The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1855-01-16
EUROPEAN i AFFAIRS.
THE ATLANTICsS NEWS.

news by the Atlantic, comprising Liverpool
dates to the 18th ult. The most noticeable
feature of the intelligence pertains to the open
ing of Parliament on the 18th inst, and the
debates which followed upon the condition of
the Eastern question. The war news by this
arrival is ten days later than by the America,
but contains nothing of particular interest
The weather was unfavorable to the operations
of the Allies, and Menschikoff appears content
to leave his enemies for the present to the ten
der mercies of the elements
Parliament was opened by the Queen in
person, on Tuesday the 18th Dec The follow
ing speech was read by Ler Majesty on the
occasion
any LORDS AND GENTLEMEN Il have
called you together at this unusual period of
the year, in order that by your assistance, |
may take such measures as will enable me to
prosecute the great war in which VIC are en-
gagged with the utmost vigor and effect. This
assistance | know will be readily given, for l
cannot doubt that you share my conviction Of
the necessity of sharing no effort to augment my
forces now engaged in the Crimea. The exer-
obtained, are not exceeded in the brightest
pages of our history, and have filled me with
admiration and gratitude.
The hearty and efficient cooperation of the
brave troops of my ally, the Emperor of the
French, and the glory acquired in common,
cannot fail to cement still more closely the
union which happily subsists between the two
nations.
1t is with satisfaction 1 inform you that, to-
gether with the Emperor of the French,
L have concluded treaty of alliance
with the Emperor of Austria, from which
anticipate important advantages to the COM
mon cause.
The treaties will be before you.
Although the prosecution of the war will
naturally engage your chief attention, trust
that other matters of great interest and impor-
lance to the general welfare will not be neg
lected.
l rejoice to observe that the general pros
perity of my subjects remains uninterrupted.
The state of the revenues afford me entire sat
istaction; and l trust, that by your wisdom
and prudence, you will continue to promote the
progress of agriculture, commerce md manu-
features.
"GENTLEMEN OF TIE HOUSE OF Commons ::
In the estimates which will be presented to you,
l trust you will find ample provision has been
made for the exigences Of the public service.
My LORDS AND GENTLEMEN : | rely with
confidence on your patriotism and public spir-
it. feel assured that in the momentOus con-
test in which we are engaged, you will EXHIBIT
to the world the example of q united people.
Thus shall we obtain the respect of other ma
tions, and may trust that, by the blessing of
God, We shall bring the war to a successful
termination"
The debates in the two Houses upon voting
the customary address were exceedingly inter-
esting. Lord Aberdeen, the Duke of New
Castle, and Lord John Russell, defended, while
the Earl of Derby, D'Israeli, and Layard were
prominent in criticising the war measures. The
Earl of Derby was particularly severe in con-
demnation of the ineficiency with which the
war had been prosecuted. DIsraeli's irony
was never more pointed and telling than in
commenting upon the subject; while Mr.. La
yard who had just returned from the Crimea
spoke from personal observation to the same
fact. The latter gentleman in the course of
his speech said
"Great Britain seemed not yet to be aware
of the immensely of the war in which she is
engaged. Next season Russia could bring
200, 900 men into the Crimea. He character
lied the sparing of Odessa as absurd. Would
the Russians spare Liverpool? And further
he would not mention names-but Government
knows that there are men at the head of the
Departments who are, if not incompetent, at
least incapable of doing the work required OF
them. If any private establishment attempt
ed to carry on business in the manner Govern
ment does, it would speedily become bankrupt.
The treaty with Austria he considered as little
better than waste paper
In regard to the treaty with Austria, Lord
John Russell admitted that it scarcely deserved
the name of treaty. He said:
austria has shown but little alacrity her.
self with the Alles-but Austria was a eau
tions power, and victory or two gained by
the Russians on her frontier would have left
open the road to Vienna. Austria has now
advanced one step further than she has hither-
to done but if she has not gone the length of
saying that if before the end of the year peace
were not made with Russia, she would be a
belligerent. She has only said that if she
should be at war with Russia, q treaty, Often
sive and defensive should, ipSo fdcto, exist be-
tween Austria, England and France. She has
likewise agreed to take further steps into con-
sideration before the end of the year with re-
spect to terms Of peace with Russia. He
Lord John RusscD understood the meaning to
be, that if France and Enlgand shall propose
terms of peace which Austria shall consider as
within the four points, but which Russia shall
refuse, then Austria will become member of
the alliance, offensive and defensive.