The Sun.
London, England, 1854-04-01 00:00:00

able to the Russian alliance." Yes, his grace, was favourable taken—whether the tone which was adopted by the Go-
to the Russian alliance ; and why ? For the same reason that vernment at certain periods of that negotiation was the
he always thought me to be favourable to it—because he best fitted to secure that honourable peace .at which we
always thought that alliance was favourable to the interests
aimed I shall endeavour rather to point to the course
.
of England. No one more deeply regrets the rupture of that
alliance than I do, though we are forced into a war which I which Russia has pursued, and to show that, unless we
f
consider under the circumstances inevitable,l neverthe- are content to submit to the further aggrandi
was
less deeply regret the severance of those relations of amity that power, and, possibly, to the destruction of Turkey—
between this country and Russia, which have so long existed,
whose integrity and independence have been so often de-
ns I believe, to the advantage of both nations. Not only was
his grace always favourable to the Russian alliance, but I be- clared essential_ to the stability of the system of Europe—
lieve and hope every man who has at heart the interests of his we have no choice left us but to interpose by arms. (Hear,
country was equally favourable to that. alliance. But it would hear.) Sir, in referring in the first place to the affairs of
not do to criticise the Duke of Wellington's Government on Turkey, I should beg the house to remark that a great
that account. No, that honour is reserved for me. But this change has taken place in the internal position of Turkey
journalist continues :—" Sir Robert Peel, full of tariffs, was during the last twenty or thirty years. We are all ac-
entirely governed, with respect to external polities, by Lord quainted with the system of violence and misrule which
Aberdeen. It was definitively settled in 1544, between the used formerly to prevail, and those who have watched the
Emperor of Russia and the English Government, that the conduct of Lord Stratford will be aware what has been the
partition of Turkey, when it became necessary, should be advice which he has given, and what the beneficial effects
transacted by Great Britain and the two imperial courts, that haveiflowed from it. (Hear, hear.) Long acquainted
without France." The writer of this article, my lords, with the affairs of Turkey, having deeply at heart the main-
knew Sir R. Peel well when he talks of his thinking of tenance of that empire, he has constantly said (not yester-
nothing but tariffs. But my lords, I have already said that day nor the day before, but during a long series of years),
the Duke of Wellington's opinion as to this memorandum was " The independence of Turkey cannot be maintained with-
shared in by Sir R. Peel, and I humbly endeavoured to act out the assistance of the other powers of Europe; that
with them, and to this hour it is my endeavour to profit by assistance cannot be maintained unless Turkey shall adopt
the precepts and examples of those eminent men—(hear, with regard to her subjects in general, and with regaial to
hear)—in all things it is my wish to be governed by the her Christian subjects in particular, those general rules of
example of their lives and to act upon their principles. (Hear, justic.e and fair treatment which are established by the
hear.) My lords, I confess for myself I have no intention for public opinion of Europe." (Hear, hear.) That advice,
a moment of contending with the noble earl in respect to the though not immediately nor fully adopted, has yet been
numerous topics he had adverted to, hut as regards this me- so far followed that there has been a great improvement
morandum havine the sanction of these two gre it statesmen in the treatment of the subjects of Turkey—that the
—and though of drawn up—yet sanctioned and approved Christian subjects of the Porte, in particular, have de-
by them, I care very little what may be said by or what may rived great advantages from those changes—that they have
be the opinion of others. (Hear, hear.) I think, my lords, enjoyed the free exercise of their religion, that they have
I have said sufficient upon this point—(hear, hear)—and I prospered in their trade, and that their welfare has greatly
have only need to add that being now engaged in this War, I increased under the Government of the Sublime Porte.
shall think it my duty to press it forward with all energy and (Hear, hear.) Sir, this is a very essential and important
vigour, and with all the power of the Government ; and I part of this question ; because,
if I am not mistaken
trust we shall meet with no opposition in our endeavours to —and it is no new opinion of mine, for I have held it
carry it on in such a manner as shall enable us to bring it to at least from the commencement of the discussions
that which is the only legitimate end of all wars, viz., a peace of last year—it is not the prospect of the decay of
based on justice, and therefore likely to endure. (Cheers.) Turkey, it is not the fear of her immediate dissolution,
My lords, I may add that even at this moment Ido not think which has incited the Russian Government to demands in-
it inconsistent with our position, or with my duty, to say that consistent with her independence and to aggrandisements
,
my first object, my great desire, is peace. (Hear.) The re- subversive of her territorial limits—(Hear, hear)—but it
attainment of that great blessing is never out of my thoughts, has been the fear that the old system of Russia, of making
and Ido not think that, in entertaining that desire and en- progress gradually,
of depriving Turkey of her dominions
deavouring to accomplish it by all honourable means, that I one after another, of interfering more and more with her
am acting at all inconsistently with my duty of carrying on internal government—(hear, hear)—would not be success-
the war with energy and vigour. (Hear.) Your lordships ful—it has been the fear that the Ottoman Government,
will recollect that most virtuous character in our civil wars instead of declining, has exhibited to Europe a Govern-
-the man who, perhaps, of all others was most devoted to meat of internal concord within and of strength without
the cause in which he was engaged, while arming
himself for —it has been this fear which has impelled Russia to what
the combat, still murmured to himself the words "peace," I believe will be found an unsuccessful, and what I be-
" peace!" Peace is the desire always uppermost in my heart, lieve Russia herself will consider a premature, attempt
sad while I hope that we shall be supported in our determi- against the Ottoman Empire. (Cheers.) If, sir, we look
ntion to carry on the war while it continues with all the to Russia, we shall observe that while all the powers of
spirit and energy that becomes this great nation, still my Europe leave been, during this interval of peace, with
hope, and I fervently trust that hope is shared in by every more or less success, attempting to improve their internal
one of your lordships, is peace. (Cheers) organisation—while they have considered questions of
The Earl of MALMESBURY expressed his regret at the commerce, questions of legislation, with a view to improve-
tone assumed by the noble earl, and contended that he had ment, with a view to the future welfare of their subjects,
not answered any of the objections made to his policy. After it has been almost the sole object of the Government of
some explanations as to the memorandum of 1844, with the Russia to form and to maintain an overpowering army—
view of showing that the late Government did not
approve of to complete her military organisation, and to be ready on
the policy which it disclosed, the noble earl said he should any occasion to throw the sword into the balance in her
offer no further observations upon the question, but as a loyal transactions with the other powers of Europe. (Hear,
subject he should cordially support the address. hear.) We have therefore, which present moment, with-
After a few observations from Earl Geatervreae, out even the immense effort has been made during
Lord BROUGHAM expressed his opinion that the contest the past year—we have an immense military power on the
would neither be short nor easy, part of Russia, prepared, and as we have heard within these
Earl GREY was disappointed with the terms in which the two days, already commencing an attack upon the terri-
address was framed, and said that, as his opinions on the sub
- tories and upon the existence of Turkey. On the other
ject of Turkey were unchanged, he could not gie.e it an unre- side, if we have not at the present moment the material
served support. At the same time he did not think sufficient assistance, we have at least the moral approbation of all
means had yet been provided for bringing the war to a sue- Europe, approving of the efforts which have been made
cessful termination ; and ,be intimated-that in the course of to resist the aggression of Russia. (Cheers.) We have,
next week he should bring this subject under their lordships' joined together in arms, to resist that attempt, the
consideration, most powerful sovereigns at the head of the civilised
The Earl of HARDWICIKE expressed some fears as to the I nations of Europe, which have tested—by conflict
strength of the British fleet in the Baltic, and hoped too in arms, by livelier in peace the great qualities
much would not be expected from it at first. Besides the which each possesses, and we have learnt from that con-
feree in the Baltic, we ought to have a reserve of twenty sail I flict and that rivalry, the honour, the courage, and the
of the line- We should find seamen enough to man them if patriotism of both. (Cheers.) Sir, I will now proceed to
they were well paid.
state, not in detail, because the house, having had the op-
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE expressed his regret at the portunity of studying the papers on the table, and having
mode in which the policy of the Government had been criti- debated the greater part of them on past occasons, is
cised. Taking his share of responsibility, he denied, on their fully informed with respect to those details—but I will no w
behalf, that they had shown a want of appreciation of the proceed to state the great outline of what has occurred
difficulties of the contest, or of the means necessary to carry with respect to the question now under the consideration
it on successfully. They had certainly felt it their duty to of the house. I may as well, howeverust say first, that
endeavour to avoid war by means of negotiation; but from in treating of this subject I shall kee wholly out of view
the moment it became evident that the maintenance ee peace the dispute which has furnished, not al) cause but a pretext
was doubtful,, it could not be shown that they had not acted for the Emperor of Russia. (Hear.) I shall keep out of
question of the holy places. I will not touch
as became the Government of this country. Without saying view the
anything of the terms upon which peace would be made, he upon the silver star, or the Ley o_ f the great gate, or the
was strongly of opinion that the aggrandisement of Russia key of the little gate, or any of those questions which were
could not be carried further without danger to the peace, put forward as a matter of dispute. All these mattterstooo_f
g dispute, whether they de
happiness, and safety of Europe. The war might be a lon
one, but it was satisfactory to think it.was neither a dynastic place about them or not, deserved
settleedcrtettion that
ofk
nor a religious war, while we. were indebted to the Emperor all the powers concerned. What I havye teoagrtreeaetmof are
of Russia fora combined action between England and France, other questions and other matters. Now, sir, in referring
which would hereafter be attended by the greatest blessings to the relations between Russia and Turkey, we must al-
to the world.
ways keep in view that the Empress Catherine, after a
The address was then agreed to.
successful war, obtained from the Sultan an article which
The Earl of ABERDEEN having announced that her Ma-
st
jesty would receive it on Monday at three o'clock, their lord- is couched in these terms with respect to the Christians
ships adjourned,
also,
that of the Sultan's empire. We must recollect,
so,
that some territory was given up by the Empress by that
treaty of peace, and that she declared to her subjects that
the peace was glorious and successful because she had ob-
tained an assurance of protection for those who belonged
to the same religions community as herself. The seventh
article of the treaty of Kainardji runs thus :—" The
Sublime Porte promises to protect constantly the Chris-
tian religion and its churches, and it also allows the
Ministers of the Imperial Court of Russia to make,
upon all occasions, representations as well in fa-
your of the new church (which is spoken of in
Article 14) at Constantinople, as on behalf of its
officiating ministers." That is the whole of what is con-
tained in the seventh article of the treaty of Kainardji.
We perceive at once the promises that are made in the
former part of this article—first, that, there is an assurance
that the Porte will protect the Christian religion of its
subjects. And if there had been any persecution of that
relic on —if the Christians had been deprived of the power
Ohfeernesianritiitrnegdtaontdhesilrainplaces
becauseof Dthi:yinheewldorsthhew,riefligthioeny,
thehad
Emperor of Russia might justly have complained of the
infraction of the treaty. But there is another thing like-
wise vary obvious, namely, that there is no especial detail
with regard to any privileges or immunities which the
Christians held—no interference stipulated for with the
ordinary administration of the affairs of the Sultan in his
territories. (Hear, hear.) There is a protection stipulated
for, but it is a protection of an exceptional kind, and not
to be used without some special cause, some great neglect,
or some maltreatment of the Christian subjects of the
Porte. (Hear.) Now, sir, coming to the events which
took place last year, the house will have perceived that no
sooner was the question of the Holy Places settled than
farther :demands, which had already been put forward,
were insisted upon by the ambassador of Russia. In the
first place, according to rumour, these proposals had taken
the shape of a treaty offensive and defensive. They after-
wards took the shape of a convention. After this there
was a formal document requiring the Sultan to give certain
pledges to Russia. Again, a note was insisted upon, but a
note which was to be an agreement with Russia, a stipula-
tion with Russia that the privileges and immunities which
the Christians held in the Turkish empire should be enjoyed
for the future without molestation.
The Sultan's Ministers
had at first refrained from asking the opinion of her Ma-
jesty's charge d'affaires, and afterwards of her Majesty's
ambassador, with respect to these proposals. They had
been alarmed at the manner in which the proposals were
made, and the threats which were used in case the proposals
were not adopted. And here, sir, I cannot but refer to the
statements that were made at a particular date by Count
ellesselrode in a despatch written by him to Baron Brunow,
a7switt
Constantinople,
length
hno gftoxaccording
Governmenteonr April,nw i
aftert o h her
enumerating Majesty's Government.
various
and which was communicated by the desire of the Rus-
gatlr os
rumourfa ywisaying,
gi
which
h "that
Counth a d
al beenNl t e
shmes
ea
rumoursi
rd
oed byo
derelativen Russiaiss ,
ha
et
other demands O n
to the hostile and threatening language held to the Porte
by our ambassador are not only exaggerated, bat destitute
of any sort of foundation." On the 9th of April, two days
after that date, Lord Stratford writes, saying, with re-
spect to the Tarkish Ministers, " This combination of
alarm, seeking for advice, and of reluctance to entrust me
frankly with the whole case, is attributable to the thrat-
ening language of Prince Meneehikoff, and to the character
of his proposals." (Hear, hear.) I cannot Lord Stratford's assertions were
perfectly lldoubt f d dthat
I cannot doubt that the language - -we
elm
e
used to the Porte during
the whole of that mission of Prince Mensehikoff was of 'a
threatening character—threatening, in the firstplace, •
case the proposals should be divulged, with,
t," at the same
time, great and tempting offers of n rt th •
'!ppo reatemng
in case the P reposa 1;
in a later period of the mission, that
were refused,. that great calamities would ensue.
(Hear.)
Therefore, sir, in stating to Lord Clarendon, on the part
of the Russian Government, that the rumour of the use of
hostile and threatening language was a report wholly des-
titute' of any kind of foundation, Count Nesselrode did
bat pursue that system of deception and concealment
which has unfortunately been the character of Russia
in these negotiations. (Hear, hear.) But at the same
time that these proposals had been made at Constan-
tinople--proposals, as I have said, in the first instance
of a tempting character, and offering the ships and the
troops of Russia in aid of the Sultan, if the terms
of Russia were agreed to—the language held to her
Majesty's minister at St. Petersburg was of a very different
character. (Hear, hear.) In speaking of the conduct of ,
the Russian Government on a former occasion, I certainly I
used very strong language of reprobation. I do not now
think that that language was at all too strong. (Cheers.)
I cannot—although the words were uttered in debate--I
cannot, upon reflection, say that the terms I then used at
all exaggerated the character of the transactions to which I
then alluded. (Cheers.) But these appear to have excited
great indignation at St. Petersburg, e and the Emperor of
e
Russia has done me the very great honour of ordering an
article to be inserted in the Journal of
St Petersburg, in
which reference was made, not very fairly, and certainly
very unexpectedly, to the confidential communications
which had taken place between the Emperor and the Bri-
tish Minister. Such was the nature of that article, that it
made an impression—an impression which was eagerly
seized by the abettors of Russia 'in the different Courts of
Europe—an impression that the English Government had
been some party to or had listened favourably to proposals
for the partition of the Turkish empire. It therefore be-
came necessary that we should lay before Parliament and
this country what really had taken place. (Hear, hear.)
And to the divulging of that which out of regard for a
foreign Sovereign we had not before thought ourselves
.
justified in producing. We have
to regret
the publication of that co ve no reason, sir,
From
p° (Cheers.) From
that correspondence, it appeare that the Emperor•of Russia
having in the year 1811 declared that
the time might come
when the dissolution of the Turkis empire might take
place, and that in that case he shouldbe
the desires and views of England upon atrelesusubj
to
learn
ect, in
1853, insisted, and insisted against all reason that the mo-
ment of the dissolution of the Turkish empir'e ara and that it was necessary that the English Govs et hand
en should agree with him as to what was to be donerintntratt
case. The answer which her Majesty's Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs gave to that overture is before the
world, and it is in substance that we could not be parties
to any project of the kind. But, at the time that that
correspondence was taking place, I took occasion, in this
house, because there were symptoms in this and in other
countries that men's minds wore all tending in that direc-
tion, that the dissolution and fall of Turkey was at hand,
I took the occasion of declaring, in answer to a noble friend
near me (Lord Dudley Stuart), that to such a partition of
Turkey as might be imagined by those who had takenepart
in other partions, England would never be a party. Lord
'Clarendon, who succeeded me in the office which he now
fills with so much ability, replied to the same effect. In
spite of what then looked like an offer of part of the Turk-
ish territory for ourselves, he replied in terms' as decided
that our policy was to maintain the Turkish empire, to
support her independence, nd her integrity, and that we
had no wish to share in her downfal, (Rear, hoar) Now,

HOUSE OF COMMONS--(YESTERDAY.)
The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock.
PRIVATE BUSS.
The three following bills were redsa third time and
passed : Enniskillen Waterworks ; North London Rail-
way; Whitehaven Junction Railway.

PETITIONS.
Mr. BROTHERTON presented a petition from Swan-
sea, in favour of the establishment of Reformatory Schools.
Mr. HINDLEY presented a petition from the Fisher.
men of Faversham, complaining of the dues charged by
the corporation of the city of London, OR oysters brought
to London by sea.
Mr. MOWBRAY presented a petition from Durham,
against the Oaths Bill.
Sir J. V. SHELLEY presented a
.petition from Mr.
George Bailey, of Wrexham, complaining that the Board
of Inland P.evenue had refused to stamp a local monthly
publication, and praying that steps might be tak en to
compel that board, to administer the law impartially.
Mr. HADFIELD presorted a petition from the legal
profession, praying the Courts at Westminster might be
removed to the immediate vicinity of the Inns of Court.
Mr. L. KING presented a petition from Kinston, com-
plaining of the toil charged for crossing Kingston bridge,
and praying that steps might be taken with the view to
its abolition.
Mr. WARNER presented a petition from Norwich
against the Oaths Bill.
Mr. C. BRUCE presented several petitions from various
places in Scotland against the Education (Scotland) Bill.
Mr. BRIGHT presented a petition agreed to at a meet-
ing, held last night in the Music-hall, Store-street, com-
plaining of the secresy observed in our Foreign Affairs,
and praying for a committee to inquire into the conduct
of Foreign-office with reference to Turkey, and that hostili-
ties be suspended until such committee should have made
its report. (Hear, hear, and laughter.)
Mr. CRAHFORD presented petitions from Cheshire
and Lancashire against the Medical Practitioners Bill.
Sir J. V. SHELLEY presented a petition from a public
meeting of stone-masons against the fourth clause of the
Friendly Societies Bill.
Sir B. HALL, presented a petition from the Society for
the Protection of Trade in favour of the Judgment, Execu-
tion, &c., Bill.