OUR RELATIONS WITH FRANCE, Feb. 18, 1853.1 [The object of this speech was the same as many others delivered by Mr. Disraeli about the same date, to show, namely, that the coalition ministry of Lord Aberdeen was bound together by no common principles either of foreign or domestic policy. On the present occasion he quoted speeches of Lord John Russell, Sir James Graham, and Sir Charles Wood on the Government lately established in France by Louis Napoleon, and asked which of the three expressed the opinion of the cabinet. The most interesting and amusing part of the present speech begins at page 15.] SIR, IR, I wish before the House goes into Committee of Supply, to make some inquiries of Her Majesty's Government with respect to our relations with France. It is the most important subject of modern politics. We have now, Sir, for nearly forty years, had the blessing of peace between Great Britain and France. During that interval the social relations of the two countries have become various and multiplied. Our commercial transactions during that interval have gradually, progressively, and considerably increased; and at the right opportunity, and under favourable circumstances, no doubt, with enlightened legislation, those commercial transactions are susceptible of considerable, and perhaps indefinite, development. There are two countries which may be esteemed first-class Powers, between whom all questions of high policy are so far identical. It is somewhat strange when we have so many guarantees for a permanent good understanding between the two countries, so many securities for that peace which we desirewhen the past, by the long interval of tranquillity that has occurred, proves that practically there are sources of security This speech is reprinted from Hansard's Debates by permission of Mr. Hansard. which are valid and sufficient-it is extremely strange and startling that, under such circumstances, an idea should seem to have entered into almost every man's brain, and an expres-sion into every man's mouth, that we are on the eve of a rupture with that country. I don't think it unreasonable, therefore, that on going into Committee of Supply, when we are about to vote large sums to sustain the armaments of the country, I should make some inquiries of Her Majesty's Government on a subject of such absorbing interest, and offer a few remarks to the House with respect to it before they go into Committee. All must feel that on such a topic it is of the highest importance that no false opinion should take possession of the public mind, because in a free country, opinion is one of the securities of peace, as it is also sometimes one of the causes of war; and it is by discussion, which is the life and soul of a society like ours, that we arrive at the truth on subjects which often to the danger and peril of the community become perplexed and obscure. I know, Sir, there are persons in both countries-persons born and bred probably during the last great struggle-who are of opinion that there is a natural hostility between the French and the English nations. They are persons who may probably be placed in the same list with those who think, or used to think, that five per cent. is the natural rate of interest. But at the same time they are persons influenced in many instances by very sincere and patriotic feelings, and their opinions, though they may be inveterate prejudices, are not to be despised at a conjuncture like the present. I know, Sir, that to persons influenced by such a conviction, it is in vain to appeal by any of those economical considerations which are often mentioned in the present day. I know that it is in vain to impress on them that, in an age favourable to industry, ancient and civilised communities are diverted from thoughts of war. I know that it is in vain to appeal to the higher impulse of that philanthropy which many of us believe in such communities, in societies under such conditions of great antiquity and advanced civilisation, to be mitigating the hearts of nations. But, Sir, I think it right to appeal to stern facts, |