The Sun.
London, England, 1844-01-26 00:00:00

FRANCE.
CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES.—Sirrneo OF Jars. 22.
(Continued from our Morning Edition of Yesterday.)
M. Guizot—That he should refer to to-morrow in its pro-
per place. At present the discussion was on M. Billault's
amendment. The Honourable Gentlemen then alluded to
Spain, and enlarged on the explanations which he had given
in Saturday's sitting. He then briefly referred to the insult
at Jerusalem, and spoke of the reparation given to an Austrian
vessel in 1841 (alluded to in a former sitting). With regard
to the Servian question, which the Hon. Member (M. Thiers)
wished to magnify into great importance, two questions arose.
It was, first, a question between the Porte and Russia as to the
right of intervention claimed by the latter. This was a good
opportunity to bring back the affairs of the Porte into the
general policy of Europe. In order, however, to accomplish
this, the concurrence of the other Powers interested was ne-
cessary, and particularly that of Austria. Before, therefore,
taking any steps in the matter, we thought it necessary to as-
sure ourselves of the intentions of that Power, and we found
that she was willing to let the matter be settled between the
Porte and Russia. England would not interfere, and we had
no interest to take upon ourselves alone the solution of the
question. With regard to the second phase of the question, we
advised the Porte to withdraw from Servia the Prince who had
caused the first difficulty, and to send away the two Ministers
who had co-operated with him. The Prince has been re-
elected by the national will, but the two Ministers have been
removed ; we have, therefore, prevented a conflict between
the Porte and Russia—a conflict which would have prevented
the Porte from gaining at least the moiety of what she has
obtained ; and I dare to say that these results have been of
equally great importance for public European rights. These
are the counsels we gave. If the Four Powers would have
interfered, I have no doubt the affair might have been settled
better for Europe, for the Porte, and for Servia, but we
could not act alone, and our course was confined to giving
useful counsels. I now ask, Gentlemen, what are become of
the reproaches of the Hon. M. Thiers ? In Servia the Powers
did not think the results to be obtained important enough to
require their concert. In Greece it was different, and the
accord has been maintained. In no place has there been any
alliance to cramp our liberty—our liberty is engaged to no-
thing ; you are free, perfectly free, in your relations with
England as with all other nations. Coming in more frequent
contact with England, animated by the same sentiments, di-
rected by the same principles of government, we have profited
by those natural sympathies; we have renewed them without
making any sacrifice, and without any of those bonds which
were recently alludedto. We have been just now told that if
it was necessary to again handle the sword, there would be none
but feeble hands to wield it.
A Voice—M. Thiers said no such thing.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs—l certainly think I heard
the expression, and must say that there is no one who has
not the right to he offended at such language.—( Approba-
tion. ) Let the Hon. Gentleman be' certain that on the day
that it shall be necessary to have recourse to the sword every
hand will be prompt to grasp it.—( Rene wed approbation.) But
thank God, there is no probability of such a necessity ; peace
reigns, and without any sacrifice of the interests of France.
Old animosities and old quarrels have fallen away. We see
before us only intentions, dispositions, and actions just, mea-
sured, and friendly. Seek where you please a symptom for
illswill, yeti will not find one—you will light on difficulties—
opposing interests, undoubtedly, but only for this reason, that it
is impossible that such should not be the case between two
great nations, so often brought into contact. But the good in-
telligence of nations does not come into existence and increase
of itself ; it must be attended to ; sentiments of justice and
kindness need not be concealed, nor is it necessary for any one's
dignity to appear in ill-temper when no motive for being so
presents itself.—( Hear, hear.) Gentlemen, be certain that
the policy of the last three years has not lowered France in
the rank it occupied in the balance of power in Europe ;
but, on the contrary, has given it additional consideration.—
(Hear, hear.) It has been said, that the respective Am-
bassadors of France and Russia have been recalled.—( Laughter
on the Left.) This is inexact. It is necessary on such a
question to state events exactly ; the two Ambassadors have
obtained leave of absence.—(Renewed laughter on the Left.)
I speak here of a delicate matter, and only because I am forced
to it ; because if I left the matter unnoticed, I might be sup-
posed to acquiesce in the statement alluded to. I repeat, then,
that the French Ambassador at St. Petersburgh was on leave
of absence at Paris. 'lwo or three months after his arrival
in Paris the Russian Ambassador returned to St. Petersburgh.
Disagreeable reports arose in consequence, and as we consi-
dered that in this there was something not in accordance
with the dignity of our relations, we thought it our duty so
to act as to testify what we felt. In consequence, the Am-
bassador of France did not return to St. Petersburgh. After-
wards a desire arose that the two Ambassadors should simul-
taneously return to their posts; but we thought that this double
return should not take place unless in a manner to satisfy the
dignity of the country. I can assure the Chamber that at no
period has the dignity of France bean more rigorously observed
with respect to Russia. Regular relations continue to exist,
but we wish the diplomatic intercourse to be equally honour-
able on both sides. This I have always insisted on since my
accession to power. I have the conviction that what I have
just said will be comprehended by every one, and not thrown
away.—( Loud marks of approbation.)
M. sic Salvandi said, that as his name had been alluded to
in the course of the debate, he might be expected to make
some remarks in allusion to himself ; but as he considered the
1 subject of too great importance to allow personal matters to
be mixed up with it, he should defer the expression of his