The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-15 00:00:00

,SDA

THE EASTERN QUESTION.
The Marquis of CLANRICARDE then rose and said—l
rise to call your lordships' attention to the motion of which
I have given notice, and in doing so I feel it necessary to
notice some observations which fell from the noble earl
(the Earl of Aberdeen) on a former occasion. Let me, how-
ever, assure your lordships that no person is more anxious
than I am at all times to preserve peace, if that object can
be attained consistently with the interests, and still more
so with the honour of this country ; and any ground of
quarrel which I may have with her Majesty's Government
is not that they have not earlier engaged us in war, but
that they have adopted—l doubt not with the sincere be-
lief in the soundness of their policy—measures which ne-
cessarily involved us in hostilities, and are the cause of our
being, if not actually, yet on the brink of being engaged
in a great war. I cannot also avoid saying that I do not
see in their conduct those signs of vigour and determina-
tion of purpose by the display of which in the first instance
they might have avoided the predicament in which we are
it present placed, and by which alone they will be able
now to preserve peace or bring a war to a satisfactory and
sarly conclusion. I can assure your lordships that lam
not going into a minute and detailed review of the papers
which have been laid before you. Let me, however, in
oassing, say that they are full of matter of the deepest in-
airest, and that they are for the most part written with
;rest ability. I shall, indeed, very shortly refer to some
)assages in them in support of the view which I have
'rom the first taken of these transactions ; but, as I
save already said, I will not detain your lordships
with any detailed examination of their contents. I have
ilready said, and having examined the blue books be-
fore us, I say again, that the great error committed by
her Majesty's Government was the course they took
when, having had a full report made to them of the
warlike preparations of Russia, and of the menacing atti-
tude which she had assumed, and having received infor-
mation of the communications made by Prince Menschi-
koff, which were notorious throughout Europe, they were
invited by the French Government to consider those facts,
and to come to a common understanding as to what should
be the course of the two powers on the occurrence of the
events that were naturally to he expected. I entirely con-
cur with the course taken by her Majesty's Government
with regard to the origin of this unhappy affair. I think
that we had nothing to do with the question of the holy
places, as it is called. I think that that Lord J. Russell's
despatches upon that subject in the month of January are
admirable. They simply instruct our agent that with that
question we have, and will have, nothing to do. But on
the 23th of January, the communication from the French
Government, to which I have just referred, was received
by her Majesty's Government; and on the 29th of January
as your lordships will see by the papers), Lord John Rus-
sell answered that her Majesty's Government agreed in the
view taken by the French Government of the gravity of
the circumstances which they had brought to their notice,
that they thought it desirable that a common understand-
ing between the great Powers should be arrived at, and
that " he will immediately take into consideration what
stops will be necessary for that purpose." Now having
thus, on the part of her Majesty's Government, stated and
promised that steps should be immediately considered in
order that a common understanding should be arrived at,
it appears almost incredible that up to this moment no
such understanding, as far as we are informed, has been
come to with respect to any eventuality that has arisen or
which might arise. I think that that was a great mistake,
and it seems to me, as far as we are informed, we are in a
similar position now to that in which we were placed then.
And then came all those events which are connected with
Prince Menschikoff's mission. I have only to remind the
house, that immediately on his arrival at Constantinople he
demanded the concession of a convention which struck at
the independence of the Sultan and his Government. And
I say that then, again, as is shown by these papers, a great
mistake was made by our Government, both in the conduct
they adopted, and much more in the _language they used
upon that occasion—(hear, hear, from the Earl of Malmes-
bury). My lords, you cannot have failed to observe that
Colonel Rose did not demand that the fleet should enter
the Dardanelles, that it should come to Constantinople,
that it should commit any infraction of any treaty, or as-
sume a menacing attitude ; but merely that the admiral
should bring the fleet to the Bay of Vourla, situated near
the harbour of Smyrna, a little earlier than he had in-
tended. This Bay of Vourla, I need hardly tell your lord-
ships, is a frequent station for ships of war, and in anchor-
ing there our fleet could not be supposed to have any in-
tention either of menacing Russia or supporting Turkey.
All that would have been done would be that it would
have been there a little nearer to the scene of operations
had its interposition been required. I think that this was
a very wise suggestion which Colonel Rose gave her Ma-
jesty's Ministers, but they chose to disregard his advice,
and justified the admiral for not making any approacho t
Constantinople. Now that has been justified by the noble
earl at the head of the Government on three grounds. I
understand his reasons to be that, in the first place, we
had received such assurances from the Russian Government
as we could rely upon implicitly, and that, on that account,
we apprehended no danger. My lords, the second reason
given by the noble earl is, I venture to say, nearly the
most extraordinary that was ever uttered by a Prime Mi-
nister in a British senate—that, forsooth, if we had assumed
anything approaching to an attitude of menace, that if we
had shown a determination to defend Turkey, the Emperor
of Russia would at once have proceeded to Constantinople.
My lords, I have never heard such a preposterous notion.
(Hear, hear.) How, let me ask, was the Emperor of Rus-
sia to perform this great feat? Could he have done it by
his ships when the English and French fleets were there to
support the Turks ? No ; but I understand it was his
armies which were to march upon Constantinople. Why,
if that was really imagined by the noble earl, I venture to
say that the state of ignorance in which her Majesty's Go-
vernment are with regard to what the French call the
mobilisation of the army is truly deplorable. It is noto-
rious that of all the armies in Europe that is the army,
which, however well organised it may be in some respects
—however powerful it may be in defence—however for-
midable in the field of battle—and, indeed, however well
disciplined, in some respects, is the worst organised army
belonging to any civilised nation for moving, and in rela-
tion to the commissariat and other arrangements which
the movement of a great army requires. (Hear.) That is
a notorious fact. But the other reason given by the noble
earl was the assurances which had been received from
Russia ; and here I cannot help avowing, that until I read
these papers I could not bring myself to believe that if a
straightforward question had been put to the Russian Go-
vernment, on the objet of Prince Menschikoff's mission,
it would not have been answered in an equally straight-
forward manner. But lam bound to say that I was de-
ceived. It does appear that Sir George Seymour did upon
one occasion put a question to the Chancellor of the Rus-
sian Empire, as to whether Prince Menschikoff had, or had
not, any ulterior instructions or demands to make beyond
that question of the holy places which had been before
under discussion; and the answer he received was such as
would satisfy any man of honour—any gentleman—(hear)
—that the Russian Government did not entertain any such
intentions. But if the Government rely upon that despatch
alone, to which I have alluded, I must observe that that
did not reach this country till the 4th of April, whereas
about 10 days previously, on the 23d of March, the noble
earl at the head of the Foreign-office had written to
Colonel Rose, informing him that they did not think it
was necessary to call up the fleets. But I do not lay any
stress upon what may appear a little inconsistency, be-
cause there are in these papers references made to personal
interviews and conversations which are not given in detail,
and therefore I doubt not that the assurances which were
received were such as very naturally to justify our govern-
ment in thinking that there was no danger from Russian
power, and that they were fully warranted in believing the
assurances that they received. Assurances, however, will
go a certain way, but only a certain way; and against these
assurances were circumstances calculated to have led to a
different conclusion ; and most admirably does Col. Rose
state that, when he says thatPrinceMenschikoff's promises
and assurances are very fair, but that the facts contradict
him, and upon that he justifys the demand he makes for
bringing up the fleets. Now see what was the consequence
not only of their conduct -for I am ready to admit that it
might be justified—but of the language they used. Not
content with withholding our fleet from our minister, her
Majesty's government expressed openly at that time the
greatest alarm and reprehension of the conduct of the French
Court in sending their fleet. Not even content with that,
they wrote a despatch to St. Petersburgh, to be communi-
cated to the Russian Government, which I doubt not filled
that Court and Cabinet with joy and delight. It is noto-
rious to every man who has attended for any time to the
march of events, in what is terme the stern question,
and to the policy of Russia, that fod r the las Ea t
24 years it has
been the object of that Cabinet to excite differences be-
tween France and England, and more especially to excite
differences between those two powers on questions relating
to Turkey. This has been their constant aim; and of course
great was their joy when they perceived that her Majesty's
Minister had done for them voluntarily what they had
been in vain striving to do for a long time. I have
mentioned this to demonstrate the soundness of the opi-
nion which I have expressed upon the policy of our
Government : and I will now trouble your lordships
with a few extracts from the papers, in order to I show
the justice of the view I take upon this question.
cannot refrain from reading a despatch, dated St. Peters-
burg, April 7, addressed by Count Nesselrode to Baron
Brunow, nd by him subsequent read to her Majesty's
Ministers.a It certainly shows inly a striking manner the
march of the Russian mind in the whole of this transac-
tion. It says : " The Emperor desires you, M. le Baron,
to thank Lord Aberdeen and Lord Clarendon very parti-
cularly, in his name, for the salutary impulse which they
have recently given to the decisions of the British Cabinet.
The former has on this occasion shown us a new proof of
confidence of which our august matter is highly sensible."
How happy must the noble earl have been to receive those
assurances. (Hear, hear, and a laugh.) He told us—
having heard this—the other night, that of all the men
who had ever, shown acrimony, and severity, and bitter-
ness, inoppoeiug the,RussianGovernment, or who had writ-
ten oud f3P91011 with the utmest force foinet the Ittuoisu

EUROPEAN COURT:3.
ENDLESS embassies and fruitless negotiations
have occupied the Courts of Europe for some time. Whether
th c nstellation of the " Great Bear" is an unlucky one, we mus.
leaNe for the consideration of all observers ; but the soundest policy
has been pursued by the patrons of the establishments of E. MOSES
and SON, who have negotiated affairs of dress on a scale of unpre-
cedented magnificence and economy. The war ef elements is totally
'subdued by the attire manufactured by E. MOSF,S and Sorg, and all
the advantages of a complete victory are secured by an artistic fit
which combines fashion and comfort.
As ambassadors to the Court of Fashion, E. MOSES and SON arc
the most successful negotiators which the commercial world has
ever acknowledged—they have produced styles of dress which hate
gained them universal reputation. Their present facilities for exe-
cuting the commands of noblemen, merchant', menan of business,
labourers, and all other sections of society, possess indescribable
ampletude, associated with superior quality, infinite variety, and the
most economical charges.
Liveries, sporting dress, military and naval costumes, are made by
E. MOSES and Sou with the greatest uniformity and'
precisiorschildren's
Hats, caps, boots and shoes, hosiery, shirts, ladies and
clothing of the most elegant and serviceable kind, is furnished by
E. Mons and Sou at considerably lower prices than are customarily
charged.
The wholesale department of E. MOSES and Sox's business is highly
advantageous to merchants, captains, and emigrants. Their cloth-
ing, boots and shoes, outfits, &c. ikc., are the best shipments which
can be made to Australia or any part of the world.
Full lists of outfits for ladies and gentlemen, and ship-sailing in-
formation, may be had on application, or post tree.
CAUTION.—E. MOSES and SON regret having to guard the
public against imposition, having learned that the untradesman-lke
.alsehood of "Being connected with their Establishment," or "It
the same concern," has been resorted to in many instances, and for
,bvious reasons, they beg to state that they have
itio CONNEXION WITH ANT OTHER HOUSE IN OR OUT OF LONDON,
except their own Establishments, as follows :
London City Establishment, 154, 155. 156,a1l communicnating.
and 157, Miories, 83,
44,85, and 86, Aldgate, opposite the Church,
London West-end Branch, 506,507, 508, New Oxford-street, 1, 2
and 3, Hart-street, all communicating.
Bradford (Yorkshire) Branch, 19 and 20, Bridge-street.
Sheffield Branch, 36, Fargate.
Colonial Branch, Melbourne, Australia.
Merchant Tailora Clothiers, Hatters, Hosiers, Furriers, Boot
Shoe M akers. and General Outfitters for Ladies and Gentlemen. and
IMPORTANT.—ShouId any article not give satisfaction, it will be
exchanged if desired, or, if preferred, the money will be returned
without hesitation. All goods are marked in plain figures, the lowest
price, from which ne abatement can be made.
The Establishments are closed from sunset on Fridays to sunset
on Saturdays, when business is resumed till 12 o'clock.
contain-
ing full lists of prices,
maAy
IllihdzizAttrinpleneeicatiotner, othr
epyo
A new Book, " The Epitome of Comfort and Economy,"
our system of self-measurement, &c., &c.,
tarfreeending 1854 can be had, gratis
on application.
lei l'on perle Francais.
Bier errlcht man Deutsch.

Qui si parla Italian°.
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..;;;;.`....*
Emperor and his policy, that he was that man. The noble hostile intentions towards her. (Hear, hear.) We should
earl then animadverted upon the treaty of Adrianople, not have been ashamed to stay we would support the into-
and revived the circumstances which attended the then grity and independence of the Turkish empire, and that
success of Russia against Turkey. My lords, every sane that integrity and indepemdence had been violated.
man knows that if we and the other European Powers had (Hoar.) It was declared by the noble lord the Secretary
held up our finger at that.time to support Turkey, or that of State for Foreign Affairs, that the restoration of the
if the Sultan had known the condition of the Russian army Principalities was a sine qua, won, and pore that Military
at that time, that that army must have been totally aunt occupation had become a complete ineaation of those
bilated. We know, in fact, that that conquest was at- provinces into part of the Rtissian empire. (Hear, hear.)
tamed as much by the influence of Russian gold as of We were told that explanations were to be
When`dmanded on
Russian arms. But the noble earl tells us that he animad- the subject. Explanations demanded ! we are told
vetted severely on the treaty of Adrianople ; and yet it that in Parliament we think that something will conic of
appears that the Emperor of Russia had BO entirely for- those explanations. Tam sorry tobe brought back to a period
gotten the past conduct of the noble earl as to state that I have passed over, or to trouble your lordsbips with any
he received this as a new proof of that confidence which more reference to it, but I cannot refrain from it. I will turn
he felt that the noble earl had always reposed in him. to the passage in Sir Geo. Se mour's despatch of the 2d of
(Hear, hear.) The Count Nessolrode pays a much milder August, where he gives an ay
of the explanations he
compliment to my noble friend the Secretary of State demanded, and the answev he received. (Hear, hear.) Why,
for Foreign Affairs ; for he only said--" The latter, he was treated as you woult
. treat a whining fool. (Hear.)
with whom our relations have hardly yet commenced, It was disgraceful to be so treated, and to submit to that
thus enters upon them under auspices which justify us treatment.
(Hear, hear.) When he asks when the Pus-
in hoping that they will be of the most satisfactory sian troops are to leave the principalities, it is
of said, O
se,
h,
nature." Now, to turn to the more serious part of this don't mention it ; all these things will come cour
despatch—not but that these personal matters are import• they have no explanation to give and the fact is, that the
ant when dealing with such a subject—the Russian Chan- real answer of Count Nessel rode is a threat if you ask any-
cellor proceeds: --" Nothing would be more to be regretted thing about demanding that explanation, and the posses-
than to see the two great maritime Powers combining to- sion of the principalities wascontinuedindefinitely. (Hear,
gether, were it but for a moment, and in appearance rather hear.) You have und.ergonee the indignity of receiving
than in fact, upon the Eastern question as it now stands." false representations and promises
remonsht from trancee Russ;
you now
ian Minis-
[That is, while Ps ince Menschikoff's demands were under ter, and you made a very
feeble
consideration.] " Although their views in this respect ask for the explanation of the violation of a treaty to
differ in reality toto etelo, nevertheless, as the European which you are a party, and. you are told you had better
public is by no means competent to draw the distinction, not mention it. (Hear, hear.) My noble friend the Score-
their ostensible identity could not fail to represent them tary of State for Foreign A Efairs very ably in his despatch
under the'aspect of an intimate alliance." Exactly what I referred to Sinope, and instructed Sir George Seymour to
say. I repeat that this, which Count Nesselrode depre- netify the entrance of the shs into the Black Sea. There
cates, is the attitude that you should have assumed, and is a paragraph in the despatch to this effect—that the Rus-
indeed adopted in reality. Now let me pray your lord- siln admiral knew perfectlY well the instructions that bad
ships' attention to another passage in the despatch : been given to our admiraa—that he knew very well the
" The attitude of England will suffice to neutralise what, communication that lied bean made by the British Govern-
on the pert of the French or Turks, if the lattershould feel ment to the Russian Governement respecting our intended
encouraged by the presence of the French fleet, might em- protection of the Turkish territory ; and therefore my
barrass, or retard too long the favourableasolution of the noble friend very wisely and properly observed, that when
question in dispute." A favourable solataion, indeed ! In the Russian Admiral went- into the Bay of Sinope and de-
favour of whom? 'What was the question in dispute ? It stroyed those ships, he did not alone attack the Turkish
was whether the Emperor of Russia should acquire a joint territory and the Turkish la,g, but at the same time cm-
was
over a great part of the Turkish Empire. The initted an insult and aggression against the British and
favourable solution would have been a giving in to these French flags. (Hear.) The le things having occurred, what
claisns. That was the solution which your Minister, al- necessity was there to tell Count Nesselrode that we went
though he was not instructed on the question, yet knowing into the Black Sea with .no hostile intention ? It was
naturally what must be the policy of this country and of not accurate in point of facie and was unbecoming under
this Government, of course resisted, to the utmost of his the circumstances in which we were placed. (Hear, hear-) I
power, when he found that it was pursued by Prince Men- We are not to wonder, when such language was held, that
schikoff. I say that this despatch shows you as clearly as the entrance of the ships into the Black Sea had no effect
possible, if you wanted proof, that it was the separation (Hear, hear.) You are defied in the Black Sea, and treated
of France and England at that moment—proclaimed as with contumely in your re Totiations. (Hear, hear.) I
it was by the language used at St. Petersbure—that venture to say that the nob le earl at the head of the Go-
gave Prince Mensehikoff courage, and decided 'him to vernment can show me no case at all ansla.gous in which
proceed in those demands which have led to this unfor- the events that have lately occured have taken place, and
tunate state of war. When the fleets were sent for, in which the Minister of thee Crown has failed to come to
Prince Menschikoff withdrew his demand ; but the Parliament with a clear tea position of the case, and de-
Turkish Minister tells Colonel Rose that they did not mend, if not the advice of Parliament, at least the assent
know what he asked, "We do not know," said they, of Parliament, to the coarse they intended to pursue.
" what he is aboutday he endeavours to cajole us (Hear, hear.) Let me not 'be referred to the Speech we
by promises of the aid and support that Russia can give us have heard from the Throne, on the opening day of the ses-
in any event, and another day he endeavours to terrify us sion. Thines are now ver3r different from what they were
with menaces of his imperial master's vengeance. But when her Majesty delivere d- her most gracious Speech. In
some design he certainly appears to have against the inde- that Speech we were infon ne between Majesty that she re-
pendence and honour of the country." Prince Menschikoff gretted that the different es Russia and Turkey
thus obtained time to have recourse to his own Govern- had not bees]. settled, and that a state of warfare had en-
ment for fresh instructions and stating the impediments sued. It was then stated t hat her Majesty's endeavours
that he met with And it is perfectly clear that he availed in concert with her allies, to put an end to that state Of
himself of this opportunity. The attitude assumed by things was unremitting, and. they were informed that they
England and praised by Count Nesselrode had told at St. would be continued. But that is not the case now ; the
Petersburg ;rho instructions issued were in conformity negotiations then referred tio are at an end. (Hear.) The
with the impression thus formed, and it was when Prince noble earl at the head. of the Government himself told us
Menschikoff received those further instructions that he on Friday that we have no negotiation going on now for
made these totally inadmissible demands. Now, see in the restoration of peace, an dwe have broken up our diplo-
what a position you put your Minister at the Court of Con- matic relations with Russiaa—a great fact in itself, seldom
stantinople. When Lord Stratford de Redcliffe went to be passed over withotat a communication from the
there, he found that his instructions were entirely founded Crown to Parliament. We have our fleet in the Black
in error. He found himself without any support what- Sea, and they have o theird to sweep the Russian
ever when these monstrous propositions were made by ships from that sea into ir pots; it is rumoured in the
Prince bschikoff. Now, having mentioned that noble papers, and I believe truly, that we are preparing a great
lord, I ale, sure that lbe accused of any partially fleet (I hope
.it will be a gee :at fleet) to sail to the Baltic.
to him, either from the relationship in which I have the (Hear, hear.) We have :et this moment under orders for
honour to stand towards him, or from any other circus"- foreign service—well understood to mean for active war-
stance, if I express very briefly ray great admiration of fare—a considerable body (I hope it will be a very consi-
the ability which he has displayed. It is wonderful how derable body) of her Majesty's forces—(hear)—but at no has
hehas succeeded as he has done. He had against him of lied have preparations be m made for war, at no time has
course, the Russian Minister and the whole Russian party such an important event as the cessation of our relations
in the Divan, assisted by Russian gold, as the Russian with so great a power as Russia taken place, without the
party and Minister always is. He had to keep up the Minister of the Crown in: eking a communication to Plialia-
courage of the Turks on the onehamd, while he was unable ment ; and I regret that are are not now discussing this
to promise them any support on the other. Further than matter on a motion originated by the Minister, instead of
ethat, as matters advanced he had still further to impress takinart in a discussion, brought on by so humble an
upon them the necessity of fortitude and at the same time dualindiv s I am. We a nay be told that this matter will
of patience ; for he could not call into activity what is be discussed in the oth art :house of Parliament, when the
called the Turkish party at Constantinople, because navy estimates come on ut that is not the proper way to
they were for immediate war, and Lord Clarendon's in- take the sense of Parliaent on the entire of this great
structions were naturally to repress all hasty and warlike subject ; and in regard to- this house and all the great in-
demonstrations at that particular time. I do not think stitutions of the country, it is not proper to leave the dis-
that you can imagine our ambassadorbeing placed in more cussion upon this question to depend on a debate brought
embarrassing and difficult circumstances, and coming out on in supply in the House of Commons. But more than
of them with the greatest honour to himself. Well, then that, we have contracted 3110 VT engagements, I know not of
I say that having seen what was the effect of the language what character, but we ha ye contracted new engagements
held as to France and as to our separation from France undoubtedly, respecting w.hich I think we ought to have
Prince Menschikoff retired from Constantinople. That was some information. I know ' not if those engagements be
a time when it would well have become the noble earl to such as ought immediately lo be embodied in an official
have called his Cabinet together andto have remindedthem document. I know not whether there have been conven-
of the promises given by Russia on the 29th January, and tions get protocols, but we have embarked in a great under-
to have arrived at a common understanding with France ; takin in concert with other powers, and those under-
at least as to the eventuality immediately impending—l takings ought not to have been embarked in without a de-
mean for
ships of the principalities. Twill not detain finite object, and some ex-planation of them. I want to
your lordships by going into details, but .a must refer to
.know what the, objects are, and to have an explanation of
the despatch of Lord Stratford de Redefine, dated, I think them from her Majesty's Government. (Hear.) "On -the'
July 0, in which he gives a most clear and admirable expo- first night we were told that wo should wait until the blue
sition of the whole state of the case, and in which he calls book was put upon the table ; and upon taking it up 1 see
upon his Government to come to a decision one way or it is a book on the rights and privileges of the Greek and
another. I think I never saw framed a more admirable Latin Churches. I hope it is not for the privileges of the
state paper than that ;it shows you not only the predica- Greek and Latin Churches we are going to war. (Hear.)
meat in which, partly by your advice, the Turkish Gover- I for one will not consent to enter-into a conflict for such
meat has been placed ; but the risks which you may incur an object. The object for which this country contracts au
of the mischief which in one way or the other are sure to alliance for war ought to be worthy of it. I say that
ensue from the state into which affairs have got ; and when we risk our fleets and send forth our armies, we
he says that it is not for him, but for the Government ought to know for what, and receive a proper eeplanation
to judge what line is to be adopted ; and. he recommends of it. I hope you will be able to show to-night, it is
that a firm decision upon that subject should be come to defend the Turkish territory against ageression ; but
to with the least possible delay. He warns the noble do you think you can defend the Turkish territory, and
lord that the evils that are evaded for a time are most limit your operations to that, by making a partial,
likely to recur again with peculiar power and force ; and limited, qualified, movement in the Black Sea, and
he tells you that that is not the way to surmount a grave by sending 10,000 men to encamp at Varna. You are en-
difficulty, but that it is your duty to view it in all its gaging in a war with Russia to prevent Russian aggran-
proportions, to measure it well, that you may be able to disement, or you are not embarking in an object that is
combatiot,
it, and then to make finally and as early as pos- worthy of your efforts. (Hear, hear.) No statesman, no
sible your decision as to the course you will adopt. Re- writer upon international law, will deny that when a large
feria to the consequences of leaving the Turkish Govern- power commits an act of aggression, and wages war for the
went to its fate or interfering to assist it, he says: "If the sake of aggrandisement, on a weaker power,
ianddirec t ha
tly
a
ultimate exclusion of Russia, as well from the Greek Pro• third power, not directly affected by that,
but n
tectorate as fi om the Principalities, be really the important affected by the changes that must take place in the balance
object that it is presumed to be, I humbly conceive that it of power, and other circumstances affecting its welfare, is
will never be attained, according to any reasonable calcula- fully entitled to interfere in
aggr thatandisemen war. (tHatearth.) e
cost We areof
tion, without a perfect understanding on the part of Eng- prepared to resist Russian
land and France to stop at no sacrifice if necessary." Now, Turkey, and to resist it in concert with Franco, and in
my lords, lam happy to say that we have acted in confer- concert also with Turkey. 'We rely on the loyalty, good
mity with that opinion so far as it relates to our under- faith, and honour of the Emperor of the French and his
standing with France ; but up to this moment no under- Government. (Loud cries of " Hear, hear.") That Go-
standing has been arrived at respecting the sacrifices we vernment has behaved throughout, in all its negotiations,
are prepared to make, and for what object they are to be towards England in a manner which lam sure has won not
made. (Hear, hear.) I shall not take up your lordships' only the respect, but oven the gratitude, as well as the
time with the proceedings at the conference at Vienna, and. good feeling of every man in this country. (Hear.) And
the events which have consequently taken place. It is said my lords, I admit the Turkish Government has shown itself
to have been a great thing to have secured the alliance of wonderfully active ; but, at the same time, lan not will-
Austria ache he German Powers, and no person is more ing to go into a war led by Turkey, without knowing to
aware of importance of that alliance being secured what limit lam to go, for what object lam embarked in
than lam ; but Ido not see, and those papers do not tell it, and where lam to stop. Nor am I willing, looking to
us, how far we are in alliance with that Power, or whether all the precarious chances of human affairs, and of human
that power approves of the course we have taken in the life, to embark side by side, even with France, with all the
Black Se, or how far the position in which we stand is in good feeling her rulers have shown, and the good feeling
entire accordance with the views of the Austrian Govern- which this country entertains towards France and its Ge-
ment. (Hear, hear.) But this Issay, you will perceive vernment, without knowing how far we are to go— what
from these papers that while you wero hesitating and our contingent will be—what will be the contingent of our
vacillating, and holding aloof from France, and depending allies, and what powers will go with us. (Hear, hear.)
entirely upon Russia, that Austria did not come to your Those are matters respecting which we should have some
You got any assurance from assurance ; but in the papers presented to Parliament
you told them boldly and there is no information concerning them, and in the com-
distinctly that stronger steps would be taken by France munications made to us on the part of her Majesty's all-
itrwoawsenrsot; t
but e n
wt hh ae tn
and England, that was the time that Austria seemed to be nisters, those subjects are totally omitted. (Hear, hear.)
alive to her true interest, for her interest it is ; and it I have found fault with her Majesty's Government,
assistancet
a German
is by your energy, and not by your vacillation, that you because I think that this war has been brought on by
have obtained whatever influence you possess in the infirmity of purpose and lack of decision ; and I say the
Austrian Court. (Hear, hear.) Then there took place evils that await us, if, unfortunately, that infirmity of
a melancholy event, to which I will not advert, but purpose and lack of vigour should still pervade the Cabi-
I will advert to the instructions that were given to net, are infinitely greater than those we have experienced.
our Minister at the Court of St. Petersburg respect- It was said by an
war; individual that England can-
ing the communication which he was required to not engage in a little
make. My lords, I must say that the communica- rally engaged in little wars ; but of this lam sure—and I
tion that was made by Sir George Seymour to Count will borrow the words of the illustrious man to whom I
Nesselrode of the entry of the fleet into the Black Sea, have alluded, because I think they are peculiarly applicable
was read by me with sincere pain. It appears that in the to b
the present moment—that I think England cannot en-
first place he informs the Russian Minister that it was gage in a little war with Russia ; for, to ring that war to
with no hostile intention to Russia that our fleet was go- a safe and satisfactory
conclusion, you must make an effort
ins into the Black Sea, and he then says, moreover, that worthy of England. It is a great struggle in which you are
the Turkish fleet is not to be allowed to commit any ag- about to engage, and unless you are prepared to give way
gression against Russian territory. To which Count Nes- upon every point, and to slubmit to indignity and humilia-
selrode not unnaturally replies, " Are you quite sure that tion, the Government must look it in the face, and act as
this intention is expressed in your instructions?" And it other Governments have acted under similar circumstances.
was no wonder that he should be astonished. (Hear, hear.) But, my lords, we are engaged in hostilities already. The
Sir G. Seymour then proceeded to deliver a short but si'- fleet is at this moment engaged in hostilities in the Black
nificant homily on the value of truth--one
which,hat I think Sea, and I cannot say anything in compliment of the mode
was very well applied in the quarter to it was ad- in which those hostilities have been carried on- I don't
dressed, but at the same time was administered at a most know whether the same tone pervades the communication
in-
unhappy moment, for according to the narrative contained that has been sent to the admiral which pervades the in-
in those papers it was not a correct definition of our inten- structions under which Sir G. Seymour acted when he
tious. It is not a correct intimation of our acts to say communicated the intelligence of the entry of the fleet into
that we entered into the Black Sea with no hostile ineen. the Black Sea but what happened there seems to be of the
tions. (Hear, hear.) I say, my lords, that we did enter same character. It is a matter of notoriety, of which all
the Black Sea with a hostile intent, and immediately com- letters from Constantinople speak without the slightest re-
mitted acts of hostility. The Russian ships were ordered serve, that the re-entry of the fleets into the Bosphorus was
to return to their ports, and if they did not return to their contrary to the advice and desire of the ambassador. We
ports force would have been used against them—that is, understand there were particular reasons for it, with which
that they would be taken or sunk. (Hear, hear.) 'What it is not for me to find fault ; but this I cannot help say-
right had we to do that if were not prepared to commit acts ing—what every professional and non-professional man will
of hostility. (Hear, hear.) The Russian fleet is superior say—that the result is most unfortunate. 'We are told
to the Turkish. Russia and
scan Turk have declared war that during the dark nights the storms and dangers of
against each other, and of course it act of hostility to the coasts render it unsafe for our ships to stay at sea ;
prevent Russia from having the advantage of her super- but what is the case? The case is, that our ships cannot
ority in the Black Sea. But more than that, you know keep the sea in the Black Sea when the Russian fleet
the Russians have forces, possessions, and territories along can go forth, and perform active operations. (Hear, hear.)
a great portion of the shores of the Black forces and te and
You
thee.dclared your indignation when your flag was insulted
vent their ships from reinforcing their their, and by vent at Sinope, and since then you have declared
strengthening their forts, and having recourse there for the more emphatically that the Turkish territory was under
protection of their territories, was an act of hostility, and your protection • but notwithstanding that declaration, it
no man can deny ite (Hear, hear.) What was the appears that the Russian ships have attacked and bom-
very first step that was taken by the fieet when it en- b srded a fort on the Asiatic side of the Baltic Sea, at a
tered the Black Sea ? The very first step was to convoy a time when unfortunately the British admiral thought it
Turkish fleet with munitions of war towards the seat of unsafe for his fleet to continue at sea. (Hear, hear.) This
war in Asia. (Hear, hear.) Ido not merely ask an asset- is most calamitous—it lowers the character of the country.
bly of gentlemen or of statesmen, but I would put it to It does not lower the character of the naval service ; but I
the most sophistical or casuistical tribunal that ever got will tell the noble lords on the Treasury benches what it
together—and I defy the noble earl at the heaa of her does affect. It affects the hononr of the country and of the
Majesty's Government to show me any jurist, casuist, or Government, for it is a current belief at Constantinople
sophist, who would not say—that so to aid one of the bel- that the admiral commaudingthe fleetbadaprivate commu-
ligerents to take part in the warfare, is undoubtedly an nicatien, desiring him to avoid anycollision with
Heat hears)
indication of having hostile intentions towards the other fleet under any circumstances whatever, (Hear, hear.) I
party. (Hear, hear.) 9he thing is undeniable. (Hear, don't believe a word of this, for I don't think any Minister
hear.) We said we would not allow the Turkish Govern- would be capable of adopting such a course ; but those
meat to commit any act of aggression on Russian territory, things pass through a country like those Asiatic countries
yet still our ships are convoying munitions of war which with inconceivable force— a force which in this country it
will be taken to Russian territory. (Hear, hear.) 3Did we is difficult to comprehend. (Hear hear.) The very speech
say that in a sense such as British statesmen would wish of the noble earl at the head of the Government, the other
the truth of their language to be held ? (Hear, hear.) Are night, when he spoke respecting the hope of peace with
we to say that is a fair and correct statement when we Russia, if circulated through Asia,
would be better than
convoyed troops and munitions of war to make war upon 10,000 or 20,000 men to the Ruesian Government. (Hear,
Russian territory that was within a few miles on the place hear.) What can they say but that we are afraid to go to
where we landed.hem. (Hear, heara But, ay lonls, I war with Russia and that if we sneak into a war we are
do not know why we should say this at all. Ido not know afraid at the last' moment to say it. (Hear, hear.) If we
why we were at that moment to tell R, pia we had no are at peace, what is the peace, and what is the peace that