20 FEBRUARY 1864, Page 2

Lord Palmerston explained yesterday week that England, "in conjunction with

France, Russia, and Sweden," and "with the concurrence;' he believed, of Austria, had proposed an armistice on the basis of the evacuation of Schleswig, except the Island of Alsen, by the Panes; and Mr. Layard, on a subsequent night, explained that the proposed armistice had failed, whether because Denmark would not hear of it, or because Prussia would not hear of it, we do not know—probably both. We suppose the object of the armistice would be to await the action of the Rigsraad in regard to the November Constitution ; but as the Prussians have determined that the concessions they will extort must depend on the amount of their "sacrifices in the war," they cannot afford to stop without greater sacrifices. It would be disagreeable to have to ask for Schleswig in consideration of the death of a few hundred soldiers. After a few regiments have thus been voluntarily offered up, their modesty will, perhaps, admit of the demand.