10 FEBRUARY 1844, Page 2

The French papers have been making a puzzle of a

very plain matter. The French Royal Speech declared an "entente cordiale" to subsist between France and England ; the English Speech avows only "friendly relations" between the Sovereigns and "good under- standing" between the Governments; and the Ultra-French are stung at the repulsive coldness of our expression, after they have committed themselves to warmer advances. Presently, a few among them discover that Lord BROUGHAM eked out the meagre language of the Speech with his own overflowing friendliness; and they are somewhat appeased. Lord BROUGHAM is half a Frenchman to the French, and obtains ready attention. It is strange that Sir Ro- BERT PEEL'S no less hearty effusion should escape their notice : he is the bead of the Government ; he is habitually measured in his terms ; yet his words were not less emphatic than Lord BRouo- HAM'S. Our Royal Speech is always noted for saying nothing in as negative a manner as possible : but the avowal of eager friend- ship was not limited to an individual Peer, or to a single Minister : both Houses accorded with the sentiment by acclamation ; Sir Ro- BERT PEEL asserted, uncontradicted, that it was the sentiment of the entire people ; the press, with a Palmerstonian exception, attests the assertion ; and we can declare, as any other journalist must have ample opportunity of doing, that in private circles the same universal feeling is reechoed on all sides.