The Sun.
London, England, 1853-10-08 00:00:00

have been chosen. We all know that, the Court of Vienna I there is in the Russian Cabinets a fixed purpose, not only
is nothing now but a tool to Russia—(Groans}—that what- ! to subdue Turkey, but to domineer over all Europe, and
eves is done
and contentment Auto the stria is
Emperor Nichola so done as to givseand satisfaction extirpate all freedom. We look upon this as the true rea-
son why no diplomatic settlement of the Turco Russian
vernment, and that in point of fact the Emperor and
and we lament that the British
was or is possible , -
Ministers at Vienna are nothing but'puppets, the strings quarrel
of which are pulled at St. Petersburgh. (Hear, hear.) Government has wasted much valuable time, damaged the
It must be noted that at this conference the Russian am- jest cause of the Turks, inflicted upon commerce months
bassador was not formally admitted; but there is a cir- of needless depression, and (worst of all) inspired universal
cumstance which ought to be known, and that is, that the
suspicion of the good faith of England—in a vain effort to
Prime Minister of Austria, Count Buol, is the brother-in-
law of the Russian ambassador, Count 3leyendorf, whose negotiate with an unscrupulous and violent Power, which
sister he married. This fact certainly is calculated to lead acted while we talked, and which, if now momentarily ap-
to a violent suspicion that these brothers-in-law represent- pealed, would only become more dangerous on some early
ing the Sovereigns of Austria and Russia, would have a
"
very ready intelligence, and communicate with each other occasion. I was considering within myself, on my way
as to what was going on in the conference. (Hear, here, what are the objects to be aimed at in addressing this
hear.) These Powers having agreed on a convention public meeting. It might be to inform you ; but you do
which ought to be signed between Turkey and Russia, not need information—(hear, hear)---you have all got it ;
communicated it to the Russian ambassador, Count the chairman has given details if any of you were igno-
Meyendorf, and asked him if that would do for his rant ; but you do not want to be convinced—yo response
master the Czar. He said it would; but they never shows that you do not want it. What, then, isur needed ?
communicated it to the ambassador of the Sultan, It must be admitted that the time for persuasion and
who had no ministerial brother-in-law ; it was sent off concession is passed, and the time for action has arrived.
to Constantinople, and it was expected that the Sultan (Cheers.) I trust that all who are acquainted with the
would immediately adopt it. The Sul tan, however, when he
saw it, of course objected to it, for the very reasons which proceedings of the meeting will be left under no. pos-
sible doubt as to what are its feelings, temper, and eel—.
well it satisfactory to the Czar. He said, ' You might as
well ask me to give the Czar all he wants at once ; I might merit and will be aware that you all feel what I feel—
namely, that the confidence which we have been accus-
as well have agreed to all the demands of Prince Menschi-
koff as sign this ;" and, therefore, he assigned reasons to tomed to put in Ministers has been abused. (Cheers.) We
havellooked to them, and our Parliament has looked toe
the Governments of Western iurope Europe' why he could not
agree to any such thing. It appears that the Governments them, to uphold the dignity of England, to perform their
duty, and to fulfil the treaties into which they had entered
of France and England admitted that the reasons of Turkey and to
provide for our safety. They stopped the mouth of
were good, and such as ought to be of themselves valid, Parliament, they would not let Parliament know what
but Austria turns round and says she cannot agree to any- they were doing, because they were ashamed of it. They
thing of the kind, and she sides, as it might have been sup- put it off until they could secure for themselves sixmonths
posed she would do with Russia. (Groans.) It appears, of unrestricted executive despotism, and now if they should
too, that Russia will make no concession, but insists on send their soldiers to fight against the Turkish people
too, that convention being agreed to purely and simply. the English nation have no power to prevent it. (Hear,
There have been further conferences held at a place called hear.) It is now reported that, wider the pretence of as-
Olmutz, where the Russian and Austrian Emperors have sisting , he Turks, we have offered to hold the castles of
been reviewing their troops, and performing all sorts of the Si , danelles, and what is that but to say to them,
military parade, or, perhaps, you would call it tomfoolery. ~ •, us possession of your strongest fortresses d.
(Laughter.) At that conference, it is to be observed, that fight i` • •.st your enemies yourselves, and whenyour ar-
the British ambassador, Lord WeStmoreland, was present. mies are destroyed, we, having hold of your fortresses,
The French Government, with a better appreciation of its will impose upon you such conditions as we please." It
dignity and independence, would not allow its ambassador appears to me that if the Sultan knows his own interest,
to go there ; and I cannot but say that throughout these and what his dignity requires, he will say, " Help us
transactions the Government of France has played a loftier against the enemy in public if you like, but we cannot
and more honourable part than that of England, because it trust you as a reserve guard and leave you behind." The
was always understood that France was for the more vino- report now is, that that is the form in which we pretend
rous counsels- France was for repelling wrong and for in- to be generous to the Turks • but I say that unconditional
sisting upon right, and, if it did not act upon these noble assistance is the only assistance that England can in honor
intentions, it has been because it has been over-persuaded offer, and that she is bound to offer. (Cheers.) I will not
and held back by the counsels it has received from the detain you, as I know lam about to be succeeded by a gen-
' Cabinet headed by Lord Aberdeen. (Groans, and cries of tleman far more competent to speak. (Hear, hear, and
" Shame.") Now, gentlemen, I think that the crisis in loud laughter.) Mr. Blackett is about to succeed me. I
which England is placed is one of very great gravity. [Some could speak on the subject for a couple of hours, but as it
interruption here took place in consequence of the crowded is far better that a great many voices should be heard on
state of the apartment.] Gentlemen, I am really very this matter, I shall only say that Mr. Blackett will second
sorry that any inconvenience should be felt, but it is the the motion. (Hear.)
effect of the great desire to be present at this meeting. I
only wish the room was ten times as large, or that there Mr. BLACKETT then presented himself, and was received
was a place to which we could adjourn to carry on the with loud cheers. He said, before taking the liberty of
i
I meeting ; but as this is not the case, all we can do is to seconding the resolution which had been so ably moved, he
' prevent more persons coming into the apartment, and those felt that an apology was due to the meeting for his presu-
who are here must contrive to make themselves as comfort- ming to take part in it all. He had no claim to appear on
able as they can. (Hear, hear.) I have given orders to have
the platform, except that he represented a town which had
the side door opened, that, perhaps, will afford some relief ;
and now, if it be your pleasure, I willcontinue my remarks taken the lead in discussing the question, for he could tell
(Hear.) It is now reported after these conferences that, them that three months ago his constituents in Newcastle
Russia continuing to insist upon her unjustifiable demand, had held a public meeting in favour of Turkey. When he
Turkey has taken a step which she would have taken long was invited to attend the present meeting he was told that it
ago if she were not dissuaded—(hear, hear)—and, without
circumlocution or pretence, she has taken the bold step of was thought desirable that as many members of Parliament
declaring war. (Cheers.) Turkey has made a declaration as possible should take part in the proceedings. He was
of war, and it remains to be seen what England and France told at the same time that the number of members of Par-
are going to do. (Hear, hear.) It is said that the two liament were likely to be limited, and that being so, he
fleets have been ordered through the Dardanelles up to thought it was his duty to take up a humble position by
Constantinople, and I most sincerely hope that the intern-
•correct. (Cheers.) I have ventured tomake some
gence is
strictures on the conduct of the Government. (Hear, hear.) congratulated them on the great advantages which he
I cannot help, on reviewing their conduct, condemning it. thought would result from holding the present meeting.
(Cheers.) Whatever people may think, I am not one of Under any circumstances, so numerous and so important a
those who want war for the sake of war—God forbid. I
think that war is a great calamity, and if entered upon demonstration of the metropolitan constituency must exer-
without clear necessity it is a great crime ; but I don't cise a great influence upon the public mind, but at the pre-
want that we should accept dishonour rather than war. sent moment it had this additional and significant interest,
(Loud cheers.) I recollect the words of Burke with regard that it marked the determination of the people of England
to Poland, when the first partition took place in 1772. to turn over a new leaf on this subject. (Loud cheers.)
That great and far-seeing statesman reproached his coun-
Up to this time the Governmentof England had had the
try and the Government of the country in that day for not
interfering as to Poland, and he said "it never ought to whole question in their hands, and the people of England
be forgotten that to purchase present quiet at the price of had done nothing. Throughout this, country he believed
future security is the most degrading and the basest of. all there had been up to the present time an exaggerated cowardice. (Loud (Loud cheers.) That is what those are guilty
of delicacy and fear of embarrassing the Government
of who want to have peace at any price. (Cheers.) You r
üblic meetings had been suspend d m b of Pee *
cannot have peace always—you will not have peace long if merit had held their tongues—everye—deentnstration that
that submit to wrong; and that which is true humanity—
could have the most remote factious or embarrassing ten-
that which is true Christianity—and that which I may say
dency, had been carefully avoided, in the general trust
is true piety, because it diminishes the horrors of war and that was reposed in the Government, and in the belief that
curtails bloodshed, is this, when a great injustice is done, no Minister would assume] the confident tone our Minister
and is persevered in, if you cannot prevent it by any other had done, or would have taken upon himself the fearful
means, throw away all others, and resort to force. (Cheers.)
I fear we have come to that point that we must decide responsibility of attempting to settle the question, with-
between war and dishonour ; and what has brought us to out having certain reasons to believe that Ins efforts would that point ? (Hear, hear.) I must repeat the question be crowned with success. (Cheers.) On the other hand,the Government had accepted the acquiescence of the
because I want it to be heard—" What `has brought us to
words that had people—they had assumed a tone which, in
that point?" (Hear, hear.) Is it not the Government of
this now passed into a proverb, might suit a Minister for
country? (Hear, hear.) If we had had a bold, an Russia, or a Minister for Turkey, but which certainly did
energetic, and a far-seeing man at the headSof our Govern- not Knit a Minister for England. (Loud cheers.) The
merit.—(a voice : Palmerston)—if we h•. . s such a man as
ow of the Government was not to restrain or to keep
Lord Palmerston, would this be ours is), ~ ,n ? -(Cheersy- own the people, but to protect our interests, and to re-
In that case I tell you what I think. (1 dp not thinsis, gister our decisions. (Hear.) He did not say that that
Emperor of Russia would ever have va . tared twad&ess was the system of the present Government, but he thought
his untenable demands to Turkey. ,or here Ido
iy . . the warmest panegyrist of the present Government would
not think he would be marching out of tis la elan pro- not deny that the consequences of their interference hitherto
vinces now, for he never would have at e epted to enter had been absolute and entire failure. It was said now that
them, but would have remained on the sisther side of the the Government as well as the people were about to turn
Pruth in his own dominions. (Cheers.) I have a very over a new leaf. But, if it were true that the fleets had
high opinion of the noble lord you have mentioned (Lord been sent to the Dardanelles to act as the willing allies of
Palmerston) ; I never disguise it ; I think he is the greatest the Sultan, then there could be no greater justification of
statesman of the present day—(cheers)—hut Igo further— the present meeting than the fact that the Government
Ido not think it would have been nedesssry to have that were now ready to enter upon the course which the people
distinguished man at the head of affairs to prevent what had all along been urging upon them ; and he thought
has happened. I think that any other Minister except this meeting would supply Lord Clarendon with the very
(Cheers.) I do not believe that the Earl of
him whom wo have now would have prevented it.
bury encouragement which Lord Palmerston told the people of
events
bur. (who is no Scotland was all that an English Minister could desire.
filend of mine politically, and of whom I never
was an admirer, though generally considered as a Minister He had already told them. that Newcastle took the lead in
without any great power) would have submitted to any-
this movement, and he took an honest phe thought he could see great and solid advantages as
beg of you to remember—since last year this country ride in that, but
thing of the kind. (Cheers.) There is another thist the result of postponing this great metropolitan demonstra-
tion even to this late period. They had not come forward
lost a great man—a man with whom many of us were not
in political union—l was not—l speak of the Duke of to take part in this meeting without having fully thought
Wellington. (Loud cheers.) I know his incline- over this qu
re-discussed; it had been sifted in the publie press, and,estion. The question had been discussed and
tions were not, unhappily, in favour of the liberties of the
people, but he was a conscientious man—(hear hear)—he therefore, every one was able to estimate the cost of enter-
was, the friend of the interests of England as he understood ing into hostilities. If this meeting had been hold at the
them—(cheers)—and certain I am that he would never first moments of agitation, it would have been said that
have permitted the conduct of Russia—(cheers)--and Ido they rushed blindfold into the question, and that they had
thrown up their hats for a vigorous policy, without count-
not believe, if the Duke of Wellington had been still alive,
in.- the cost. But he was satisfied that every man present
[A the Czar would have ventured upon those actions. (Cheers.) who held up his hand for the resolutions, would bear his
voice : We have Napier.] (Cheers.) Are we not bound
to come forward and assist this gallant country, Turkey, share in the increased taxation which must follow upon it,
oppressed as she is, and is it not our interest to do so .
.
Ts and that they would all repudiate the idea of exciting un-
(Hear, hear.) I say, that if it were not for our interest, popularity against a Minister who addressed himself to
the fearful task of carrying througn a just and necessary
we would be bound to do so in honour in consequence of
.)
the assurances we have given her. (Chasers.) First of all,
war. (Cheers
They would forgive him for dwelling upon
her cause is just. (Cheers.) [Some
crowd. ] rs.) [Some ,
Now, gentlemen, interruption again this dark side of the picture, because he believed that
arose from the pressure their enemies feared nothing so much as the people steadily
of
I entreat your patience, and I docontemplating this dark side ; and travellers from the
continent assured him that the present notion there was,
ray we shall con-duct this meeting with good order. (Hear, hear.) Let it
not be said that any Russian emissaries are come here to that, though the English people would express their indig-
disturb us. I consider that any attem' pt to disturb the nation against Russian aggression, they would shrink from
meeting is so much done on behalf of Russia ; and so far entering upon war. The Emperor of Russia counted. that
would I be from doing anything in the interest of Russia
would expend itself in
that, as I think you must be by this time almost tired of England would showtacertain degree of indignation, but
he counted that tha resentment
listening to me, I will hasten to conclude observe-notes, this, that an English
tions in order that the resolutions
protocols, and dispatches, anddand all the devices of
diplomacy; but
may be
will only tell you this that I think the cause of Turkey ini
Christian man should de-
is just, and that we are bound to support them by trea- G d forbid that he or any other
M' •ster would shrink from the last extremity of war.
ties, Queen's speeches, and the assurances of Ministers.o Precasts the calamities of war. But though he felt all the
' which war would inflict upon the human race,,
Look to the assurances and words, and consider the clods- tii misfortunes
when he considered the evils of the extension of
rations, of Lord John Russell on thii subject ; I cannot !--
mais'sian despotism, the derangement that would take
speak one-half as well upon it as he can, but I want that lace all over the continent by the alteration in the
he should act as well as speak. (Cheers.) Having given P
those assurances to Turkey, we are
cheers)—we are bound bound not to suffer her balance of power—when he remembered that the progress
to be maltreated or trampled upon of Russia was identical with high tariffs and prohibitory
—( duties, and the injuries that resulted to British com
not to prevent her from defending herself for if left to
mere
from the preservation of the present state of
herself she will give a very good account' of the blood- things, which was called peace, but which, in the lan-
thirsty wretches that attack her. (Cheers.) The cause o
it guage of Lord John Russell, was no peace at all, but was
Turkey is just—it is the cause of tolerance in religion ;
a precarious truce, to be denounced by the aggressor when-
is the cause of commercial hberality, and of chivalroustiu
their ever he thought he could secure his own advantage—
generosity. (Cheers.) The Russians have piety
mouths—the hypocrites. (Cheers.) The Austrians talk
(cheers he believed that, taking the meanest and most
mercantile •
about their Roman Catholic religion ; but do we see in view of these
cost of war would be matters
, it was probable that the
Turkey religious persecutions as we see it in Russia, where but a moderate insurance against
nuns, Jews, and Protestants have been persecuted ?what was fast becoming the intolerable calamity of so-
(Hear.) Where do we see Protestants persecuted in Tur- called peace. (Cheers.) But, even on higher considers-
key, as an Archduke has persecuted the Madiais and Miss tions, he could not forget that the faith of this country
Cunninghame ? (Hear, hear.) In Turkey every one is at was pledged to Turkey, or the assurances which the Minis-
liberty to follow the religion he pleases. There you may ters themselves had given of their determination to main-
see Roman Catholic processions and Protestant churches, taro the independence of Turkey. He remembered
of t
edet
and every man adoring his Maker according to his con- the clear balance of right and justice was on the d
science. (Cheers.) All I can say is, that I wish there wasthe Sultan—that the eyes of Europe were fixed upon Dar-
asda elles, to whether the fleets went to the Dardanelles
much religious equality in London. (Loud cheers.) We seee rk ,
as nthe allies as the accomplices of her humi-
know how liberal the Turks are in regard to commerce.
fiction ; and rememberingu
er
thesethings, he could not doubt
They. receive all our manufactures, while Russia and Aus-
that there was a man in this room but would join in the
tria impose their prohibitive tariffs. From whence shall
we get a cheap and abundant supply of bread, now that earnest prayer that England would be true to her ancient
we have got rid of the corn laws, which produced an arti- honour, and that our Government would not belie the
_ their countrymen. (Loud cheers.)
granary ficial dearness, but from the Danubian provinces, the inex-
gallant spirit et
haustible of Europe, which, if Russia do not pre- Mr. YATES FREEBODY then came forward to support
vent them, will give us all we want, and save us from the the resolution, and directed the attention of the meeting
refusal of R • *
famines from which in former years we have suffered ? at some length to the . Russia to clear out the
(Hear, hear.) And when speaking of the generosity of Sulina channel of the Danube, spitein.of all diplomatic
Turkey, I will remind you that on this platform there remonstrances, because Russia wished to force England to
stood not long ago a man who is himself a living witness purchase her corn at Odessa.
of the generosity of Turkey—l allude to Kossuth—(cheers)
, Mr. WM. HENDERSON also addressed the meeting. He
the patriot who was defended by the Sultan and his brave agreed with every word of the resolution, but, as he
Turks against the bloodhounds of St. Petersburg. (Cheers.) thought it did not go far enough, he would move the foi-
-1 say, therefore, there is every reason why we should sup- lowing resolution as a rider :—"That it is the opinion of this
port Turkey ; and, besides, it is our interest, for if meeting that the independence of Turkey, in the present
Russia should get, possession of Constantinople, she critical circumstances, should be maintained at all hazards,
would become a great maritime power ; and you will have and that it would amount to a violation of national honour
to submit to a greater pressure of taxation to provide ato abandon the faith of existing treaties." There was sufficient naval armament to resist her. (Cheers.) I will one feature in this transaction which he could not under- , , not detain you longer—and I have done so too long— stand. At present England had been altogether quiescent,
but you did not come to this public meeting to be abused, though they were left in ignorance of all that had taken
but to discharge a great and important duty. (Cheers.) place, and were indebted to newspapers across the Channel
I will flow discharge my duty by calling on Professor New- for the knowledge that their fleet had gone to the Darda-
man to propose the first resolution. nelles, and even that their Minister had given an answer
Professor NEWMAN—I have lived, I believe, for more to the note of Count Nesselrode. He thought this was un-
than forty years in this world under the delusion that it worthy of a free and intelligent people, and he hoped it
was the part of a private citizen to would be so no longer. The speaker was continuing in leave to the Govern- this strain, when the meeting became impatient, and he'
meat the direction of foreign affairs ; but, unfortunately, sat down.
I have been converted to an opposite opinion by discover- Tho CHAIRMAN intimated that this amendment was em-
ing—what Lord John Russell has also discovered—that braced in subsequent resolutions, and it was thereforeun-
there is in Europe a conspiracy of i spots against liberty. necessary. He would, therefore, put the resolution.
(Hear, hear.) Another discovery have unfortunately
The resolution was accordingly put and carried unani-
mously.
made, which Lord John Russell Ism not made—namely,
Mr. NICHOLAY moved the second resolution as follows:—
that that conspiracy of despots has put forth an influence
"That this meeting applauds the glorious patriotic spirit
within the Cabinet of the Queen. (Hear, hear.) I look
of the Turkish people at the present crisis, and would deplore
upon it as a fact that, unhappily, cannot be doubted, and
any attempt on the part of the British Government to For-
it is the duty of all Englishmen to step aside from their
press that spirit asap actof unparalleled infamy; especially
private position, and declare to the world, if they feel it,
onsidering the many solemn ways in which England
e. has
their No
-
recent affairs. (Hear.) The following is the resolution
their shame, indignation, and disgust, at the way in which
the honour of England has been cast into the dust in these hound herself to maintain the Turkish independence."
thing required to be said in support 'a resolution, norin
that has been entrusted to me :—" Resolved—That the favour of the Turkish people, but he
ofwouldthis resolution, nor in
recent affairs. (Hear.) The following is the resolution, favour of the Turkish people, but he would remind them of
.
the motto of the immortal Nelson—"Engl and expects every
series of
Russian aggressions convinces this meeting that 1
man to do his duty." He thought the spontaneous evolu-
.