28 NOVEMBER 1846, Page 12

ROYAL IMMUNITY.

THE statement is repeated this week, that King Leopold has de- clined to mediate between the French and English Governments, with the further explanation, that he thought it " premature " to do so. One reason for his passiveness might be, that he does not think it salon regle to meddle in affairs properly ministerial. Ano- ther might be, that he is conscious of some surviving displeasure in the mind of his Royal niece Queen Victoria.

It is not unnatural that Queen Victoria should be displeased at finding herself mixed up in so disagreeable a piece of business, especially as she seemed to incur a personal slight. That un- toward incident is the consequence of the indiscretion which drew the Queen into the discussion at all. It is an example of warning.

The constitutional practice which has grown up gradually in this country, of relieving the Sovereign from all share in contests, is based on mature experience and sound judgment. It saves many inconveniences to all parties—the Sovereign, the Ministers, and the public. Our neighbours across the Channel have learned to value the English rule in theory, but not to copy it in prac- tice: they say, "The King reigns but does not govern " ; yet the French practice is quite opposite. In some respects it may al- most be said that the King governs but does not reign—is more a Minister, and therefore less a King. The French are earning a better experience, at the expense of much present embarrassment. The difference in the practice of the two countries prevented Queen Victoria from entering into the drawingroom convention at Eu on equal terms. She was the Sovereign, whose active par- ticipation is with us reserved for settled conclusions, and is thus preserved from slight. Louis Philippe was the Minister, used to "rough it" in council ; having an eye to forms, even to friend- ships, but a sharper eye to business. Decorum was wounded,

and inconvenience followed. Instead, however, of striving to keep up a womanly irritation, our diplomatic statesmen will find worthier employment in restoring their Queen to her true position of presumed indifference and unquestioned immunity.