Emmanuel-Views of the British Government-Suspension of the Sar- dinian Constitution-Statement of Count Walewski to the French Corps Legislatif-Address of the Emperor of Austria to his army-His Mani- festo to his Subjects-Austrian circular to Foreign Powers-Proclama- tion of the French Commander of Rome-Events in Tuscany, Parma, and Modena-The Austrian army crosses the Ticino-Advance of the French army into Piedmont-Vindication by the French Government of its Policy-Manifesto of war by the French Emperor-The Empress appointed Regent-Policy of the British Government-The French Emperor's Order of the Day to the Army of Italy-Position of the Austrian and Sardinian armies-Military movements-Battle of Monte- bello-The Austrians retire across the Ticino-Battle of Magenta [215 THE WAR IN ITALY CONTINUED-The French Emperor and King of Sardinia enter Milan-Proclamation of the Emperor to the inhabitants of Lom- bardy-The Austrians driven out of Malegnano-Movements of Gari- baldi - Retreat of the Austrians across Lombardy to the Mincio- Diplomatic Circular of the Russian Government-Advance of the Allied Armies in pursuit of the Austrians-Battle of Solferino-The Austrians retire upon the Quadrilateral-Armistice signed at Villafranca-Bases of Treaty of Peace-Proclamation of the Emperor Napoleon-Manifesto of the Emperor of Austria-Plenipotentaries meet at Zurich-Disap- pointment of the Italians-Display of feeling at Florence-The French Emperor returns to Paris-Addresses to him, and his answers-Circular of the Papal Government-The Assembly of Romagna throws off its allegiance to the Pope-Reception by the King of Sardinia of deputa- tions from Tuscany and Romagna-Letter from the Emperor Napoleon to CHINA-Hon. Mr. Bruce appointed Minister Plenipotentiary in China-His Instructions-Arrival at Hong Kong-Evasive delays of the Chinese- The English and French Ambassadors proceed to the Peiho river— Attempt to enter the river-The forts open fire-Disastrous failure on our part-Chinese account of the action-The British squadron returns JAPAN-Articles of the Treaty between Her Majesty and the Tycoon of UNITED STATES-Message of the President. TOPICS-Slavery-African Slave Trade-China-Foreign Relations-Island ANNUAL REGISTER, FOR THE YEAR 1859. HISTORY OF EUROPE. CHAPTER I. Principal Subjects of Public interest in England at the Commencement of the Year-Parliamentary Reform and the Relations of France, Italy, and Austria-Agitation about Reform in some parts of the country-Conspicuous part taken by Mr. Bright—The public generally show little interest in the subject-Speculations on party politics-Anticipations of an eventful Session-The Queen opens Parliament in person on the 3rd of February—The Speech from the Throne Allusion to Parliamentary Reform-In the House of Lords the Address is moved by the Earl of Winchelsea, and seconded by Lord Ravensworth-The Earl of Granville enters into a discussion of public affairs and Ministerial policy-The latter is vindicated at some length by the Earl of Derby-His emphatic declaration with regard to our relations with France and the prospects of Peace-Remarks of Earl Grey, the Earls of Hardwicke and Carlisle, and Lord Brougham-The Address agreed to nem. con.— It is moved in the House of Commons by the Hon. C. H. Trefusis, seconded by Mr. Beecroft-Viscount Palmerston follows with some remarks and inquiries upon foreign affairs-The Chancellor of the Exchequer enters fully on the subject of our foreign relations, expresses great anxiety for Peace and for supporting the Alliance between France and England-Lord John Russell follows on the same subject-Remarks upon the state and prospects of Italian affairs-The Address is voted without a division. LAW OF REAL PROPERTY-SIMPLIFICATION OF TITLES-The Solicitor-General introduces two Bills for this purpose, which are very favourably reVOL. CI, [B] ceived by the House of Commons-Lord St. Leonard's expresses objections to the measures in the House of Lords-After some discussion in Committee the Bills are unavoidably postponed. FOREIGN AFFAIRS-Lord Palmerston brings the state of our European relations before the House of Commons and requests explanations-The Chancellor of the Exchequer makes a statement respecting the French occupation of Rome and the prospects of Europe-Lord John Russell remarks on the state of things in Italy. The Case of the French ship Charles-et-Georges-Debates on this question in both Houses-Speeches of Lord Wodehouse, who moves for papers in the House of Lords, of the Earl of Malmesbury, Earl Granville, Lord Kingsdown, Earl Grey, Earl of Derby, and other Peers-The Motion is withdrawn-In the Lower House the question is moved by Mr. A. W. Kinglake, who is answered by Mr. Seymour Fitzgerald-Speeches of Mr. Lowe, Mr. Bovill, the SolicitorGeneral, and Lord John Russell—The Debate is adjourned, but not resumed-Discussion in the House of Lords on the Right of Search -Explanation by the Earl of Malmesbury of the negotiations between England and the United States on this subject-Remarks of the Earls of Clarendon, Aberdeen, Carlisle and Derby, and of Lord Brougham. THE HE principal subjects which occupied public attention in England before the opening of the first Session of 1859, were the Reform of Parliament and the state of foreign politics, particularly with reference to France, Austria, and Italy. A measure for the re-construction of Parliamentary representation had been promised by the Government of Lord Derby, and the question had been largely discussed by the press and at various public meetings, chiefly in the North of England. Mr. Bright, M.P. for Birmingham, had taken a leading part in these assemblies, and had made himself conspicuous by his vehement denunciations of the existing state of the representation, and his advocacy of a large radical measure of reform. These speeches had, however, given offence and alarm to the great majority of moderate reformers, and it seemed more than doubtful whether the zeal of the advocate had not rather prejudiced than advanced his cause. Although in certain parts of the country, and among a particular section of the population, the sweeping propositions of the popular orators found acceptance, the general mind of the nation was apathetic on the subject, and made but a feeble response to the appeals addressed to it by the ardent votaries of change. To those who remembered the keen excitement that pervaded the country in the days of the Reform agitation thirty years before, the lukewarmness and indifference of the people at the present juncture presented a striking contrast. Probably the chief interest which the question now excited was due to the effect it might be expected to have upon the relations of parties and the position of the leading competitors for political power. |