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ANNUAL REGISTER,

FOR THE YEAR

1860.

HISTORY OF EUROPE.

CHAPTER I.

STATE OF PUBLIC OPINION at the Beginning of the Year-Progress
of Erents in Italy-Great Interest felt in England in these Transac-
tions -The expected Reform Bill-General Absence of Agitation or
Excitement on the Question-Financial Affairs-Expectations of
large Changes in this Direction-PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED ON 24TH
JANUARY-Her Majesty's Speech from the Throne-The Address in
the House of Lords is mored by Lord Fitzwilliam, and seconded by
Lord Truro-Speeches of Earl Grey, the Duke of Newcastle, Marquis
of Normanby, Earl of Derby, and Earl Granville-The Address is
agreed to, nem. con.-In the Commons the Address is moved by Mr.
St. Aubyn, and seconded by Lord Henley-Mr. Disraeli enters at
some length into the projected new commercial relations with France,
and also into the Italian policy of the Government-Lord Palmerston
in answer, states that the Commercial Treaty with France has been
signed, and justifies its provisions—He also vindicates the policy of
non interference adopted by his Cabinet in regard to Italy-The
Address is voted without opposition — Some further debate on the
French Treaty arises on bringing up the Report-Remarks of the
Chancellor of the Exchequer and of Mr. Horsman—FOREIGN
AFFAIRS—Warlike preparations in France -Mr. Kingslake addresses
a question to Lord J. Russell on this subject-His answer--The
Marquis of Normanby takes up the cause of the deposed Governments
in Italy-He moves an Address to the Crown respecting the antici-
pated annexation of Saroy and Nice to France-Speeches of Earls
Granville, Grey, and Shaftesbury, the Duke of Newcastle, Earl of
VOL. CH.
[B]

L

Derby, and other Peers-Second Motion of Lord Normanby reflecting on the Policy of the Sardinian Government The policy of that Power is vindicated by Earl Granville, the Marquis of Clanricarde, and other Peers-Explanations with respect to the relations of Sardinia and France in the House of Commons-Speeches condemnatory of the proposed annexation of Savoy are made by Mr. Kingslake and Sir Robert Peel-Remarks of Mr. Bright-Answer of Lord John Russell-Various discussions on the proposed annexation of Savoy and Nice-Strong animadversions on the conduct of the French Emperor by Mr. Roebuck-On the 12th March Lord John Russell enters into a full explanation respecting the Savoy question, and the proceedings of Her Majesty's Government in regard to it-Speeches of Mr. Whiteside, Mr. Horsman, Lord Palmerston, Mr. Disraeli, and other Members.

THE

HE principal subjects which engaged the public attention at the beginning of the year 1860 were the state of Italian affairs abroad, and the expected measures of Parliamentary Reform and financial policy at home. The progress of the constitutional cause in Italy was regarded with warm sympathy by the people of England without distinction of parties, and the moral support which the British Government lent to the Sardinian cause, while they, at the same time, strictly observed the principle of non-interference, was entirely in accordance with the public feeling on the subject. It will be seen that the course of events was watched with great anxiety and led to repeated discussions during the session of Parliament; though on the great principle of Italian independence there were very few exceptions to the general unanimity in the Legislature. At home, the prospect of a Reform Bill was viewed not without some anxiety by those who feared political agitation and change; but, apparently, with very little interest by the country generally. The leading advocates of Reform found their efforts to arouse popular feeling on the subject very feebly responded

to, and it was suspected that a large section of the liberal party, though professedly friendly to such measures, would be by no means unwilling to see the question indefinitely postponed. A certain number of public meetings had been held previously to the commencement of the Session, and some manifestation of interest had been made; but it was not sustained, and bore the appearance of being factitious rather than real. The state of the public finances excited more real interest. It was known that there would be a considerable deficit in the Revenue to be supplied, and at the same time that increased armaments and defensive preparations would make augmented demands upon the public expenditure. It had also been for some time anticipated that the year 1860, in which the falling in of the Long Annuities was to bring with it a considerable reduction in the annual charge of the Public Debt, would be signalized as the era of some large financial changes; and the character of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as a financier, certainly not wanting in boldness and enterprise, gave assurance that the opportunity now offered would not be neglected.

In other respects, the circumstances of the country wore a favourable aspect-trade was in a sound and thriving state-the farming interest made no complaint, and the labouring classes were generally in full employment. The Legislative Session commenced rather before the usual time, the two Houses being summoned for the despatch of business on the 24th of January. On that day Parliament was opened with the usual ceremonies by Her Majesty in person, who delivered the following Speech from the throne:

"My Lords and Gentlemen,— "It is with great satisfaction that I again meet you in Parliament, and have recourse to your assistance and advice.

"My relations with foreign Powers continue to be on a friendly and satisfactory footing.

"At the close of the last Session I informed you that overtures had been made to me to ascertain whether, if a Conference should be held by the Great Powers of Europe, for the purpose of settling arrangements connected with the present state and future condition of Italy, a Plenipotentiary would be sent by me to assist at such a Conference. I have since received a formal invitation from the Emperor of Austria and from the Emperor of the French to send a Plenipotentiary to a Congress to consist of the representatives of the eight Powers who were parties to the Treaties of Vienna of 1815, the objects of such Congress being Atated to be to receive communication of the treaties concluded at Zurich; and to deliberate, associating with the above-mentioned Powers the Courts of Rome, of Sardinia, and of the Two Sicilies,

on the means best adapted for the pacification of Italy, and for placing its prosperity on a solid and durable basis.

"Desirous at all times to concur in proceedings having for their object the maintenance of peace, I accepted the invitation, but at the same time I made known that, in such a Congress, I should steadfastly maintain the principle, that no external force should be employed to impose upon the people of Italy any particular government or constitution.

"Circumstances have arisen which have led to a postponement of the Congress, without any day having been fixed for its meeting; but whether in Congress or by separate negotiation, I shall endeavour to obtain for the people of Italy freedom from foreign interference by force of arms in their internal concerns; and I trust that the affairs of the Italian peninsula may be peacefully and satisfactorily settled.

Papers on this subject will soon be laid before you.

"I am in communication with the Emperor of the French with a view to extend the commercial intercourse between the two countries, and thus to draw still closer the bonds of friendly alliance between them.

"A dispute having arisen between Spain and Morocco, I endeavoured, by friendly means, to prevent a rupture; but, I regret to say, without success.

"I will direct papers on this subject to be laid before you.

"My Plenipotentiary and the Plenipotentiary of the Emperor of the French having, in obedience to their instructions, proceeded to the mouth of the Peiho river, in order to repair to Pekin to exchange in that city the ratifications

of the Treaty of Tien-tsin, in pursuance of the LVIth Article of that treaty, their further progress was opposed by force, and a conflict took place between the Chinese forts at the mouth of the river and the naval forces by which the Plenipotentiaries were escorted.

"The allied forces displayed on this occasion their usual bravery, but, after sustaining a severe loss, were compelled to retire.

"I am preparing, in concert and co-operation with the Emperor of the French, an expedition, intended to obtain redress and a fulfilment of the stipulations of the Treaty of Tien-tsin.

"It will be gratifying to me, if the prompt acquiescence of the Emperor of China in the moderate demands which will be made by the Plenipotentiaries, shall obviate the necessity for the employment of force.

"I have directed that papers on this subject shall be laid before you.

"An unauthorized proceeding by an officer of the United States in regard to the Island of San Juan, between Vancouver's Island and the mainland, might have led to a serious collision between my forces

and those of the United States. Such collision, however, has been

"The last embers of disturbance in my East Indian dominions have been extinguished; my Viceroy has made a peaceful progress through the districts which had been the principal scene of disorder, and, by a judicious combination of firmness and generosity, my authority has been everywhere solidly, and, I trust, permanently established. I have received from my Viceroy the most gratifying accounts of the loyalty of my Indian subjects, and of the good feeling evinced by the native chiefs and the great landowners of the country. The attention of the Government in India has been directed to the development of the internal resources of the country; and I am glad to inform you that an improvement has taken place in its financial prospects.

"I have concluded a treaty with the Tycoon of Japan, and a treaty regarding boundaries with the republic of Guatemala. I have directed that these treaties shall be laid before you.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,—

for the ensuing year to be laid before you. They have been pre

"I have directed the estimates

military and naval services, and the defences of the country, upou an efficient footing.

prevented by the judicious forbear-pared with a view to place the ance of my naval and civil officers on the spot, and by the equitable and conciliatory provisional arrangement proposed on this matter by the Government of the United States.

"I trust that the question of boundary out of which this affair has arisen may be amicably settled in a manner conformable with the just rights of the two countries, as defined by the first article of the Treaty of 1846.

"I am glad to be able to inform you that the public revenue is in a satisfactory condition.

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

"I have accepted, with gratification and pride, the extensive offers of Voluntary service which I have received from my subjects. This manifestation of public spirit

has added an important element to our system of national defence. "Measures will be laid before you for amending the laws which regulate the representation of the people in Parliament, and for placing that representation upon a broader and firmer basis.

"I earnestly recommend you to resume your labours for the improvement of our jurisprudence, and particularly in regard to bankruptcy, the transfer of land, the consolidation of the statutes, and such a further fusion of law and equity as may be necessary to insure that, in every suit, the rights of the parties may be satisfactorily determined by the court in which the suit is commenced.

"I am deeply gratified to observe that the great interests of the country are generally in a sound and thriving condition; that pauperism and crime have di minished; and that, throughout the whole of my empire, both in the United Kingdom and in my colonies and possessions beyond sea, there reigns a spirit of loyalty, of contentment, of order, and of obedience to the law.

With heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty Ruler of nations for these inestimable blessings, I fervently pray that His beneficent power may guide your deliberations for the advancement and consolidation of the welfare and happiness of my people."

The Address to the Throne was moved in the House of Lords by Earl Fitzwilliam and seconded by Lord Truro. Earl Grey then addressed the House. He began by expressing his gratification that Her Majesty was able to lay so satisfactory a statement of our domestic and foreign atlairs before Parlament. He viewed with the

greatest satisfaction the paragraph on Italian affairs, and the policy which was therein enunciated. That policy assured the nation that the British Government would be no party to cutting up and parcelling out Italy in order to forward the interest or desires of other countries, but would maintain the right of the Italians to choose their own Government, by which means a powerful and free State would be established in Italy, calculated to promote the general welfare of Europe and of this country. He could not, however, express the same satisfaction at that part of the Royal Speech which related to the recent commercial treaty between this country and France. No one could wish more strongly than himself to see the commercial intercourse of the two countries increased, but he feared that the present experiment would prove a retrogression in our financial policy. At the present time, when our financial condition was likely to be one of some difficulty, he condemned the reduction of duties on French products for the purpose of obtaining a commercial treaty from France. In regard to China, he also could not concur in the words of the Speech, as he thought that the whole question ought to have been brought before Parliament previously to the fitting out of any expedition, in order that improper expenditure might have been avoided, and an impolitic and unjust war prevented. He proceeded to consider whether we had been justified in forcing our way up the Peiho, and whether war with China would place our interests in that country in a better position by a corresponding increase of our com merce. He blamed in strong

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