“Her majesty’s government are aware that as this state of things has now, unfortunately, for some years been established, it may be possible that it could not suddenly be brought to a close without some danger to public order, and the risk of producing events that all would deplore; but her majesty’s government are convinced that the evacuation of the Papal territory may be rendered safe at an early period by a policy of wisdom and justice, and they entertain a hope that the measures agreed upon by the governments of France and Austria will lead to a gradual withdrawal of their respective forces, and to bettering the condition of the subjects of the Pope.
“You will read and give a copy of this despatch to Count Cavour.
“I am, &c.,
“[Signed] Clarendon.”
Naples.—The state of Naples was at this time appalling, the king was the most unruly man in his kingdom. Oppressions the most barbarous were wrought by his sanguinary and faithless hand. The governments of France and England advised, remonstrated, protested in vain. His majesty adopted the principle of doing what he pleased with his own, to the ruin of his kingdom, the sufferings of his people, and the disgrace of his reign. Various English subjects were injured, but no effectual measures were taken by either England or France to put a stop to the insult and defiance they received. Austria professed to offer the Neapolitan monarch advice in the interests of moderation and good government—it was even alleged that Russia did the same; but his majesty was deaf to all counsel, and expressed his determination to rule absolutely, and deal with his people as he pleased, in spite of the threatened interposition of foreign powers.
BRITISH POLICY IN ASIA.
Siam.—The British government used all its influence to cultivate friendly relations with all the Asiatic governments, in the hope that a more extended and peaceful intercourse might spring up between these nations and the British empire. The most decisive results of such negotiations were seen at Siam and Persia. In the former country peace and friendship were confirmed; in the latter, war closed a vexed correspondence, which England conducted with the sincerest desire to secure justice and amity. A treaty of friendship and commerce was signed at Bangkok, May 13, 1856, between her Britannic majesty and the King of Siam. A supplementary agreement was afterwards signed. Dr. Bowring was the British plenipotentiary. His excellency’s account of the embassy and the accomplishment of its purpose has been published, and opens up interesting and instructive views of the people of that region.