The Sun. — 1864-04-22 (London, England)

MALMESBURY—I am quite sure that it is best to treat the matter with all discretion under the circumstances about to take place—l say about to take place, because the conference now stands adjourned. I think that the noble earl is right in the answer he gave in reference to an armistice, but I must say on my own part, that I hope that the noble earl and the Government will be on their guard against a repetition of these postponements. (Hear, hear.) It is impossible not to see the obvious consequences of future postponements ; it is evident to every one that the parties to meet in the conference may make use of these postponements to come before the conference in a different position to that in which they are at this moment. I therefore trust the noble earl and her Majesty's Government will employ themselves in noting most accurately what excuses may be made for a further postponement ; because in this instance, looking in the distance, and at what I know myself has been the course taken by the gentleman to whom the noble earl has alluded, I confess I am extremely suspicions as to the excuse made on this occasion being sincere  - Lord STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE said it was satisfactory to observe that both sides of the house recognised the importance of avoiding discussion under present circumstances. He had no reason to doubt that her Majesty's Government had already in mind the observations made by the noble earl on the cther aide. At the same time it appeared to him great value attached to what had fallen from his noble friend. It was satisfactory to those who observed what was passing that the attention of both sides of the house was directed to the proper disposition of this conference. He felt he was justified in those observations by what was occurring. It seemed to him impossible for any one to read the accounts of what had transpired with regard to Sonderborg, and to the continuance of those hostilities which were being carried out in a murderous spirit, and likewise with regard to the apparent intention of extending those hostilities to the other principal fortress of Denmark and throughout Jutland, without recognising the great importance that attached to the spirit in which the conference assembled. Be trusted that the progress of the conference would be accelerated, and that its proceedings would be brought to a happy end. (Hear, hear,) Earl RUSSELL said teat the noble earl opposite was quite justified in saying ho had a right to ask a question, as to when the conference would begin. But with regard to his observations generally, it was just to all parties to remember, that when Austria and Prussia had declared their willingness to enter the conference, and when that proposition was made by him to Denmark, the answer he received was that there was so much excitement at the time at Copen• hagen, that that court hoped the answer would not be pressed until they had more time to consider the whole subject, He, therefore, did not press it for a fortnight. At the expiration of that time he communicated the answer of Denmark  to the courts of Berlin and Vienna, and no objection was taken on their part. Their lordships then adjourned.