EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 261, 2 May 1855, Page 5

EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

The following portion of Lord John Russell* reply to Mr. Disraeli on the address to the Queen will be read with interest. '* Besides, that Austria*was more nearly affected* and that her danger- was greater than that of England and France; but, on the other hand, a cautious power like Austria saw that the danger to her of a war with Russia was greater than it could be to England and France. The military establishment of- Austria was low, and had been reduced very lately, and her first step was to increase her militaryforce; It was only at the end of July- last that her preparation* were- nearly completed, and I remember perfectly well at the end of the session that I stated in answer to a question from the honourable member for Montrose (whose absence this evening I lament), that I said though Austria was pledged not to make any arrangement with Russia, except on certain bases that had been laid down, she was by no means pledged to undertake a war in conjunction with the maritime powers (liear). She has now gone a step further, but has not gone as far as she is expected to go if peace be not restored at the end of the year (hear). She has agreed with us that if she should beat war with Russia, a treaty offensive and defensive should ipso facto exist between Austria, England, and France (hear, hear). She has likewise agree* that, before the «nd of the year, she will lake into further consideration what steps she will be: prepared: to take with respect to the terms of peace with Bussr.T (hear); Now, I understand the meaning of that article, certainly, as not containing anything very precise (hear* hear, from the opposition). I understand, however, the meaning of that article to be that, if England and France shall propose conditions of peace which are in conformity with the fcnr bases, and which seem to Austria to come within the terms of those bases, and if Bussia shall refuse her assent to such treaty of peace, theu Austria will no longer hesitate, but lake part in the alliance, and that an offensive and defensive alliance will take place (Lear). Ido not wish to overstate the engagement in airy way ; and I admit that iSnstria might still, at the last moment, say that the terms would reduce Kussia too much, and diminish too greatly her weight in Europe, and that she could never be expected to agree to them. Such might be her language. She leaves herself at liberty to say this without any breach of faith, and one of the last things I should wish to do would be to impute to Anstria a breach of faith, if ultimately she did cot form part of the alliance, but my explanation is that she does concur with us in respect to the bases that are abeohuely necessary for the security of Turkey ; and that, if Russia does not consent to a treaty ofpeaceon those bases, then that in the next campaign, the forces of Austria will be joined with those of England and France (hear, hear). It may be said that we should have gut far better terms, but we could not enforce terms on an independent power, and it is better to hare such a treaty with Austria rather than leave Austria unconnected with v?, and without any ties to bind her to us. That was the belief of Her Majesty's government, and still more strongly the persuasion of the Government of the Etnperor of the French (hear, hear). I always thought it was much to be lamented that Austria was so tardy, and Russia had been enabled to despatch a part of her troops on the Danube to the Cvimea, which placed our gallant troops there at so great a disadvantage (heat)I would agree with much of what the honourable member for Aylesbury has said with respect to three of the conditions, but that I never have been able to get anybody to tell roe how we are to effect our object "except by a long and protracted war. 1 was sorry to hear an honourable frieud of mine speak of the battle of lukenuanu as a fatal battle. Now, my belief is, thai though, the losses were heavy, and though the nation had great reason to deplore those losses, and aithough many families will spend ihe approaching season in"affliction who might have hoped to pass it in joy and comfort, yet that for a great national object the victory has not been thrown away The bravery and valour which were displayed upon the heights of lukerraaun will teach the nations of Europe to respect our character and the military prowess winch we have shown, and it is as lik« iy a? almost any event that could be named to bring about the conclusion of au honourable peace. Denis like these, you may depend upon it, though not followeu

by the route of an enemy, or accompanied with the gain of a large territory, or the surrender of a fortress, will be fruitful of consequences, and maintain the character of the nation by whose soldiers they were achieved. While this country has such deeds of heroism to boast of, you may depend upon it that the mightiest nations of Europe will dread our enmity, and be anxious to secure our friendship. With this persuasion, I shall ask the house to vote its thanks to those gallant men, and to our gallant allies > the French army, who fought by the side of our troops at Alma and Inkermann, and assisted them to defeat the enemy. With such an alliance, with such prudent conduct in regard to other powers, and with the determination in this country, wbich I believe is stiong, that the war in which her Majesty is at present engaged must be brought to a just, and honourable, and glorious termination, I feel full of hope for the result of the contest. (Loud cheers.) The address was afterwards unanimously agreed to by the house. We regret that our files of English.papers, containing the address has not yet reached us. The Foreign Enlistment Bill after an animated debate passed a second reading in the House of Commons on the 18th of December by a majority of 39 only. The numbers were for the second reading 241, against 203. The announcement of the numbers was received with loud cheers by the opposition. The further consideration of the bill was deferred till after the recess, Mr. Disraeli pledging himself to oppose the bill in every stage. The following letter has been addressed to Lady Evans by the Duke of Newcastle:— Downing*street, November 22. Madam, —I trust that you will not consider me intrusive or impertinent, but I cannot resist the temptation of congratulating you from my heart upon the record of this day's Gazette, on an act of the truest heroism and finest chivalry on the part of Sir De Lacy Evans. All know him to be a gallant soldier, but I know nothing more noble in the records of war. than a veteran general rising from his bed of sickness at the sound of a: battle, hurrying to his troops, and instead of claiming his right to command them, resolved not to supersede the junior who was winning the laurels of the day, but remaining at his side, aiding him with his advice, and assisting him as if he were his aide-de-camp. God grant him a safe return in good time. I have the honour to be, madam, your |very obedient servant, Lady Evans. Newcastle.