The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-03-17

FEsro OF LORD DERBY's CABNET.-By the ar
learn that the Derby administration has signal
lied its accession to Office by an act of credita-
bic frmness. In reply to Count Walewski's
note on the refugee question, the Earl of
Malmesbury gives expression to the prevailing
feeling of the English nation in reference to the
demands of the French government. lie says
that while the new administration will do all
that lies in their power to cement the alliance
and to cultivate the most friendly relations to-
wards France, they cannot yield a single point
on this question. This declaration IL, Of course
TO be understood as repudiating the conces-
sions made by Lord Palmerston. In other
words, England, under the new administration,
returns to her old policy Of refusing to act as
policeman, jailer. or executioner to the CONT
mental despots, and boldly accepts the conse-
quences of noncompliance with the French de-
mauds.
We think this resolution not only honorable
to the spirit Of the English nation but to the
minister who has given it effect. 1t fully bears
out the view that we took Of the circumstances
underwhich the Palmerston Cabinet was cashier
ed 1t was perfectly evident to US that tho
defeat Of the late Premier on this question was
not the result of a trick or Of an accidental
party combination, as his organs would have
had us believe. Had it in reality been SO, Lord
Palmerstcn would not have felt it imperative
upon him to quit office. He and his colleagues
have frequently surmounted the modification of
being left in a minority on their measures, and
their tenacity Of power was such that had they
been conscious that the people Of England were
with them on this question they would have
thought nothing Of 20 slight reverse. Ii was
the absence Of this conviction which constituted
their weakness, and which left them no other
alternative than resignation. The fact was
that Palmerton clung with such foolish peril
nacity to the French alliance that he sacrificed
English honor and manliness to bis fears of a
rupture He counted too much also on his
personal popularity with the mssses The re-
suit has shown that although the English arc
occasionally given to manworship they have
toe much good sense to allow themselves TO be
hoodwinked on questions involving the national
honor and dignity. Had there been no prin-
ciple to sacrifice in the concessions required by
France, the tone in which they we're demanded
was too naughty and menacing for Anglo-SAxon
stomachs to brook. But there wss really prin-
ciple as well as feeling embarked in the issue.
The bold rebuke administered to Louis Nspo-
leon through his old ffiend, Lord Malmesbury,
will no doubt sggravats the existing excitement
In France and lead to good deal of clustering
on the part of the Emperor's personal adherents.
lie ia too clear headed q man, however not to
see that English feeling is thoroughly aroused
on this question, and that unless be is prcpmed
to brave all the consequences of a struggle In
which the whole of the revolutionary elements
Of Europe will be arrayed against him, he will
have TO back out of the position he has aiken.
AS we said however, the other day circum-
stances may prove stronger than his will, and
be may be swept along in the current of bitter
and irritated feelings which be has evoked