The Globe of Thursday gave a very important document on
the subject of the disputes between Holland and Belgium,—the answer of the Conference to the remonstrance of the King of Holland against the treaty of the twenty-four articles. This answer is dated the 4th instant, and signed by the whole of the members of the Conference. It is straightforward and decided. The King's arguments are met and settled, not perhaps to his satisfaction, but in a tolerably successful manner notwithstanding; and the conclusion is, that the Conference neither offers any modification of the treaty, nor holds out any hope of such an offer in future. The paper is said to have been drawn up by Lord PALMERSTON, and is a very credit- able specimen of his Lordship's abilities; as a comment on the rumoured designs and supposed feelings of the Emperors of Russia and Austria, it is of no small value. Whatever opinion we may entertain of these Monarchs, it is impossible to suppose that they would authorize their plenipotentiaries to put their names to such a paper if they were not honestly desirous of having the treaty carried into execution. In the mean time, and as a consequence of this answer, the period for the King of Holland acceding to the treaty has been extended far fifteen days beyond the day originally fixed. The whole of the Powers, Belgium included, have agreed in this extension; but TALLEYRAND did so with a reserve, that he should not be prejudiced, by his consenting to it, in regard to any orders he might receive in the interim from his own Court.
The question of the fortresses is yet unsettled, and probably will remain so until the more important one of the Northern bounda- ries is finally arranged. If France is strenuous for the preservation of Marienburg and Phillippeville, and Belgium is willing, there seems no reason why, from fear of some distant and improbable contingency, the Allies should haggle about it.
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