Sir, this is anarchy.  It therefore appears to me obvious that Her

Majesty’s Government have failed in their avowed policy of maintaining the independence and integrity of Denmark.  It appears to me undeniable that the just influence of England is lowered in the councils of Europe.  It appears to me too painfully clear that to lower our influence is to diminish the securities of peace.  And what defence have we?  If ever a criticism is made on his ambiguous conduct the noble lord asks me, ‘What is your policy?’ My answer might be my policy is the honour of England and the peace of Europe, and the noble lord has betrayed both.  I can understand a Minister coming to Parliament when there is a question of domestic interest of the highest character for consideration, such as the emancipation of the Catholics, the principles on which our commercial code is to be established, or our representative system founded.  I can quite understand—­although I should deem it a very weak step—­a Minister saying, ’Such questions are open questions, and we leave it to Parliament to decide what is to be our policy.’  Parliament is in possession of all the information on such subjects that is necessary or can be obtained.  Parliament is as competent to come to a judgement upon the emancipation of any part of our subjects who are not in possession of the privileges to which they are entitled; the principles on which a commercial code is to be established or a representative system founded are as well known to them as to any body of men in the world; but it is quite a new doctrine to appeal to Parliament to initiate a foreign policy.  To initiate a foreign policy is the prerogative of the Crown, exercised under the responsibility of constitutional Ministers.  It is devised, initiated, and carried out in secrecy, and justly and wisely so.  What do we know as to what may be going on in Downing Street at this moment?  We know not what dispatches may have been written, or what proposals may have been made to any foreign Power.  For aught I know, the noble lord this morning may have made another proposition which might light up a general European war.  It is for Parliament to inquire, to criticize, to support, or condemn in questions of foreign policy; but it is not for Parliament to initiate a foreign policy in absolute ignorance of the state of affairs.  That would be to ask a man to set his house on fire.  I will go further.  He is not a wise, I am sure he is not a patriotic, man who, at a crisis like the present, would accept office on conditions.  What conditions could be made when we are in ignorance of our real state?  Any conditions we could offer in a vote of the House of Commons carried upon a particular point might be found extremely unwise when we were placed in possession of the real position of the country.  No, Sir, we must not allow Her Majesty’s Government to escape from their responsibility.  That is at the bottom of all their demands when they ask, ‘What is your policy?’ The very first night we met—­on February 4—­we had the same question.  Parliament was called together by a Ministry in distress to give them a policy.  But Parliament maintained a dignified and discreet reserve:  and you now find in what a position the Ministry are placed to-night.