Italy.  Then, with regard to the question as to whether we have recommended Austria to terminate the war by assenting to the proposal of ceasing to be a member of the German Confederation, I must remind the right hon. gentleman that that proposal has never been made, so far as I am aware, as the sole condition of peace, that Austria should cease to be a member of the German Confederation.  No doubt various preliminaries have been discussed between the two Governments.  If the question were narrowed to the issue whether Austria would conclude peace by ceding Venetia and by consenting to quit the Confederation, that, no doubt, would be a question upon which we should be in a position to give an opinion; but since we have no reason to think that the acceding to those two conditions by Austria would terminate the war, and since we do not know accurately and precisely what are the terms which would be likely to be accepted by one or other of the belligerent parties, it would be clearly premature on our part to express an opinion on the abstract question as to what conditions might or might not be accepted.  With regard to the general policy of the Government I have only one remark to make.  I think there never was a great European war in which the direct national interests of England were less concerned.  We all, I suppose, have our individual sympathies in the matter.  The Italian question I look upon as not being very distant from a fair settlement; and with regard to the other possible results of the war, and especially as to the establishment of a strong North German Power—­of a strong, compact empire, extending over North Germany—­I cannot see that, if the war ends, as it very possibly may, in the establishment of such an empire—­I cannot see that the existence of such a Power would be to us any injury, any menace, or any detriment.  It might be conceivable enough that the growth of such a Power might indeed awaken the jealousy of other Continental States, who may fear a rival in such a Power.  That is a natural feeling in their position.  That position, however, is not ours, and if North Germany is to become a single great Power, I do not see that any English interest is in the least degree affected.  I think, Sir, I have now answered as explicitly as I can the various questions which have been put to me.  I think, in the first place, I may assure the hon. member for Wick that there is no danger, as far as human foresight can go, of Continental complications involving this country in war.  I think, in the next place, that if we do not intend to take an active part in the quarrel, we ought to be exceedingly cautious how we use menacing language or hold out illusory hopes.  If our advice is solicited, and if there is any likelihood that that advice will be of practical use, I do not think we ought to hesitate to give the best advice in our power; but while giving it under a deep sense of moral responsibility, as being in our judgement the best, we ought carefully