26 DECEMBER 1863, Page 2

The epigram may be about as true in his mouth

as in his uncle's, but M. Drouyn de Lhuys has been instructed to make a second attempt at a Congress. In a despatch dated the 8th December, that Minister ascribes the failure of the first plan to Great Britain alone, but suggests that "the Sovereigns should charge their Foreign Ministers to come to an understanding on the ques- tions to be discussed," and then hold a Congress of Continental Powers. This scheme has not even the grandeur of the old one to recommend it, and will, there is no doubt, be declined. In- deed, it is difficult to believe that it is put forward with any other idea than to cover the Emperor's retreat from an untenable position.