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516 THE XEADEB. [No. 474, Apbil SS ;,^^^
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way as this'country held many of its. ow...
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, Sudto i^av thar^neo and" Austria. \v£ ...
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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516 The Xeadeb. [No. 474, Apbil Ss ;,^^^
516 THE XEADEB . [ No . 474 , Apbil SS ; , ^^^
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^ mt Jit t ^ K ^^ .
Way As This'country Held Many Of Its. Ow...
way as this ' country held many of its . own possessions These rights were secured by treaties which -we had signed , and which every Government was bound to uphold . But a true cause of complaint against Austria arose from her interference with the other Italian States besides Xombardy . In passing to Sardinia , he said that a strong feeling in her favour existed in this country by the assimilation of her . institutions to our own , and he regretted that after -her noble conduct in the late war , she should have so far forgotten that , military glory ought not to be the sole object of a Government , for it was from this cause t hat the present difficulties had arisen . It was difficult , he observed , to understand why France but had
IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT . Monday , April 18 . THE STATE OF EUROPE . In the House of Loei > s the Earl of Mai-mesburt , in calling the attention of the House to the state of affairs on the Continent , reviewed the position of the three principal Powers in regard to this country , arid Observed that , althOugh * connected with Austria by similarity of race and an ancient alliance , the people of this country were alienated from her by the policy which Austria had pursued in Italy . Kb statesmen in this country would for a minute deny the rights of Austria— - rights which had been acquired by conquest , inheritance , and treaty , precisely in the same
should involve itself in this question , France thought fit to unite her cause with Sardinia , and to assert her right to look into the affairs of Italy in opposition to Austria . After describing the details relating to Lord Cowley ' smission to Vienna , the noble earl adverted to the proposal for holding a congress , which had emanated froia Russia , and ultimately accepted by all the great Powers . At that Congress four bases were laid down for the future negotiations . First , as to the means of preserving peace between Austria and Sardinia . Secondly , how to arrange the evacuation of the Roman States by the French and Austrian troops . Thirdly , what reforms should be introduced in the administration
by Austria of her Italian provinces ; and fourthly , whether a confederation among the minor States of Italy for their mutual pi-otection might not be substituted for the treaties now subsisting between these States and Austria , by which the Vienna Government assumed the character of protector over nearly the whole peninsula . Even after the proposal to hold a congress had been accepted , difficulties arose on questions of detail , which had , he observed , been surmounted , even so far as to include the principle of a general disarmament , but the mode of carrying out that process was still a subject of keen controversy with Austria and France , one wishing it to be completed before the Congress assembled , the other
proposing to make it the subject of settlement during the first meetings of the different diplomatists . For his own part , he thought the question one fit father for arrangement by military men , than by delegates entrusted with exclusively political duties . Thus the question rema ' ned j and in conclusion he observed : " I may be permitted , as the minister of a country as great as either of the Powers involved , to implore the ministers of those countries , to think once more , how serious is the responsibility of the question in which they are engaged , and how great may be the calamities that may be caused by any neglect , or hesitation on their part > to adopt the pleasures that may prevent hostilities . The only consolation we ministers
have , personally , ia , that , as her Majesty ' s , we have neglected no single step ( hear ,, hoar ) , or means of averting such disasters ; and if they do occur , may Almighty God pardon those who are the occasion ' of them . " ( Cheers . )— -The Earl of Clarendon reviowed the negotiations , as described by the foreign Secretary , criticising them on some points , but intimating his hope that the dispute might still be adjusted without involving Europe in war . Ho considered Francs was responsible for the dofcets of the Papal Government , and ho could not imagine a great nation in a more unworthy position . IIo did not fear the withdrawal of the French and Austrian Statesfor ho that
Offices directly to secure the continuance of the general peace . Several causes had contributed to the misunderstnnding , but the paramount causp was to be found in the unsatisfactory condition of Italy . The Government instructed Lord Cowley to take all possible means of ascertaining the views of the Emperor of the French , and to make known the views of Her Majesty ' s Government , which were those which had always been stated in that and the other House of Parliament by the most eminent statesmen of all parties—namely , that it would be unwise to disturb existing treaties and the balance of power established in 1815 . Lord Cowley , having
been requested to repair to I > qndon , was despatched to Vienna to ascertain how far Austria would meet the views of the Emperor of the French , and that mission was entirely successful as a mission of conciliation . I 3 ut before Lord Cowley could return to Paris the Court of St . Petersburg had proposed to that of France that the matters in dispute should be referred to a Congress . This proposal was accepted by the Emperor of the French , and he r Majesty ' s Government thought it would be wise to assent to this appeal to a Congress , and notified their willingness on four conditions , and subject to a general condition , that the Congress should not
interfere with the settlement of 1815 . Thefourconditions Avcre . accepted by France ,. Ku ' ssia , and Prussia , and likewise by Austria , who added a fifth condition , — the disarmament of Sardinia . - "When this proposition was comniunieated to her Majesty ' s Government they did not approve it ; they did not wish to sanction' a course that would humiliate or weaken Sardinia , and ultimately Austria consented to waive this invidious condition , and proposed a general disarmament . France accepted this proposal of Austria , but Sardinia had not yet assented to the pi'oposilion to disarm , and , moreover , ' claimed admission to the Congress , to which privilege , als not
being a first-class power , she was no more entitled than Sweden or Denmark . Thus the question stood at present . The prospect of maintaining peace was , however , much improved by the arrival in England a few . hours previously , of the Marquis d'Azeglio , from whose enlightened-and ' - moderate character he anticipitated a beneficial influence in that direction . - " I cannot think , " said Mr . Disraeli , " there is any power in Europe which wantonly would promote war . There is a power which may not be present in this Congress , if it takes place , greater than empires and parliaments—that is , the power of public opinion . I do not think that in this day that is a power which think it
can be wantonly outraged .. Sh \ 1 should a very great outrage on public opinion if , under , the circumstances in which we now fhid ourselves in respect to the Italian question , no solution should he found but that of the . sword . On the contrary , it appears to me that the mums of settlement are m existence , and although 1 know it is disheartening in the conduct of negotiations to find you do not rapidly arrive at the result you desire , still , on the whole , I cannot but sec in . all that lms occurred a predominant wish that the solution should be one ot peace . Sir , I do not wish to conceal from , tins country that the issue is no mc . ni one > ^ ar uj in Italian war
Italy is not a war a corner . An nay by possibility be an . European war . 1 ho v &* ° » f ° J the Adriatic cannot he disturbed without ngi at g the waters of the Uhine . The port ol . Tries o i not a mere Italian port ; it is a port which ^ longsto the German confederation , and an attack on Iifosto is not an attack on Austria tvlonc , but alsoo n Ow many . If war springs up beyond the prec ¦ » J ^ Italy , England has interests not merely fi < nii t oso principles-those enlightened prinaples-ol eh ilwa tion which nmko her look with an '" Ivo ™ J ,, ° nuglit which would disturb the ponce ol t o v oru ., but England may be interested iW > in cons u ka at ions character Sir 11
Trusting that Lord Malmesbury would carry to the Congress with him the whole moral support of this country , H « usMueU liim iliat no party spirit ' . would prevent him from making every allowance , ana that he should be only ^ S ^^^^ ^^^ - —The Earl of DEiiuv acknowledged the temperate and unanimous spirit an which the question had been treated both in that , and , as he believed , in the other House of Parliament . The best chance of maintaining peace was that it should be well understood by Europe that no differences existed on that point in the English Parliament . The course taken by the ministry had been one calculated to prevent war m Europe but he could not help concurring that there
; might have been a greater chance of success if the matter had been left in the hands of Lord Cowley who had succeeded in laying down bases on which France and Austria Avere disposed to treat . . ± iie proposal of Russia , from which it was impossible for the Government to have withheld their consent , had introduced all the subsequent difficulties . He quite agreed that it did seem hard to reconcile the expressed desire for a Congress with the military preparations on both sieles . Much of these difficulties was due to the King of Sardinia s words , that " a cry of anguish came from Italy , and he could not endure it . " When such words were used it was not unnatural that Austria should make
preparations on a large scale , although Piedmont had nothing to fear from Austria as long as she kept within -her own bounds . He agreed with Lord Clarendon as to the injurious results of the treaties which Austria had entered into with the Italian States , and thought it would be wise for her to reconsider them . In regard to the Papal States , he thought it would be best to leave that matter to France and Austria during the Congress , allowing the Pope a voice in the question . The time was now nearly come , he said , when it was a question whether a Cono-ress should be held at all , and when the terms on which such a Congress should be held ought to at hand when
be known . The time , in fact , was nearly England would have to say that the time for trifling had gone by , and she would therefore withdraw from interfering in aflairs where she coidd not do so efiectuallv . If there were a war , which God forbid ! it would not be localised in Italy ; it would be impossible to confine it to that country ; it would extend itself , and involve the world in universal conflagration . It would , in accordance with treaties , bring the whole of Germany into 'the . field , and it " would be impossible for this country to look unmoved on the occupation of the Adriatic and the Mediterranean , and it would be as impossible to confine suchawar within limits as to foresee who ' would be drawn into its vortex .
" England ( said he ) is deeply interested in the maintenance of peace . She is prepared to make almost any sacrifice for that object ; but , in the interest of peace , she cannot assume a position which . would place her'in a helpless aiid defenceless condition '; and if war breaks out , whatever be the consequence , our neutrality , as long as it may last , must , to a certain extent be an armed neutrality ( hear ) , enabling us to take our part on that side , whatever it may be , which the honour , the interests , and the dignity of the country may inelicate as best deserving our support . ( Cheers . ) Such is the course which I hope the Government will be supported in taking by the xuianimous opinion of Parliament * and the country ; for sound and rational
such , I am certain , is the only policy which we can pursue . God grant wo may be spared the necessity of entering upon so dangerous a path . God grant that in the councils of Europe there may yet prevail greater moderation , greater wisdom , greater temper ! God grant that this storm may pass by without bursting forth in the violent and terrific manner which wo have now too much reason to anticipate ! But I am sure , as I said before , that if the chances of peace depend in groat measure upon the unanimous assent of Parliament to the principles so ably and eloquently expressed by my noble friend and the noble earl opposite , they will be materially strengthened if it be within the knowledge of Europe that England will not bo allowed to remain a helpless or feeble spectator of events which mav compromise her dignity and honour , but
ctf ^ most urgent . - ^ XS cumstances , I amquito sure that the House ^ tiow with all the consideration and reserve w i . cli > ao serves the question which is now beiore . in «™ placed before the House the position ot iJics nefe o { iations ; and , Sir , I will express more nn i y hopo-I will express still my belief J « - ^» firmness and conciliation the peace ot tho uowu may yet bo preserved . " ( The right oJ- ft » £ mail resumed his seat amidst loud ci j ;» nfc . j Lord PAonmsTON promised to speak n Jid ^ could add to the difficulties of tho « Inniio . Al ju ing to past events , ho thought it nut uj Russia should prefer a congress , as ?^ ™>> \ she had not before , aplaoo in tho c sgubb n . « also natural , though not admissible , l A fJ tll 0 should roquJro the pvolim nary « ll f' \ '" f lllK 8 iy ' B ^ Sardinian armaments , ami ho thoiiff 1 U » ioi W f ^ n ™™> -. r > innt wnvn V ffllfc 111 OUlOOtillM ; IO 11 . •"" , , „
that a serious responsibility , with all its results , will bo laid upon the head of tho power , whatever it may bo , which , without duo provocation and without tho most urgent necessity , seeks for its own ambitious purpose * to involvo Europe in the calamities of a long and bloody war . " ( Loud cheers . )—Their lordships adjourned at half-past seven . Jn tho House Commons tho CiiANaEixon of the ExoHicQUBit maclo his statemont respecting foreign affairs , and proceeded , in a subdued tono , to lay before tho House the state of tho negotiations respecting tho affliirs of Italy . Ilor Majesty ' s Government , ho observed , had from tho beginning , instructed tho Queen ' s Ministers at Paris and Vienna to take every practicable opportunity- to remove tho misunderstanding between the two Courts , and , taldng advantage of thO' favourable position of this country , tho Qovornmont had interposed , thoir good
troops from the Papal , boljoved the party of order and constitutional Government was increasing in influence in those States , The bubble of Italian unity had at length burst , and tho detestable party of Mazzini and his accomplices were almost extinct . War could not settle the Italian question ; for , supposing that Austria was driven out , and kombardy was annexed to Piedmont , tho people of Milan and Venice would never agree wltUthose of Sardinia , but would be more discontented than they ovon wer , o now . There was one principle ho hoped tho Congress would establishthat of non-intervention—for tho Italians wore quite capable of conducting thoir own alUUrs .
, Sudto I^Av Thar^Neo And" Austria. \V£ ...
, Sudto i ^ av thar ^ neo and" Austria . \ v £ « g - the principle of a general disarn anicnt »" appeared to him . that the going » " ° , "K Concussion as to this point , IPBtoaaotd * su esing i « £ gross tho real questions at issue , w 0 "' A " ° t llt Oiico 5 time . Why jihould not tho Oongross moo . am of and settle tho material points in awjnuo , m «
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Citation
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Leader (1850-1860), April 23, 1859, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_23041859/page/4/
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