, 1859-05-10
THE STATUS OF GREAT BRITAIN
IN THE COMING; WAR.

Tits significant circumstance 1hAt ttle asl
number Of the London Times received in tlis
country, docs not contain single word derog'
atory to Louis Napoleon. while several col
,11n,ls are filed with violent and bitter denun'
ciations Of Austria and unsparing criticism Of
the Derby Ministry. The elections. which arc
shortly to come of, for n new Parliament. 1t !
is not improbable, will turn wholly upon the
war question. The Derby Ministry made
no diguiee Ct its sympathy with
Austria; and although it has subse'
quently protested III strong terms aga'nst tho
Austrian demand for tho immedia1e dlsar'na-
ncnt OF Sardinia, still there is no good reason
for believing that its feelings towards that
Power have undergone the slightest change.
The popular sentiment Of England ia undcnia'
hlv in advance Of the Tory Ministry, on al
questions oc domestic policy; it is probably
,,uite rs far ahead in regard to the Italian
question. Nothing could more clearly indicate
1his fact than the present attitude Of the
Times That journal Of all others III that or
nuy other country, maintains the closest watch
ofthe popular currents Of thought and sym
rathv md its eudden" cessation Of hostilities
against Louis Napoleon, combined with its
fierce attack upon the Austrian proclvties Of
Derby and Malmesbury, is sufficiently signifi-
cant Of what is the prevailing tone Of English
sentiment.
In the debate with which Parliament closed,
itwas stated by Lord Malmcsbury, that in the
event Of hostilitics, tl,e attitude Of England
would be one Of armed neutrality. It is ques'
1ionahle whether it will he possible for thai
government TO maintain such status Tile
nationa! rride Of EngIshmen has been not I
little humhled by the failure Of English inhu
c,lce to perfect a peaceful solution c
tl4e points III controversy, while th
liberal sentiment LAS been deeply wound
cd hv thc encouragement which the Derb
Ministry has given to the demands {
Austria The once vaunted supremacy
England in Continental affairs no longer res
on basis TINT is satisfactory even to her ow
people; and nothing could more signally ovc
throw her last pretenslon to that claim tna
having failed to prevent war between tho 1ea'
lug Continental Powers, she should also rcfrai
from espousing the side which she believes to I
upheld by right and justice. Armed neutralit
under such circumstances would be construe
into al acknowledgment Of weakness, a,
could scarcely fail to ercite popular dsconte1
to degree ,hat no Ministry could successful
withstand.
There arc not wanting shrewd political lea
CTS in England to discern the present posture
affairs. and it is not violent presumption
conclude that they will turn it to their oV
personal advantage and exaltation In t
elections that will undoubtedly he ordered
m carly Gay, the question Of the Reform
On which the Derby Ministry suffered dcfe
will he wholly Lost sight Of By the electors
will be oil absorbed ty the more exciting
Of Austria OF Italy-arned neutrality Or act
Intervention. With such an issue it is not
ticult to foresec the result. Pa1merston ,
again conc into power, and England I
France will unite their forces for the oyertl1
Of Austria.