23 SEPTEMBER 1876, Page 1

On the manner and method of the speech we have

commented so fully elsewhere, that we will only add here that Lord Beaconsfield declared the two objects of his and Lord Derby's foreign policy to be the maintenance of British interests of the highest importance, and of peace ; that it was a very difficult crisis, and that it would be " affectation " to suppose he was backed by the country in his policy, since what the country desires would, if carried into effect, be " alike injurious to the permanent and important interests of England, and fatal to any chance of preserving the peace of Europe." After denouncing in oddly extravagant terms the politicians of sinister aims who are availing them- selves of the English enthusiasm, and after assailing Servia with extreme violence of phrase for her virtual breach of honour in going to war, and declaring that it was Lord Derby who had obtained the armistice and rendered peace possible, Lord Beaconsfield declared most positively that her Majesty's Government, and he believed all the Governments of Europe, were perfectly aware that the English people's demand for the autonomy of the Christian provinces of Turkey was simply im- possible, and would only lead to a great European war.