THE WAR IN EUROPE.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2300, 20 September 1870, Page 2

THE WAR IN EUROPE.

Yesterday we gave, as far as possible, a connected narrative of the manner in which France and Prussia have contrived to drift into war. Next to their doings is the interesting question, What will other nations do ? Will they take part in the strife, or will they remain spectators merely ? Our information on that point is meagre, but the temper of England may be gathered from the following Loudon telegrams : “ London, August 9. “ In the House of Lords, Lord Cairns onquired as to the progress made in the negotiations for the preservation of the neutrality of Belgium. He said the statement that the Government adhered to the treaty of 1839 was satisfactory. The neutrality of Belgium is of serious importance, and he approved of pjic determination of the Government to maintain it. “ Earl Granville said the Government had secured the object alluded to, and also the warmest approval and support of Austria and Russia. It was impossible to doubt the personal honor of the Emperor Napoleon or King WiUifim ; or that nations can so far forget their obligations as to make war on tho public opinion of the world. Ho thought it did not require (he action of Parliament, the aim desired having been otherwise achieved.

/.‘The treaty was then read and loudly cheered, “ Karls Stratford and Shaftesbury spoke in approval of the action of Parliament.” At two o’clock tho Commissioner brought iu tire Queen’s speech, which was read by tho Lord Chancellor, as follows “My Loans and Gentdh.mkn— The state of public business enables me to release your attendance upon Parliament. 1 continue to receive from nil foreign Powers assurances of their good will and friendship ; but I have Witnessed with great solicitation and grief on both domestic and foreign grounds, the recent outbreak «f war between two powerful nations allied to this country. My best exertions have been used to avert th s great calamity. 1 shall now direct constant and anxious attention to a strict observance of the duties ai}d rights of neutrality. I have cheerfully assented to the measure matured by your wisdom to enlarge the power of the Executive, not only for the discharge of internaßonal duties, but for the prevention of acts injurious to the inte.rc -ts of this country. I shall make every fitting endeavor to check the operation of the causes lending to the enlargement of the area of conflict, and shall contribute, if opportunity offer, to the rostifi'atiou of an honest and honorable peace. I have tendered to the belligerent powers a treaty identical ip form, which will give additional security to Belgium against thp hazards of war on her frontier. Thp treaty has been signed by Fount Bernslaff for the North German Confederation, and the French Envoy has signified that he has authority and power to sign the corresponding instrument. Other power , parties to the treaty of 1839, have been invited, and they are likely to accede to the arrangement. “ Tho shocking murders iu Greece have produced a painful impression in Europe, and have drawn attention to the serious evils existing iu that country. My unremitting efforts will be directed to secure a complete and searching inquiry into the facts,” The remainder merely referred to certain Acts affecting Great Britain solely.