REVIEW OF THE MONTH. 767 to grave suspicion. We were never sanguine of any good result from Lord John Russell's mission to Vienna; but the return of his lordship and the departure of the other negotiators from the Austrian capital have destroyed whatever expectations others may have entertained. We regret the issue, but are not surprised. The policy of Russia from the first was delusive and hollow. The object was to gain time, and by an appearance of moderation to prevent the German powers from taking part with France and England. The Russian envoy to the Frankfort Diet has now formally announced to the German States, that though the conferences have led to no definitive result, the Czar is prepared to adhere to the arrangement provisionally concluded on the first and second of the four points. This concession on the subject of the Principalities, and of the navigation of the Danube, embraces the main points of German interest, and is consequently adapted to prevent the German powers from taking part with Western Europe. So far, the Czar has played his cards skilfully. In the meantime the policy of Austria continues to be evasive and tortuous. Notwithstanding the rejection of her overtures, she is evidently unprepared to fulfil the conditions of the treaty of December the 2nd. Her words are with the allies, her deeds with Russia. Such has been her position from the commencement, and such it will continue to be so long as is possible. She is not in a condition to break with Russia. Her past misdeeds cripple her. To take an active part in the struggle which is pending would be to hazard the integrity of her empire, by arming against herself no inconsiderable portion of her subjects. We could find it in our hearts to pity her, did we not feel that her perplexity and humiliation are the natural results of her past misdoings. This state of things may well awaken serious apprehension. Were the allies prepared for the requirements of the crisis we should have no misgiving. But it is plain to demonstration that they are not. Our own ministers are feeble and vacillating, the sworn advocates of cliqueship, destitute of genuine patriotism and of commanding statesmanship. It is impossible to read the proceedings of Parliament without feeling humiliated before the nations. Anything more jejune and spiritless, anything more unworthy of the memories of a great people, or less adapted to conduct a terrible conflict to a successful issue, cannot well be imagined. It is no relief to turn to most of the hostile debates which have occurred in either House. Lord Ellenborough's motion was evidently a mere party move, whilst the facility with which Mr. Milner Gibson consented to waive his motion awakens discreditable suspicions. If we are to have peace, let us know the conditions, however humiliating; but if the war is to be prosecuted, let us proceed with determination and earnestness. The two alternatives are before us, and our choice should be instantly made. On the 24th, a debate occurred on the following motion of Mr. Disraeli-"That this House, having seen with regret that the conferences of Vienna have not led to a termination of hostilities, feels it to be a duty to declare that it will continue to give every support to her Majesty in the prosecution of the war until her Majesty shall, in conjunction with her allies, obtain for this country a safe and honorable peace.' The discussion which ensued gives coloring to much which has been whispered of late. The object of the struggle, it is now alleged, is accomplished. Russia has been prevented from seizing on Turkey, and peace should therefore be concluded on the best terms that can be made. From much of this we dissent, but it is too late in the month to enlarge. The debate was continued until nearly two o'clock, and on the following day Mr. Disraeli's resolution was rejected by 319 to 219. A meeting of 203 members was held at the official residence of Lord Palmerston on the afternoon of the 24th, when we are told by the Globe' that his 'explanations were considered most satisfactory, and his refutation of the insinuations brought against the Government was most complete.' We do not expect any good thing from the debate. It bears a party character which might have been avoided if Mr. Layard's motion had had precedence. As a contest between Whigs and Conservatives, the country cares nothing about the matter. Literary Intelligence. Just Published. The Ferns of Great Britain. Illustrated by John Sowerby. The Descriptions, Synonyms, &c., by Charles Johnson, Esq. The Truth and the Life. By Charles Pettit McIlvaine, D.D., D.C.L. Biographical Sketch of the late Dr. Golding Bird; being an Address to Students. Delivered at the Request of the Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society, by John Hutton Balfour, M.D., F.R.S.E. Preces Paulina; or, the Devotions of the Apostle Paul. Essays on the Spirit of the Inductive Philosophy, the Unity of Worlds, and the Philosophy of Creation. By the Rev. Baden Powell, M.A., F.R.S., &c. &c. The Christ of History: an Argument Grounded in the Facts of his Life on Earth. By John Young, M.A. The Disciple whom Jesus Loved. Being Chapters from the History of John the Evangelist. With a Preliminary Sketch. By James Macfarlane, D.D. Congregational Church Music. Part II. Anthems, Hymns, and Chants for Public Worship. Creation's Testimony to its God; or, the Accordance of Science, Philosophy, and Revelation. 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