We cannot conclude without making a few observations on Lord Palmerston’s attempt to conquer the islets of Cervi and Sapienza for the Ionian republic. We never knew Lord Palmerston undertake a worse case, nor conduct one in a worse manner. Whether the islands in question belong to King Otho or Sir H. Ward, is a matter about which neither can feel very positive, as it turns on the interpretation of obscure treaties that make no mention of the thing in dispute; and these treaties were in part framed before either of the states now appearing as claimants had an existence. The facts are, Greece is in possession of two islands. The Ionian republic advances a claim to them. Greece takes no notice of this claim, even when backed by the powerful intervention of England. Lord Palmerston, considering the British Government is not treated with proper courtesy by King Otho, gives orders to seize the islands and deliver them to Sir H. Ward; but, before these orders are executed, he receives an answer from the Greek Government, and recalls his orders. Still he boldly tells the world that he had given these orders, as may be seen in the last despatch printed in the Parliamentary papers. Now this announcement was quite uncalled for, and has very naturally given great offence to the Russian Government, for it was a gratuitous violation of the diplomatic courtesy due to our allies, the joint protectors of Greece. When England found that Greece was withholding property supposed to belong to the Ionian republic, it was clearly her duty, as protector of the Ionian republic, to lay the case before Russia, France, and England, the three protectors of Greece. No want of courtesy on the part of Greece, in leaving the communications of England unanswered, could ever warrant England forgetting what was due to Russia and France, and even to herself. England alone could not pretend to decide whether Cervi and Sapienza belong to Greece or to the Ionian republic. Russia, from her earlier connexion with the Ionian islands, and her more intimate knowledge of Greek and Turkish affairs, was the power best qualified to decide the question; and both Russia and France had a right to take part in deciding it. Had the imprudent order of Lord Palmerston been unfortunately carried into execution, it might have seriously troubled our relations with Russia; even as it is, the unnecessary publicity given to the fact that such an order had been issued, has been viewed as an intentional slight.