Sir, for my part I find all these qualities wanting; and in consequence of the want of these qualities, I see that three results have accrued.  The first is that the avowed policy of Her Majesty’s Government has failed.  The second is, that our just influence in the councils of Europe has been lowered.  Thirdly, in consequence of our just influence in the councils of Europe being lowered, the securities for peace are diminished.  These are three results which have followed in consequence of the want of the qualities to which I have alluded, and in consequence of the management of these affairs by the Government.  Sir, I need not, I think, trouble the House with demonstrating that the Government have failed in their avowed policy of upholding the independence and integrity of Denmark.  The first result may be thrown aside.  I come therefore to the second.  By the just influence of England in the councils of Europe I mean an influence contra-distinguished from that which is obtained by intrigue and secret understanding; I mean an influence that results from the conviction of foreign Powers that our resources are great and that our policy is moderate and steadfast.  Since the settlement that followed the great revolutionary war, England, who obtained at that time—­as she deserved to do, for she bore the brunt of the struggle—­who obtained at that time all the fair objects of her ambition, has on the whole followed a Conservative foreign policy.  I do not mean by Conservative foreign policy a foreign policy that would disapprove—­still less oppose—­the natural development of nations.  I mean a foreign policy interested in the tranquillity and prosperity of the world, the normal condition of which is peace, and which does not ally itself with the revolutionary party of Europe.  Other countries have their political systems and public objects, as England had, though they may not have attained them.  She is not to look upon them with unreasonable jealousy.  The position of England in the councils of Europe is essentially that of a moderating and mediatorial Power.  Her interest and her policy are, when changes are inevitable and necessary, to assist so that these changes, if possible, may be accomplished without war, or, if war occurs, that its duration and asperity may be lessened.  This is what I mean by the just influence of England in the councils of Europe.  It appears to me that just influence of England in the councils of Europe has been lowered.  Within twelve months we have been twice repulsed at St. Petersburg.

Twice have we supplicated in vain at Paris.  We have menaced Austria, and Austria has allowed our menaces to pass her like an idle wind.  We have threatened Prussia, and Prussia has defied us.  Our objurgations have rattled over the head of the German Diet, and the German Diet has treated them with contempt.