tar, on the Straits,
and such was believed throughout Europe to be the real object of the
Spanish minister. France was solicitous to weaken the power of the
Moorish empire, and so promote her own designs of encroachment.
A Spanish war was favourable to such an object. It would also be
practicable for the French, at any time, to expel the Spaniards, and
seize upon their positions, and hold a point as powerful for the command
of the Straits of Gibraltar as the rock itself. The policy of France was
anti-English and anti-Spanish throughout, although O'Donnel, the Spanish
minister, regarded it as advantageous to Spain. The demand by England
for repayment to her of the loan so long due by Spain, at such juncture,
was interpreted by the Spanish government and people as an act of
hostility; and the press of Paris, with the connivance of the imperial
government, kept up, and, to a great extent, created the opinion.
The _modus operandi_ of the English government was, however, so
conciliatory, yet firm, as to force respect from the cabinet of Madrid,
and evoke assurances which were satisfactory, although few in England
believed them sincere.

HANOVER.

The Hanoverian government had levied for a long time, at the mouth
of the Elbe, certain monies, called "Stade dues." This excited much
complaint amongst English merchants, and led to an investigation in the
English house of commons, in 1858, of the claims put forward by Hanover
to such exactions. The committee of the commons reported that the
imposts were injurious to British trade, and that Hanover rendered no
return. This led to negotiations which, after much tedious diplomacy,
ended in the extinction of the rates thus levied upon British ships.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The opening paragraphs of the message of the President of the United
States contained the following statements, which were as just and true
as they were remarkable, coming from that source:--

"It has been the misfortune of both countries, ever since the period
of the revolution, to have been annoyed by a series of irritating and
dangerous questions threatening their friendly relations. This has
partly prevented the full development of those feelings of mutual
friendship between the peoples of the two countries, so natural in
themselves, and so conducive to their common interest. Any serious
interruption to the commerce between the United States and Great Britain
would be equally injurious