§ MR. DARBY GRIFFITHsaid, he rose to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether information has been received that the Austrian Government are removing the troops of the late Duke of Modena from the territory of Venetia; and also, whether that Government are transferring troops from Mantua, and other fortresses in Venetia, to Hungary, for the purpose of the collection of taxes in the latter country? In bringing the subject before the House he reminded hon. Members of the present relative position, of Austria and Hungary, and of the refusal of the Hungarian Parliament to recognize the constitution which had been promulgated by Austria, and that they claimed their ancient rights. If the conduct of Austria should prove to be harsh towards the Hungarian people, it Would drive them to the verge of war. The constitution of Hungary was of as great antiquity as our own, and the people of that country BOW demanded their rights. That demand was not made by the extreme democratic party but by the moderate party. He had visited these countries, and knew the feelings of the Hungarians. If Kossuth should go into the Carpathian mountains, he could bring about such scenes as Were enacted m 1848, for the attachment of the people to him was very strong. Our policy was undoubtedly one of strict impartiality, and it was to be hoped that some constitutional mode would be found of settling the present difficulties. He should be glad if the noble Lord would reply to his Question.
§ LORD JOHN RUSSELLIn reply to the Question which has been asked by the 29 hon. Member, I have only to say no information has been received at the Foreign Office with respect to the removal of the troops of the late Duke of Modena from the territory of Venetia, or that the Austrian Government are transferring troops from Mantua and other fortresses in Venetia to Hungary, for the purpose of collecting taxes in that country. I do not think I am at all called upon—nor do I think it would be for the convenience of the House that I should enter upon the question of Hungary. I can only say that the hon. Gentleman seems to have misunderstood what I said on a former occasion on this subject. I gave no opinion in favour of Austria as against Hungary; I only expressed the wish that Hungary may be in the enjoyment of liberty according to her ancient constitution, and that the enjoyment of those liberties may be compatible with the maintenance of the present dynasty. I gave no Other opinion than that: but the hon. Gentleman seems to think that the Emperor of Austria has decided upon taking a course hostile to the interests of Hungary; but I am far from, thinking that Such is the case. I am not disposed to doubt the decision which the Austrian Government has arrived at, nor can I, of course, say what policy it is intended to pursue;