The Sun. — 1831-05-23 (London, England)

XIII., Leidles, Nothomb, and H. de Brouckere, Secretaries. M. de Gerlache thanked the Assembly for the honour it had done him in raising him, for the third time, to the President's Chair. He acknowledged that the crisis in which the country was placed appeared to become more serious ; but if they should be so happy as to establish finally and speedily the institutions of the country, none of them will regret the sacrifices they have made ; and should the hopes they Jiaye hitherto cherished be dispelled, they will which the honour, the dignity, and the interest of the nation demands. " Yes," said he, " all desire to be free, but not in the manner of some of our neighbours, among whom there is neither liberty, nor toleration, nor justice, except for the party of those who arc in power. I consider that Belgium cannot become the accessary to another country without a dreadful suicide. But to attain our object it is not sufficient to be already free ; the law must also be respected, and the Government strong. You will therefore second, to the utmost of your power, the Government, which owes its existence to you, and which cannot carry on the affairs of the country unless it is supported. The President concluded with forcibly impressing on the assembly the necessity of union. A letter from M. l'Hon de Steenbuyle was read, announcing his resignation of the office of Minister of War, at the same time stating, that to justify his conduct, he has printed a report of what he has done, and is ready to give in writing any information that the Congress may desire. M. Lebeau, Minister for Foreign Affairs, as. tended the tribune. He announces the Report on the relations of Belgium. He reminds the Assembly that he entered on his office at the end of Match ; that on the 4th of April he stated his political principles; that he has ever acted in strict conformity to them, and if the majority had been opposed to him, he would have retired. On the 4th of April, he observed, that two things were to be attended to at the same time—the negotiations, and the preparations for war. The character of the Congress of London was deferred; at its commencement it was to confine itself to mediation, and could never be recognized as having a right to interfere with our independence, or the integrity of the territory. The only diplomatic act which lie has received, is the assent of France to the protocol of 20th of January, which adjudges to Holland the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, and part of Limberg. Two notes from M. le Hon to M. Sebastiani, and the answer of the latter, were here read : M. Sebastiani advises Belgium to yield, and to accept the protocols as a benefit, its neutrality being acknowledged. The Minister then enumerated the means employed to defend Luxemburg, the violation of the armistice by the Dutch, who seized Fort St. Marie, but were now induced to abandon it by the interference of Lord Ponsonby, who, however, failed in his endeavours to make the Dutch allow the free navigation of the Meuse; General Dibbets declaring that the citadel of Maestricht being in a state of siege, the enemy's boats could not be allowed to pass through the city. As there were no official communications, except with Paris, when M. Lebeau became Minister, it was necessary to attempt to enter into some intercourse with London, and the Count d'Aerschot was sent thither, but recalled, as the English Cabinet would not receive him. M. Michaels was sent to France to treat about Luxemburg, but though not officially received, he has not received any affront, and remains at Frankfort. The President of the Diet, in his letter (which was read), merely sayings that as the conditions of the political existence of Belgium were now under consideration at Lend"' the Diet would not enter into any relations with us, till the decision of the Congress should be made. )\l. Michaels is also commissioned to direct his attention to the navigation of the Rhine. An Envoy has been sent to one of the Great Powers of Germany, with which the interest of our manufactures and commerce render it absolutely necessary to enter into some arrangement. M. Lebeau mentions the letter which he had addressed to the Dutch Ministry in order to open a negotiation, and regretted that circumstances did not permit him to have the letter delivered by a diplomatic agent ; but, in adopting an unusual course he had by no means any intention of failing in respect of the Dutch nation or its Government. M• Lebeau requested the Assembly to observe, that in all these cases there was no mission.emanating from the  Regent, the persons sent being merely agents of the Minister. With respect to the negotiations the Prince of Saxe Coburg, M. Lebeau said it related rattler to our own internal political organization than to our relations with foreign countries.— En endeavouring to learn the sentiments of the Prince he followed the same plan as M. Van de Weyer. His Royal Highness has been always applied to in the name of the Minister, and not of the Regent, nor has there been any negotiation with the British Cabinet. Our Commissioners at Landon were not treated with. The Congress, invariable with respect to the national honour, have thought that, not to be accused of desiring to disturb the tranquillity of Europe, the question of territory might be resolved at a future time. There have been only mere offers and confidential conversations, which may be communicated in a Secret Committee of the Assembly. The denouement daily becomes more favourable. The nation cannot submit to bear the French name ; it desires to remain Belgian; whatever be the result, the Mi• nistry will do nothing contrary to its duties. Some Members expressing their surprise that the account of the negotiations with the Prince of. Saxe Coburg had not been included in the Report, M. Lebeau said it could not be included, being wholly confidential and not official ; but that he could give the Assembly all information in the Committee, which was fixed for the day after to-morrow.