The Press.
London, England, 1856-03-08 00:00:00

Ortign doursponteurt.

FRANKFORT, March 5.
ON Sunday evening a telegraphic despatch was made
public commencing:—

Paris, Dimanche matin.
Dans leur séance d'hier, lea plenipotentiaires ont signe
dune maniere definitive lea prelitninaires de pal' conte•
nant tour des casus Leli, c'est u dire, en realite, lapai'elle-
meme.

The monetary effect on the Monday was evident,
and yesterday the adverse reaction verified the usual
course of " Btirse" transactions. There was joy in
the "Judengasse." The earnest expression of
desire for peace by Germany, though tardy, is still
satisfactory ; and though the speech of the Emperor
Napoleon did not absolutely confirm the fulfilment
of the treaty, yet no doubt can be entertained of the
certainty of a pacific solution. There is this, further,
that the Germans, relinquishing petty differences for
the moment, regard the Conferences of Paris as de-
termined to deal with the general interests of Europe
directly and without hesitation, and the attitude of
the allies is one well felt to be sufficient to command
compliance with their demands. The "canards" of
the Vienna journals are at a discount. France and
England are too firmly allied to be endangered by
cont►nental intrigue. It was verbally notified to M.
de Brunow, by high authority, that any attempt to
impair the integrity of the "entente" would be futile;
and, thus united in spirit and deed, the deference paid
to the military might of the two nations is as impos
sible of denial as it is certain not to be abused. In
the present position the casus belli occupies the at•
tention of the Conference, which the "esprit de
moderation et d'equite " will assuredly bring to a
successful issue. That differences will exist is a
matter of course, otherwise the conferences would be
superfluous. It is precisely to discuss points not
easy of solution that the plenipotentiaries have been
commissioned by their respective Sovereigns to meet,
in order that by mutual forbearance and compromise
a satisfactory arrangement may be perfected.
Whatever may be said to the contrary by the im-
placable advocates of war, for the sake of war, the
meetings of the 25th and 28th of February, and the
Ist of March, have been characterised by a marked
advance towards pacification, consequent on the
frank spirit of concession that sufficiently indicates
the sincerity of action and the intent that all into
rests should be fairly regarded, and national pro-
prieties duly respected. In itself this is a material
point, and a guarantee that no effort will be spared
to frame a treaty that shall be substantial and
durable. This latter quality would not be possible
unless it were acceptable to all. On the internal
regulation of the principalities—the first point—
there has been no essential difference of opinion.
The second, treating of the Bessarabian boundaries,
was shown by the Russian Plenipotent aries to be
impossible ; and the topographical error of the
Austrian Ministry a twitted only of a passive ac-
quiescence in the justice of the Russian remon
strance. That point will, therefore, have to be
readjusted at the cost of Austrian interests. The
third proposition, relative to the Black Sea, has led
to a strict explanation of the constructive meaning
placed upon it by England and Russia, the terms
having been too largely expressed to carry out, with
out careful examination, details bearing upon so vast
an extent of seacoast, parts of which are only ques
tionably possessed by Russia. On the score of mili-
tary arsenals there is no dissent. Nicolaieff will be
brought within the prescribed terms without any
necessity for destruction. Less easy will be the
understanding on the littoral fortresses upon the
Georgian and Circassian coast : such as Anapa,
RAlout-Kale, Mamai, &c. But the differences
will end in succumbing to the spirit of the
Austrian proposition. The fourth proposition,

SAT_ unAY,

111

affecting the Christian population in Turke
has been already settled at Constantinoill bY'
Ministers of England, France, Austria, and Turkey;
and, strange to say, the terms have surpassed in
latitude the demand of Prince Menschikoff, which
was the ostensible cause of war. Having accom_
plished this diplomatic feat, no actual necessity
existed to state that, on this subject, "la Russie sera
invitee apres la paix a s'associer aux deiiberations
des puissances." The " puissances " had already
played the game of Russia, even beyond the ex-
pressed limit of her desires. "Le vrai nest pss
toujours vraisemblable." Here may be said to end
the principles affecting the casus Belli.
And now for the fifth point, which, according to
the plenipotentiaries, " touche a d'autres propositions
que celles de l'integrite de l'empire Ottoman," and
possesses by their recorded expression " un interet Eu.
ropeen." It is admitted that German interests are im-
mediately involved in the consequences of the fifth
point; and the acknowledgment, if principle have
any value, prescribes the necessity of consulting
those who represent such interests before legislating
upon the disposition of this " Lien d'autrui." Com.
mon honesty cannot swerve from this moral and poli-
tical canon without an abandonment of character.
It is not a case for argument, except upon "le droit
du plus fort," without the confession of wrong as a
motive for action. The reasons which may be brought
forward in favour of inviting Prussia to the Con-
ferences, apply equally, if not with greater force, in
support of Central Germany. Let the word "con-
federation " be set aside. The Diet, as assembled
in this place, possesses only the attributes of a
solemn farce ; whereas Central Germany is a political
reality. The Diet is a mass of foreign corruption. Cen-
tral Germany stands up honestly for its natural and
inherent right. Austria does not and cannot repre-
sent that cause, being moved by an interest adverse
to such natural right : that is to say, it is the policy
of Vienna to treat the Danube as an Austrian river;
and it is proper and just for Cer.tral Germany to
demand an open access to the Euxine, without inter-
mediate and fiscal impediment, exupting for general
purposes of nverain preservation. Herein the two
interests are essentially conflicting. Then let it be
asked—has Austria, in her political acts of any age,
at any epoch, and under any regime, given such
warrant of trustworthiness that she may quote her
antecedents as a justification for the confidence of
Central Germany ? History, in the truth, does
happen to be an old almanaek, and one, at times,
especially disagreeable to transgressors, in its faith-
ful evidence of fact and time. It deposes, it bears
witness, and it condemns.
What has been said of the Danube will hold good
of the Elbe. It must be distinctly said that the Con-
ferences have full power to argue upon the terms,
and to conclude a treaty of peace upon the basis,
of the four points, but the fifth is matter for a
European congress ; without which all special agree-
ment thereupon will not be generally binding, will
not be durable, and ultimately be of no avail.
J. E. L.

BRUSSELS, March 5.
THE telegraph of Sunday brought intelligence that
the preliminaries of peace had been signed at Paris
on Saturday evening. The effect upon the Belgians,
a people who owe their very existence as a nation to
the kind offices of England iu combating the reason-
able and just opposition of Russia, was remarkable.
In the morning of Sunday the report had been only
partially known. Rumour, however, as in the time
of pious iEneas, winged onwards, but instead of
hiding its head in the clouds, it animated the several
knots of persons congregated after the midday mass
in the park and the adjacent clubs. A general dis-
satisfaction was enunciated—there was a lively dread
that England would come out of the war stroNer
than ever, and that the " Britanniques," by the force
of circumstance, would be authorised to assume a
tone more commanding than heretofore. The vexa-
tion of spirit could ❑ot be disguised by the forced
smile of satisfaction that public decency prescribed
on the cessation of international manslaughter.
Hypocrisy ill performed its duty. The certainty of
the Minister of Russia having officially visited his
colleagues of England, France, and Sardinia increased
the working of discontent, and every tongue was
emulous in disseminating tales more apt the one than
the other to disparage the character and the standing
of the English nation. If the public accusation
failed, the private libel was ready—if the social ma-
lice was proved to be purely inventive, the mischance
of the Iledan was remembered with exultation. But,
as relates the Virgilian verse,
Nocte pluit tota—redeunt spectacula mane.
The telegraph of Monday failed to confirm the
fortunate noes of the foregoing day ; hopes, not of
a high standard of morality, returned, and on the
publication of the Imperial speech, without ralpt

I

MARCH 8, 1856.

FRANCE.

being made of the completion of the peace
iminarie%, there was an outburst of thanksgiving,
a jubilant imprecation that things might yet
come to pass, that even if war were not continued
gun of England might be paled, her mirk lep-
g:ned, and her prestige injured. When high and
lay States, such as England and Russia, solve
differences on the battle-field, there is just
for lamentation. When they are reconciled in
imal esteem and unimpaired honour joy should
great, as that of a mother " when a man m born
the world." That this is not the case in Bel-
_ is very little to the credit of the national
:haracter, and gives evidence of a want of that
-nerosity of sentiment by which high-minded
nations are influenced even in their hour of conflict.
E. R.

SIENA, March 3.
Lowea Italy is in the hands of the brigands. They
tercise control to such an extent that even the
- hesitate to take their ordinary evening drive,
le mure," an hour before sunset. Police pro-
tection, in the Roman and Neapolitan States, has
ceased to deserve the name—the " sbirri" being the
fathers, sons, and brothers of the " assassint." A
- of things so thoroughly disgraceful cannot last,

under the existing rule the Roman and Neapo-
executives have no means of remedy. The
'ucated and wealthier clasßes withhold moral assis-
from a governing power that is evidently in a
of transition.

to ex-Queen Christina and the Duke of Rian-

are about to repair to Rome on a speculative
'lesion, connected with the Civits Vecchia and other
always. The commercial interest has triumphed
last through the exertions of the banker Torlonia,
' the Pope is obliged to act in opposition to his
lion that railroads are an invention of the heretic
ie downfal of the Papacy.
attempt is being made in Tuscany to introduce
'apal Concordat. It is firmly resisted by people
all classes, as the measure would be far more

igent than in Austria. The Government of that.
itry is already at issue with the bishops ; but in
uscany the ecclesiastical would supersede every
authority with governmental consent. The
of Italy is a freedom of commercial exchange
other and distant States. Corn, oil, and wine,

riches of the earth, freely exported, with free im-
portrtion in return, would soon work out a better
of things. Any one conversant with Italian
i is aware that the trade of Italy is gradually
,ing; but if once commercial and agricultural
Tests can be made to flourish, the unshackled
rers of wealth will immediately unloose the
itical bonds of industry.

M. T. A.

!ortign and 6olanial Snttllipte.

oPENING OF THE FRENCH CHAMBERS.
Legislative Session was opened by the Emperor
'rson, on Monday, in the Salle des Marechaux,
Palace of tho Tuileries. At a few minutes

one p.m., a salute of 101 guns announced the
iencement of the ceremony, and shortly after
riiperor, accompanied by Prince Jerome, and
preceded and followed by the great officers of State
the aides-de-camp in attendance, entered the
The Emperor, having requested the assembly
. seated, took his seat upon the Throne. The
iperor then, in the midst of profound silence,
wered the following

'EECH FROM THE IMPERIAL THRONE.
M. les Pairs, MM. lee Stnateurs,—
last time that I summoned you to meet, grave

_les weighed upon ne. The allied armies were ex.
bausting themselves in a siege, in which the stubbornness
defenders made success doubtful. Euroie, uncer•
seemed to await the issue of the struggle before
:laring herself.

sustain the war, I asked a loan which, although it
appear excessive, you voted unanimously. The
price of provisions menaced the labouring classes
general discomfort, and a disturbance in the mone•
system gave ground to fear the slackening of business
the diminution of employment. Well ! thanks to your
and to the energy displayed in France and in England
.mks, above all, to the support of Providence—these
igers, if tl•ey have not entirely disappeared, are for the
' part dissipated.
. great deed of arms has since decided a desperate
niggle, unparalleled in history, in favour of the allies.
opinion of Europe from that moment has been more
shown.

THE PRESS.

In every direction our alliances have extended, or have
become more firm.

The third loan has been supplied without difficulty.
The country has again proved to me its confidence by sub.
scribing a sum five times larger than I required from it.
It has undergone, with admirable resignation, the auffei-
ings inseparable from dearness of provisions—sufferings

which, nevertheless, have been mitigated b 3 private
charity, by the zeal of the corporations, and by the millions
of francs distributed in the departments. An tvrival of
foreign corn has now produced a considerable fall in the
price of food ; the fears arising from the disappearance of
gold have faded; and never has labour been more active,
never have the revenues been so large.
The chances of war have reawakened the military spirit
of the nation. Never were there so many voluntary en•
listrnents, nor so great an ardour among the conscripts.
To this brief statement of the situation, facts of a high
political signification must be added.
The Queen of Great Britain, desirous of giving a proof
of her confidence, of her esteem for our country, to render
our relations more intimate, visited France. The enthusi-
astic welcome she met with must have convinced her how
deep were the sentiments inspired by her presence, and
that they were of a nature to strengthen the alliance of
the two nations.

The King of Piedmont, who, without looking behind
him, had embraced our cause with that courageous im-
petuosity which he had already shown on the battle-
field, also came to France, to consecrate a union
already cemented by the bravery of his soldiers. Those
sovereigns were enabled to see a country formerly so
agitated and disinherited of its rank in the councils of
Europe, now prosperous, peaceful, and respected, waging
war, not with the momentary delirium of passion, but with
the calmness, justice, and energy of duty. They beheld
France, while sending 200,000 men beyond the seas, at the
same time convoke all the arts of peace at Paris, as if she
wished to say to Europe, " The present war is only an
episode, for me ; my ideas and my strength are in part
always directed towards the arts of peace: let us neglect
nothing to understand each other, and du riot compel me
to throw all the resources and all the energy of a great
nation into the lists of battle."
That appeal seems to have been heard, and winter, by
suspending hostilities, favored the intervention of diplo-
macy.
Austria resolved upon taking a decisive step, which
brought into the deliberations all the influence of the
sovereign of a vast empire.
Sweden entered into closer connection with England and
France by a treaty which guaranteed the integrity of ber
territory ; finally, advice or entreaties were sent to St.
Petersburg from all the Cabinets.
The Emperor of Russia, who had inherited a position
he had not created, appeared animated with a sincere
desire to put an end to the causes which had occasioned
this sanguinary conflict.
He resolutely accepted the propositions transmitted by
Austria.

The honour of his arms once satisfied, he did honour
to himself also by complying with the distinctly expressed'
wishes of Europe.

To-day the plenipotentiaries of the belligerent and allied
powers are assembled at Paris to decide upon the condi-
tions of peace. The spirit of moderation and equity which
animates them all must make us hope for a favorable
result ; nevertheless, let us await the end of the conferences
with dignity, and let us be equally prepared, if it should
be necessary, either again to draw the sword or to extend
the hand to those we have honourably fought.
Whatever may happen, let us occupy ourselves with all
the means proper to increase the po'ver and wealth of
France ; let us draw still closer, if possible, the alliance
formed by a participation of glory and of sacrifices, the
reciprocal advantages of which will be brought into still
stronger relief by peace.

Let us, finally, ac this solemn moment for the destinies
of the world, place our trust in God, that He may guide
our efforts in the sense most conformable to the interests
of humanity and of civilisation.

The speech was received with loud cheers, and, after
the administration of the usual oaths to recently
elected senators, the ceremony concluded.
The effect of the speech upon the public mind in
Paris was at first one of disappointment from no
positive result of the negotiations being announced,
but the general tone of the speech was, on the whole,
considered satisfactory. The French journals have
not commented much upon the speech. The Debats
considered it as conciliatory, and of a nature to con
firm the hopes of peace.
The allusions to the English alliance and the
gallantry of the King of Piedmont have been much
remarked.

The budget for 1857 was presented the next day to
the Senate. The budget shows receipts exceeding
by 19,220,000 francs, and expenditure exceeding by
96,770,630 francs, the same items in the budget of
last year. The excess cf receipts is estimated at
15,417,348 francs.
The announcement of the IndeTendayee Belpe
that the " preliminaries of peace, including the
cams belli, were definitively signed on Satur•
day," has been denounced by the Pays and
Patrie on authority as altogether false. The
seine journals on Wednesday affirmed distinctly that
the signature of the preliminaries was a diplomatic
formality. Some jokes were also made about Lord
Palmerston's want of memory.

225

The Empress Eugenie, since Wednesday, has
remained in her apartments. Her accouchement is
daily expected.

The programme of the ceremonial to be observed
at the birth and baptism of the Imperial children is
prepareil.

AUSTRIA.
Several conferences, at which were present Sir
Hamilton Seymour, Viscount Serres, and the
Turkish Chsrge, Tan Bey, have lately been held at
the hotel of Baron Werner (the locum tenons of
Count Buol). The memorandum of Baron Prokesch
on the practical application of the reforms projected
in Turkey, is believed to have been the subject under
consideration. The occupation of the Principalities
by the troops of the three powers is also said to form
one of the questions at issue; and that Baron de
Werner has been charged by Count Buol to draw up
a plan to that effect, in conjunction with the Western
powers and the Porte.

The decree of the military conscription for the
empire of Austria for 1856 has been published. Of
the 86,000 men forming the total, 6,977 fall to the
share of Lombardy.

The long looked for appendix to the Concordat
has at length appeared, in the shape of a letter ad-
dressed by the Archbishop of Vienna, as plenipoten-
tiary of the Emperor, to the Cardinal Viale Prela,
Papal Internuncio to the Austrian Court. The letter
is of great length, and confirms the Concordat in
every point. Article 9, which relates to restrictions
to be placed on the freedom of the press, says :

The suppression of books dangerous to religion and
morality is a matter which concerns Church and State, and
his Majesty the Emperor will do all in his power to keep
such books out of his dominions. He will, therefore, take
care that, in order to curb literary audacity, the laws—
which are not wanting in the necessary severity—shall
be carried out with proper vigour, and that the greatest
attention shall be paid to the wishes of the bishops in this
matter.

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