ENGLISH NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume II, Issue 71, 15 May 1852, Page 2

ENGLISH NEWS.

Resignation: of Lord Palmerston.—The Times of the 24th December has the following announcement:—A few days ago, after the' departure of all the Ministers from London, and at the near approach of Christmas, a Cabinet Council was unexpectedly summoned, although no assignable cause of public interest had occurred to explain this sudden requisition. This Cabinet was held on Monday, the 22nd instant, and it was remarked with surprise that Lord Palmerston, one of the most assiduous members of the Government, was not present. From these circumstances suspicion was excited, and surmise became rife. We have it now in our power to remove all further uncertainty on the subject, for we are enabled to announce, that from the day on which that Cabinet was held Viscount Palmerston ceased to hold the office of Secretary of State for Foreign affairs or to be a member of Her Majesty's Government. It-would not be easy to overrate the importance of such an event both to the stability of the Ministry and to the foreign intercourse of this nation at a time critical in the affairs of Europe. But on both these grounds we believe that when the motives of this decisive measure are more fully before the country, they will be found to he such that the dignity of the Queen's advisers and the best interests of the State rendered it indispensable. Difficulties had arisen not only in the conduct of affairs with Foreign States, but in the transaction of business connected with our foreign policy at home, which had shaken the confidence of ministers in the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and had weakened the control which the First Minister is bound to exercise over every department of the Government. These difficulties are not of yesterday, though they may seem heightened by some recent official expressions of sentiment which have been received with irritation abroad, and with astonishment at home. Her Majesty's Government could not be indifferent to the fact that, from one reason or another, the administration of our foreign affairs by Lord Palmerston had apparently left him without an ally in Europe, and, as some think, without a friend. That undoubtedly is not the natural or proper position of England, or of an English Minister, especially at a time when our sole interest and object should be to cultivate amicable and pacific relations with all Foreign States, and when in fact, those amicable relations are established everywhere but with the Foreign Office.

The Australian merchants have addressed a stirring letter to the London Times of the 19th Dec, on the subject of postal communication between the Australasian colonies and England. They strongly animadvert on the apathy'of the British Government, and express their determination to look elsewhere for indispensable aid, denied at home.

lhe liming Journal, of the 25th, mentions an attempt to form a company in London for working the gold mines in Australia ; but states that the project was abandoned, as no share or stock broker of high standing would allow his name to be used in the formation of any company, where there was not a bona fide mant of land. °

It was understood that the Government have accepted the tender of Mr. Walton for a mail to Australia every alternate month, via the Cape of Good Hope, at an annual payment of £26,000. The ports to be visited are the Cape, King George's Sound, Port Phillip, and Sydney, 'lhe vessel.-, it is presumed, have yet" to be built.— Times.

N„w Pkna r. Colonies.—The anticipations we recently expressed that steps would be taken wish a view to Lhe formation of penal settlements and coaiing stations for steamers in the Southern Pacific, arc, it appears, about to be speedily realised. We now understand that the Lords of the Admiralty have given directions for the immediate equipment of two vessels to proceeds on an exploratory expedition anion*.the South Sua. Islands, including- New Gale" donia and tiie Fejees, with a view to ascertain the capabilities tiicy respectively present for the purpose in question. We also learn that her Majesty's slips " Herald" and " Arrow" are destined for ilns service, aud that the Board of Admiralty, wit.!, a 'laudable appreciation of the professional laionis and public services of'Capt. Mangles Douha-ii. have appointed him to command the l-uuuded expedition.— Times.