The Sun.
London, England, 1866-04-20 00:00:00

made those statements to their constituents and to
the country in favour of Reform, and who, now
that the time for action has come, draw back and
attempt to get out of the question in this indirect
and unsatisfactory manner." This is, of its kind,
certainly a very strong argument. The Bill, it
should be remembered, however, is far from perfect.
It can scarcely be said to realise the hopes of any
section of Reformers. The Ballot, the educa-
tional franchise, shorter Parliaments, are all
left unnoticed, besides the famous Redistribution
question. Nevertheless it is, at least, a step in the
right direction. It is an effort, at any rate, to
redeem part of the pledges given so long ago, and
reiterated so constantly. And if it does no more
than this—it shows, on the part of the governing
classes, a willingness to keep faith, to some extent,
at least, with the governed. Like a debtor
owing a heavy debt, the Ministry offer a
small payment on account, which is not only a
confession of liability, but an earnest also, it must
be added, of sincerity in the intention of paying.
He would be a foolish and impolitic creditor who
would refuse any payment at all, and by drawing
his debtor to bankruptcy lose present gain and pos-
sible future advantage. No doubt argument, elo-
quence, and logic have been brought forward only
too easily against the conduct of the Government
and the structure of this bill. Nevertheless we
cling to the belief that the general question
at issue is, after all, Is Parliament, or is it not, to
keep faith with the people?
And yet—if it could only be in some way con-
trived that there might be a guarantee coupled
with the terms of the Amendment moved by the
noble lord the member for Chester, to the effect
that in the event of the triumph of that Amend-
ment the House would pledge itself to entertain
a complete and comprehensive Reform Bill in-
stead of this mere bit of a one, we should have
little hesitation, out of our very earnestness as Re-
formers, to cast our vote into the scale point blank
against the Second Reading and for the Amend-
ment.

A question was last night put in the House to
Mr. LAYARD upon the Prussian territory. Sir H.
VERNEY asked if the Under Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs would state whether the British
Government had guaranteed to Prussia the portion
of Saxony united to her dominions by the Treaty
of Vienna, and if, in case of Prussia engaging in
war, that guarantee would be upheld. To this Mr.
LAYARD replied, that it was well known that by
the Treaty of Vienna a part of Saxony was guar-
anteed to Prussia by this country, and Austria, Russia,
and France, and that in the event of a war occurring
it would be the duty of Her MAJESTY'S Government
to consult the different Governments who were co-
guarantees, but he could not tell what would be the
decision of the Powers. This answer will be more
satisfactory if we could shut our eyes to the fact
that all these Powers referred to may possibly be
arrayed against Prussia in the event of a war, and
at all events two will be. As for the value of our
guarantee it did not avail Venezuela much, and her
integrity and independence were left to take care of
themselves in the hour of need. Perhaps in the
case of Prussia more latitude will be given, and the
text of the treaty may be more strictly interpreted.
In any case, no Minister in this country should be
allowed to retain office who sought to make war on
behalf of Russia.

It is satisfactory so far, however, to notice that
the tenour of the last intelligence seems to promise
peace. In Berlin yesterday the news that was cir-
culated was of a quiet nature, and it was stated
that Austria had entered upon a " conciliatory line
of policy." Contradictory rumours were also cir-
culated to the effect that Austria had sent a peremp-
tory Note to Berlin ; but no doubt the pacificatory
intelligence will prove to be the most correct in the
long run. From 'Vienna we learn that the Austrian
Cabinet will propose to the Prussian Go-
vernment that an early day be fixed for the
" simultaneous demobilisation" of the Austrian
and Prussian troops. If so it would be a very
good mode of putting a period to the excitement
and irritation that now prevail. The Independance
Beige, of last evening, states that a telegram from
Berlin declares that concessions will be made by
Austria respecting disarmaments. We have no
doubt that whatever concessions are made Austria
will have to make them, because the Prussian
authorities are as obstinate as possible,' and seem
to stick to a proposal if only for the sake of contra-
diction. On Saturday, it is said, that a Conference
of Ministers o!. several of the Middle States
will be held at Augsburg, for the purpose of con-
sidering the question of the reform of the Federal
Constitution. It is not likely that much will come
of this affair, but at any rate it will serve the pur-
pose of putting off the day of hostilities, and so far
may be welcomed as a satisfactory piece of intelli-
gence. As for Herr BISMARCK proposing the scheme

for any motive but that of serving his own pur-
pose and answering some selfish ends we do not

for a moment entertain a doubt, but still
good may come out of the suggestions of
an evil-disposed statesman. It is also gratify-
ing in another sense to think of this Con-
ference really taking place, because it will consoli-
date the power of the Middle States and increase
their influence. They have been of late too much
in the background, and this circumstance has been
much regretted by all independent observers, not
only because they were treated unjustly, but also
because by their diminution of authority increased
power has been given to Austria and Prussia,
especially the latter. Thus we hail in this proposed
meeting an opportunity afforded to the lesser States
to make known their individuality as it were, and to
lessen the undue influence of the aggressive country
that presumes to dictate to Germany. Another good
sign that we may notice in the present position of
affairs is the decision that has been evidenced by
the Prussian people in protesting against the war.
It is the more refreshing to witness this because of
the pressure lately put upon them, but fortunately
they have been strong enough to withstand it. Herr
BISMARCK has subverted the principle of the con-
stitution, and, after outraging all notions of pro-
propriety in his dealings with them, has silenced the
Parliament, but he has not yet succeeded in putting
down the will of the people. The voice of public
opinion has declared against him, and he will doubt-
less not be strong enough to withstand the fury of
the storm ho has raised. Many popular meetings
have been held in which various resolutions have
been passed, all condemnatory of the course pursued
by the Government. On Wednesday last a meet-
ing took place, in which it was resolved that " a war
for the annexation of the Duchies was unjustifiable,
and that the Federal Diet was as little competent
as Count BISMARCK to guard the interests of
Germany, and to ward off danger." This is
pretty plain language, and very much to the point.
The sequel to the resolution was also very appro-
priately worded—" Only a Prussian Government,
Possessing the confidence of the people would
be strong enough to solve both the question
of the Duchies and also that of a reform of the
Federal Constitution." No Minister. be he ever
so infatuated, can possibly mistake the meaning of
these remarks ; and very likely the wily statesman
of Berlin may have only precipitated his own fall by
his insidious efforts and most unscru, ulous policy.