, 1866-06-12

NCrelHuS HOW tllcy lIllIeu Win Tile inter-
ests of their subjects. Up to about u
fortnight ago there was an appearance
that moderate counsels would prevail,
and that the calamity of war would be
averted; but within the last fortnight
this hope has become less and less felt,
and, although each Power declares that
it has no aggressive intention against the
other, and although each declares that it
has only armed against an attack which
they all declare they do not mediate,
yet when three large armies are march
ing to their respective frontiers there is
too much reason 10 fear that war may
break out. If we had the least reason to
hope that our good offices would have
been Of anyuse, they would have been
freely offered and conscientiously en-
ployed. That we have taken care the
Powers in question should know, I
should not be discharging my duty if I
said too much, but, my Lords, we have
stood alone, and alone we could do moth
ing against the determination that wal
was the most effective means-the only
effective means of giving effect to an
ambitious policy. This determination may
possibly be carried into effect. We must
hope that until war is actually declared
it will not be carried into effect, but
more than a million of men are now
armed and prepared for the conflict. And
[ must say that it is a melancholy sight
in this enlightened age, and in the pre-
sent state Of civilization and progress,
that Europe should be wei menaced
with war for which there is no casus bella,
and for which there is no justification.
(Cheers.)
Lord STRATFoRD De REDCLIFFE said he
ia not v;sv with any inUvn'luu of rutStng
a debate, but he heartily concurred in the
opinion that the war which NOW mcnaced
Europe was to be deprecated, not only
with respect to its probable consequent
ces, but to the motives Of its authors.
1t appeared that, in spite Of the public
knowledge and public opinion to which
the noble earl had referred, those who
were at the head of the councils of States
and of great armies were disposed to car
ry out their ambitious projects, and the
present prospect was that Europe was
about to be involved, not only in. one of
the most extensive wars of this century,
but within historical recollection. This
country, under these circumstances,
would be more than usually fortunate II,
with the best intentions and the greatest
love of peace, we were not eventually
drawn into it. 1t appeared that, with
every disposition on the part of the Co.
vernment to give good advice, the voice
of England was of no effect upon the
Cabinets of Europe, and that this couh-
try was condemned to silence and mac
ton, and was unable to take precautions
or even TO raise a voice against the
coming danger. That was a state of
things deeply to be lamented. That
Austria should adopt an aggressive poll
cy he did not believe. In her situa-
ton of financial and political weakness
with respect to Hungary and Italy, and
with her doubtful position in Germany,
that Austria should take the aggressive
was simply impossible. (Cheers) When
the affairs of the Duchies were under
discussion many of their lordships fore
saw that the bitter cup prepared for Dem
mark contained some dregs which the
Great Powers would have to drink, and
this hour now seemed to be approaching.
That did not explain the extent to which