I think was the feeling of parliament that way
inclined. But the publication of the treaty has altered all this,
and has thrown upon us the necessity either of doing something
fresh to secure Belgium, or else of saying that under no
circumstances would we take any step to secure her from
absorption. This publication has wholly altered the feeling of the
House of Commons, and no government could at this moment venture
to give utterance to such an intention about Belgium. But neither
do we think it would be right, even if it were safe, to announce
that we would in any case stand by with folded arms, and see
actions done which would amount to a total extinction of public
right in Europe.

The idea of engagements that might some day involve resort to force made
Bright uneasy, and Mr. Gladstone wrote to him again (August 4):--

It will be a great addition to the domestic portion of the griefs
of this most unhappy war, if it is to be the cause of a political
severance between you and the present administration. To this I
know you would justly reply that the claims of conviction are
paramount. I hope, however, that the moment has not quite
arrived.... You will, I am sure, give me credit for good faith
when I say, especially on Lord Granville's part as on my own, who
are most of all responsible, that we take this step in the
interest of peace.... The recommendation set up in opposition to
it generally is, that we should simply declare _we_ will defend
the neutrality of Belgium by arms in case it should be attacked.
Now the sole or single-handed defence of Belgium would be an
enterprise which we incline to think Quixotic; if these two great
military powers combined against it--that combination is the only
serious danger; and this it is which by our proposed engagements
we should I hope render improbable to the very last degree. I add
for myself this confession of faith. If the Belgian people desire,
on their own account, to join France or any other country, I for
one will be no party to taking up arms to prevent it. But that the
Belgians, whether they would or not, should go 'plump' down the
maw of another country to satisfy dynastic greed, is another
matter. The accomplishment of such a crime as this implies, would
come near to an extinction of public right in Europe, and I do not
thi