THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O' CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2849, 2 April 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O' CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 1878.

In the crisis of European affairs developed by the events of the last few days, a great deal is apparently being made of the resignation of Lord Derby, as affecting the position of the Conservative party in Great Britain. It has been attempted to show that the Cabinet presided over by Earl Beaconsfield will be weakened by the retirement of the head of the great house of Stanley. Had that head been like its father,- probably some, such crisis might have happened to the Conservative party; but, again, it may safely be asserted that, had the present Earl Derby been like his father, he would not have resigned his seat in the Cabinet on such a shallow pretence as he did. Remembering how consistently and persistently he has preached of the necessity of protecting British interests 5 of maintaining a dignified and firm attitude ; and such like professions during the progress of the Busso-Turkish war, it seems difficult to believe that Lord Derby has no better excuse for deserting his party than the calling out of the reserves. As Minister for Foreign Affairs Lord Derby has been especially responsible for those diplomatic " notes " which have so irritated Russia against England. He is the Minister who has authorised the demands regarding the Congress which have brought about the European dead-lock. It is therefore incomprehensible to find that he has resigned when his Government, being met with absolute and unqualified refusal in its legitimate demands, takes the only step left to it of asserting its dignity and maintaining its prestige. It is admitted that diplomacy has been carried as far as the national honor would permit; that to make further concessions would be humiliating to the nation and discreditable to the Government; that Great Britain has gone too far to recede without loss of prestige. Lord Derby, it is pretty well understood, was averse to the policy of the Premier before Parliament met, Bud subsequently tendered his resignation, at the same time as the Secretary of State for the Colonies did. He has since that subscribed to Earl Beaconsfield's policy, helped to carry it out in Parliament and as head of the Foreign Department, and his resignation at the present juncture of affairs looks like an act of cowardice. It is not surprising to those who hare read recent criticisms of the noble Earl's vacillating and fickle utterances, nor will it much affect the stability of the Government. Had the resignation taken place during the [ continuance of active hostilities between Ilussia and Turkey, on the ground of somo precipitate move towards assisting Turkey, the consequences would hare been serious to the Conservative Cabinet. But now that the question resolves itself into a determined attempt to have existing treaties respected, and a question of. the right of Great Britain to a position as an arbiter in the affairs of Europe, the Government find supporters amongst the ranks of the Opposition ; and the desertion of a prominent member of the Cabinet will be less felt, because considered unjustifiable and disloyal. '