement involves an immediate sus-
pension of bow ilities between those Powers and Denmark?
Lord PALMERSTON said—The great object of her
Majesty's Government during the negotiations that have
taken place has been to bring about an amicable arrange-
ment between the German Powers and Denmark.
(Hear, hear) We proposed, in the first instance,
an armistice, but both parties proposed such con.
ditions as neither could agree to. We have now pro-
posed a conference—(hear, hear)—to which Austria and
Prussia have agreed, as well as France, and we have reason
to believe that it will also be agreed to by Russia.

I am not sure about Denmark and Sweden, and in conse-
pence the proposal has not been concluded.
OCCUPATION OF JUTLAND.

In reply to Lord J. MANNERS,
_ .

Lord PALMERSTON said what has bean heard about
Jutland is that the troops had entered it, but on the repre-
sentation made at Berlin, it was stated that the
occupation was not only against the wish but the
actual instruction of the Government, and the commander-
in-chief would be reprimanded. At the same time, how-
ever, it was stated that the occupation of the place was a
great strategic operation, and would be continued. (Laugh-
ter.) The Prussian and German Powers say they will ad-
here to the Treaty of 1852, and maintain the integrity of
the Danish monarchy. With regard to the German Diet,
they had been asked to send a representative to the confe
rence, but I do not know what they will do.
THE NAVY ESTIMATES.

On the motion for going into committee of supply on the
navy estimates,

Mr. LINDSAY addressed the house at some length, and
complained of the want of economy in the construction
vessels in the public dockyards. He cited the recommen-
dations of the lords commissioners on this subject, and con-
cluded by moving an amendment that the suggestions in
their report should be adopted.
Sir F. SMITH opposed the amendment.
Lord C. PAGET defended the course which the Admi-
ralty had adopted in reference to the subject.
Sir J, WALSH also brought under notice the inadequacy
of oar naval preparations to the present exigencies of
political affairs ; and moved that, in the opinion of the
house, the great changes in naval warfare, and the critical
state of our foreign relations, required the most vigorous
and immediate national efforts on a scale calculated to main-
tain the maritime supremacy of England.
Col. DUNNE likewise called attention to the recent
treaties for the cession of the lonian Islands to the kingdom
of Greece, and the engagements made with Great Britain in
respect to pensions granted to British subjects for services
under the lonian Government.

After a short debate, in which Sir F. Smith, Admiral
Walcott, and Col. Sykes took part, explanations were made
by Mr. C. Fortescue and Lord C. Paget, and ultimately the
resolutions moved by Mr. Lindsay and Sir J. Walsh were
withdrawn.