Weekly national intelligencer., 1850-07-20
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.
LONDON, JUNE 27, 1850.

LONDON, JUNE 27, 1850.
The great question which has more or less ag
tated Europe for the last fifty years, and more es
pecially so since February, ls4s, is now receivin
elucdation, if not solution, in the British House
Commons. That question is, Shall the people O
any nation demand, and shall their Government
grant, such ameliorations and improvements in th'
form and administration OF that Government as TIT
tendencies of the age and the progress of man, il
the knowledge of his social and political rights ant
necessities, appear to render just and proper o.
shall existing Governments refuse all ameoraung al
terations all lberalizing and enlghening measures
all extensions of individual rights, all reaxations
of the laws and regulations of a by-gone and less
enlightened age, all reformation OF abuses, and all
the teachings of experience
Europe is fast separating into two parties-one
advocating and encouraging the forward movement
the other denouncing all change, unless it be that
are concerned, has repressing and depressing
tendency. England is at the head of the former
party Austria and Russia are leading members OF
the latter.
II is impossible to understand the exact position
which England occupies in European politics with
out keeping the two great principles which are al
ways striving for mastery in almost every country
in Europe steadily in view. On one hand, there is
the principle of despotic rule and strict monarchi-
cal Government, existing in different degrees OF
strength, in proportion 10 the mode in which irre-
sponsible power is exercised on the other hand
we see representative and responsible Governments
based on recognised constitutions. The struggle is
between absolutism and free Governments. But in
the most despotic Government there is a liberal
party always endeavoring to improve its institu.
tions in the direction of their own opinions; and
in the freest country there is party adverse to
progress, and whose aim is to restrain the popular
power. That there should be some sympathy be-
tween the most despotic of a despotism and the
least liberal of free Government is just as natu-
raj as that there should be feeling of fellowship
and of common aim between the more liberal SUBJ
jects Of despotism and the advocates of progress
and human rights under free Government. Thus
the people of Europe, as well as the Governments,
are fast arranging themselves in one or other of
these opposing parties. ~
The diplomatic agents Of all despotic Powers ne
cessariy represent the absolutism of their respec-
tive Governments, and therefore they will always
be found in direct antagonism with the representa-
tives of free Governments, more particularly with
those who advocate the cause of progress, however
cautiously and prudently these latter may endeavor
ests Of their own country, and the success of the
great principle which they advocate. n.
England has been placed in position of great
difficulty with respect to other European Powers
by the events which have succeeded each other
with such unexampled rapidity since February
ls4s 1t has been of late years, and especially dur
ing the period to which we have referred the prin-
cpe and the practice of England to abstain entirely
from taking any part in the internal struggles and
disputes of other countries. When her counsel
or mediation has been sought il has been freely
given, honestly exercised, and frequently to sue
cessful issue. Her advice has always been, to So
veregns and Governors, that they should meet the
requirements of the people in spirit of concilia
ton, and with desire to improve their condition
SO as to place them, at least, on level with the
people of other nations, far similarity of posi-
tion may render their doing so practicable To the
people, the counsels of England have been modera
tion, caution, good order, and regard to in.
dvidual and social rights. Her influence, SO far
as she could legtimately use it, with either the GO
vernors or the governed, has always been in favor
of liberty and constitutional government.
When we calmly regard the history Of Europe for
the last two years, commencing with the revolu-
ton in France and the establishment of republican
government; the disturbances in Italy, the revo-
Y,
the varied phases of Austria, the condition Of
Schleswig Holstein, the eventfu life of the Pope,
the heroic conduct of Turkey, when threatened by
Austria and Russia with their enmity because she
had dared to exercise the rights Of humanity and
hospitality to the unfortunate Hungarian refugees
when we fairly review these events, and consider
the part which England has taken in nearly all oil
them, and the influence which her example has
had, although her voice was not heard nor hel
power exercised it, will be admitted, we think
that her desire has always been peace, and her OBJ
ject maintain it, by respecting the rights and privileges
others, and endeavor advance all their best interests
has long been felt and understood that the foreign policy
of England did find favor with the Cabinets of Venn
and ST. Petersburgh where the rule of judgment is he VIII
is for is against me-" The interpretations of inter
national law which the beralzed s,a.esmanshir and thu
benevolent feelings of Lord PALMERsTor led him to advoca
and adopt, could be acceptable either
despo and hence the various upon the subject which
have been handed the British Secretary by the Ministry
Austria and Russia. These notes. however orcby express
ed, and in instances rather denuncatory thar
was consistent with perfect comfy, have produced ec
whatever upon Lord PALNEnsros, who subscribe
submit to the readings of Yate and Pufendf which
the Imperial Commentators have adopted. Therefore has
the English statesman sinned beyond all chance Of pardon
therefore must he be hunted from his place, be succeeded
by politician of the Sir JAMES GRAHAM school, who's
foreign policy would be the adoption of what that funny f
low Punch calls, "hsnot-ers renfeto gireEJerai I'D
viee system"
In aid Of this crusade against Lord PALMERsroS Franc
induced partly through the peponderarce of Russian in
uence Paris and partly through the necessities of her owr
condition which rendered engrosng event desirable