The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-03-15
ON ME lzALxsg QUEsrH0N nv TIE
BRITISH PARLIAMENT


NANbS ASA1t ~ |
the few words which had fallen from the Lord Chief jus
tce, and asked Lord MalmesbuTy whether he could con-
firm what they bad heard Of the state OF Europe by an
authoritative statement -
The Earl Of Malmesbury. My Lords, had not expected
this question from my right reverend friend, but l have
no objection, without going into the future, TO state 70
your iordships that her Majosty's government have re-
oeiyed information which gives them reason 70 believe
that at no distant period the Austrian and French armies
viii eyacuate the Papal territory at the request of the Pa
pal government. lHear, hear
In the House of Commons, Lord Palmerston rose and
submitted a few observations upon the state of affairs on
the continent. 1T was needless TO attempt to disguise
that there was a general apprehension throughout
all Europe that the ensuing spring would be marked
by great conflicts between military powers The last
statement which tho government had made was that
peace was not absolutely hopeless, and he therefore
did not think he was taking an undue liberty with the
House in giving 20 the government an opportunity of say
ing whether that was still the impression under which
they labored, or whether anything may since then have
interviewed which imparts a more cheerful color to the
aspect of affairs. The announcement that there was a
fair prospect that peace will be maintained, would be
highly satisfactory TO the public and most useful to all
commercial classes. On the other hand, If the govern
ment possessed knowledge that all attempts to prevent
hostilities would be in vain, then, he said, 'forewarned
is forearmed," He did not think there was just cause
for war. or any necessity for the military prepa-
rations that were going forward, and oontended
that there had arisen no ground of difference between
any two great powers Of Europe that weuld justify
or require an appeal to arms, and that no great power
had manifested an intention to set aside those treaties
which form the groundwork of the existing settlement of
Europe by making an unprovoked aggression upon any
of its ~neighbors. IL was a libel ON the Catholic church
TO say that it was essential TO the ecclesiastical and spir-
itual authority of the head of a large section Of the
Christian church that q government should be maintained
which is 30 bad that it condemns two or three millions of
its subjects, from generation to generation, to civil and
political martyrdom SO far from thinking that the
maintenance of such a government was any advantage to
that church, he was persuaded that a reform in the ad-
ministration of the Roman State would be beneficial both
to itself and to the Catholic religion. In conclusion, he
declared that, unless it was clearly established that the
French troops and the Austrian troops should go away
never to return, except in the case of a foreign war, the
mere momentary evacuation would be of no permanent
avail. If the flame began in one corner, there was no
saying that it might not extend over the whole surface of
the continent; but he believed the whole country and
every man in tho House wished for a continuance of
peace. l.a. a. ..ae as ts. .aan Ha aaar #
The Chancellor of the Exchequer. Sir, l am not
surprised that the noble lord, occupying the position in
this House of leader of the opposition, should have
awaited himself of this legitimate occasion, in the present
critical state OF affairs, to make the inquiries which he
has addressed to the ministers of the Crown. / feel it
quite unnecessary to assure the noble lord that we acquit
him upon this occasion of even the possibility of being
{ influenced by any feeling in the course which he has
pursued. [Cheers. / hope, sir, L may appeal with con
( fdenoe to the conduct of gentlemen who sit on this side
9 of the House at a moment of great difficulty mean be-
fore the late war occurred as a proof that it is posi-.
BILE to conduct an opposition in this country without q
4 want of patriotism even in the most critical times. Sir,
Q the state of affairs, no doubt, fully justihes the noble
lord in the inquiries which he has addressed to US. IL il
notorious that military preparations are taking place
in various parts of Europe. 1t is notorious that
the resources are being marshalled of two, at least,
8 of the great military powers of the continent m
& wuuId render it more justifable on the part of an indi
vidual occupying the position of the noble lord to address
an inquiry to ministers of the Crown, or one which rem.
Q der the House of Commons more sensible that we have q
2 duty to fulfill, however anxious we may be to exercise
4 all that reserve which the circumstances may appear tC
require. Hear, hear .g7a .., -# ~
Sir, i entirely agree with the view which the noble
lord has taken of the position of the great powers inter.
ested in the settlement of 1915. | think the noble lord
has shown in a lucid and satisfactory manner that it can
not be the interest of any of those powers to disturb that
settlement. Hear, hear. 1t is my belief that it is not
the wish of any of them to do so. [Cheers.l But / agree
with the noble lord that there are circumstances in exist
ence, that there is an anomalous state of affairs brought
about in Italy which might lead to very disastrous consc-
quences, and might even occasion war, although the OBJ,
ject contemplated at the commencement of hostilities
might not be a desire to challenge or to impugn the set
Element of 1915. Hear Sir, the noble lord has given
us q lively picture of the military preparations that are
. taking place on the continent. Allow me to assure the
noble lord that when all have been SO stirring and SO ac.
tive, her Majesty's ministers have not been altogether
idle. Cheers We have endeavored, to the best of our
apiilty, hnu WIN ii utnlOSJ vigilance, TO take that course
Q which we believed, an the present difficult position of af.
fairs, was conducive to the maintenance of the general
peace. [Cheers. We have appreciated the Importance
of what the noble lord has rightly described as the favor
able position which might be occupied by this country
D between the two powers to which he referred. We pos
sess, and l hope we shall long possess, an intimate ALI.
ance with France. We are, as the noble lord truly OBJ
served, on terms of cordial understanding with Austria.
We are, therefore, in a position in which we can offer
advice and counsel of which the motives cannot be mis-
taken. rs ra. M
We have given, and we have received. proofs of friend
ship from both Of these powers, and we have no other
interest in their good understanding in the present in
stance than that which all States must have in the main
tenance of peace. [Cheers. Sir, the noble lord wishes
to know whether it is in our power TO make any com
. munication to the House as to the present state of affairs.
. The noble lord has very literally and generously admit
ted that if it is not in our power to make any commu-
nication-if we state that it would be announcement and
Z injurious to the public interests to make any communi-
cation-he will not only not press us to do so, but he
will give us credit for doing our duty to our sovereign
and our country, and take the most sanguine view of the
future which circumstances may render possible. Hear.
hear Sir, i have satisfaction in informing the Noble
lord and the House that we have received communica.
tions which give us reason to believe that ere long the
Roman States will be evacuated by the French and Aus
trian troops, and that, too, with the concurrence of the
Papai government. Loud and prolonged cheering I
Under these circumstances Lord Cowley, who enjoys the
entire confidence of her Maiesty's government has re
will not expect me to enter into details as to the precise
character of his mission, or Of the instructions which her
Majesty has been pleased TO give him. Hear, hear
Enough for me to say that his mission is one of peac,
and conciliation. lCheers, Now, sir, / hope / have
treated the House with candor upon this occasion Hear