Year: 1870

claims which Great Britain has at this moment
upon their confidence, their trust,
and upon reasonable Difference TO her counsel.
/ wish, therefore. to know from her Majestys
Government whether they have urged this view
upon the courts of France and Prussia; whether
they have reminded them of the great sacrifices
and the great exertions which, at their request
and iDstigation. only short time ago England
made in order to advance their interests, secure
the peace of Europe, and give them an honor
able opportunity of terminating their differences.
Twill only venture, before cit down, to express
my opinion that the ruler of nation who at
this time disturbs the peace of Europe incurs
the greatest political moral responsibility that
can fall to the lot of man. (Cheers.)


MIR. GLADsToNE's SPEECH.


Mr.. Gladstone said, in response to Mr.. Dis
raels inquiry


1t is not for me to follow the right honorable
gentleman over the whole of his remarks, for he
will agree with me that at this peculiar moment
he enjoys freedom which does not belong to
the advisers of the crown. At the same time
referring to the impressive words with which
must say that it is the opinion
be his, that there is nothing under
the circumstances and differences which have
ately appeared which will justify, in the judg-
ment and conscience of the world a breach of
the general peace. (Cheers) With respect to
the questions OF the right honorable gentleman,
they are, as far as / can understand two He
asked me if l can inform Parliament what, in
the opinion of the Government, is the cause of
the present disturbed state of Europe.


l think that, for those who have official re-
sponsibilities and duties in relation to foreign
powers entailed upon them, il would be better
that should avoid references, at the present
moment, to any cause which may have brought
about the present state of affairs other than
those which l have already made. The right
honorable gentleman asks whether her Majestys
Government have felt il part of their care to
bring before the two great States now engaged
in communications that appear to be proXimate
hostility, the peculiar claims of Great Britain
to be heard as to their disputes, and to
offer her friendly advice with view
to settlement of the dispute. l am
bound to say that neither OF these two
states has shown the slightest indisposition to
allow her friendly Intervention or has put upon
us the necessity of resorting to arguments
drawn from any special juncture in former
affairs for the purpose of making good that
right and title to intervention; but | may say
that the title to friendly offices on the part of
any state of the civilized world towards another
state really has been placed upon foundation in
public law, SO as to be great European act of
modern times, which does not admit of being
brought into dispute. refer to the Conference
of the European Powers in 1856, whereby it was
recognized to be the duty of these powers, at
least as general rule. in case of a controversy
arising, to submit that controversy to friendly
adjudication before resorting to the horrible ne
cessity of arms.


With respect to the questions OF the right
| honorable gentleman, these are the answers l
! should give. As to the whole state of affairs we
have no decisive intelligence to give, and l am
sorry to say that the communication between
! these great Powers have not been, on the whole,
| favorable. The point is now near at hand at
which things must take decided course in
favor either of peace or war. Any function
that we can discharge, any offices we can rem
der, are necessarily limited bat have the hope
/ that when the time comes and probably it must
very soon arrive, at which IL will be our duty to
explain in detail that which it is now no less our
duty to withhold, the House may be of opinion
that her Majesty's Government has not fallen
short of the duties incumbent upon the repre-
sentatives of England, and likewise not gone
! beyond them. (Cheers.)