The Press.
London, England, 1858-01-02 00:00:00

Sortign 6orresponbtatt.

PARIS, December 30, 1837.
ANOTHER political difficulty has arisen, and this
time Austria runs the risk of being placed in an
isolated position. The subject is the free navigation
of the Danube. During the Paris Peace Congress,
discussion on this important question occupied the
serious attention of the different plenipotentiaries.
The pretensions of Count Buol were, that the labour
of the commissioners should be confined to the
regulating of the Lower Danube ; the navigation of
what is called the Higher Danube to remain as it
then was. This proposition was combated by Count
Walewski and Lord Cowley, and ultimately decided
against Austria. Two commissions were then
nraned—the one composed of delegates from Eng-
land, France, Austria, Russia, Prussia and Sardinia .
These delegates were exclusively to occupy them-
selves with the subject of the erection of the
necessary works, so as to insure the safe entry
into the Dauu'ee, to dredge away the bars at
its mouths, and to light the coast, &c., so
as to insure also a safe navigation outside.
The second commission was to be composed of
delegates from Austria, Bavaria, Turkey, and War.
temberg, and a delegate—to be approved of by the
Porte—from each of the Danubian principalities.
The principal instructions given to this commission
were, to regulate the free navigation of the Danube,
to do away with all obstacles which may have sprung
up, and to carry out the intentions of the Treaty of
Vienna. The sittings of the commission were held at
Vienna, and were presided over by the Austrian dele-
gate, M. de Blumfield. The influence of this gen-
tleman was consequently very great, and, as it was
anticipated, all the articles were drawn up in a spirit
favourable to Austria, but not without great opposi-
tion on the part of the Danubian delegates, who
ultimately refused to sign the report. The report,
signed by Austria, Bavaria, Turkey, and Wurtem-
berg, was sent for ratification to the different Courts.
The Porte immediately sent to its ambassadors at
Vienna to ratify the report; but, if I am rightly
informed, within the last few days it has sent counter
instructions, desiring further information. The fact
is that Redschid Parha is doing all he can to conciliate
M. de Thouvacl, who is strongly opposed to the
report, and is prepared now in this instance to sacri-
fice Austria to France. As regards England, it is

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given out that Lord Clarendon is as strongly
opposed to the report as Count Walewslki. Several
diplomatic notes have passed between the Cabinets
of Austria, France, and England. In one of his
despatches Count Buol is said to pretend that the
Paris Congress has no right to interfere in the report
of the commission, but to accept it simply as a fait
accompli. On the other hand, it is said that Log.
land and France are determined to brine the whole
question before the Paris Congress. You thus see
that I was right in saying Austria is likely to be
placed in an isolated position. The object of Austria
is to prevent French and English steam companies
from navigating the Danube. This question is likely
to become very interesting. Be as,ured I will keep
you well informed with every movement made by

either party.
It is reported as positive that the Paris Congress
will not meet before February, but I have good
reason for believing that nothing has as yet been
settled.
Rumours that the Emperor was seriously indis-
posed have been rife this week. His Majesty has
already recovered from a slight attack of influenza,
and left to-day for Fontainebleau on a shooting excur-
sion. During the past week the Emperor every even-
ing, accompanied only by one of his principal officers,
has promenaded the Boulevards, and inspected the
stalls of the different vendors of the holiday presents
(Jour de ran). On all these occasions the reception
of his Majesty is most enthusiastic. The Paris public
admire him for the confidence be places in them, in
thus coming amongst them unprotected. It is strange
to reflect that Louis Philippe, head of a constitutional
monarchy, the issue of barricades, would not have
found it safe to act as the Emperor now does.
The Empress, who is in the enjoyment of excellent
health, appears frequently in public, and exerts herself
to ameliorate the condition of the poor. I know not
whether the Empress regulates the fashion of the
day, but at all events, from present appearances, the
ladies' crinolines are likely this winter to rival the
famous hoops of the last century. Silks, satins, and
velvets are now the great rage, and these are of so
costly a nature that 65f. a yard for mere promenade
silk is a common item, I apprehend, in the Christmas
milliner's bill.
We have had a real musical treat, nothing less
than an opera from the pen of Rossini. This un-
rivalled maestro, who for many years has refused to
write f.f the great theatres, was so struck with the
remarkable talent of M. Offenbach, the director of
the "Bonffes Parisiens," that he absolutely made
him a present of an operatic bluette, called Bruschino.
It is acknowledged by all the dilettanti to be a chef-
d'oeuvre in gaiety, nerve, originality and freshness.
As you may naturally suppose, the door of the
" Bouffes " are literally besieged each night. The
English puh.ic have had an opportunity of admiring
the varied talents of M. Offenbach during the repre-
sentations given by the " Boutfes Parisiens" at the
St. James's Theatre. I have no doubt that before
many months shall have passed away you will be
able to applaud the Bruschino of Rossini.
A great number of workmen are now being em•
ployed in digging wells in the Camp of Chalons,
sufficient to provide water for .50,000 men, which it
is reported will compose the camp of 155.4.
It is expected that General Lamoriciere and his
family will reach Amiens this evening. The
general intends passing some time at his country
house in the neighbourhood of that town.
Your celebrated preacher, Mr. Spurgeon, is ex-
pected to reach Paris in time to preach on Sunday
next, or, at all events, the Sunday following, in the
English chapel in the Rue Marbizeuf.
Although preparations are making for the depar-
ture of the Prince of Prussia to be present at the
marriage of his son, nothing has as yet been decided
on ; it will depend on the health of the King. The
Regency question is still in abeyance ; but should, in
the meantime, the power invested in the Prince be
prolonged, it. will be on a wider basis.
The Spanish Government has positively refused
to follow she counsels of England and France in its
dispute with Mexico. It has determined that its
original pretensions shall be accepted without the
slightest modification.
The weather is now so warm at Nice that the
visitor! take their daily bath in the sea, and prome-
nade on the shores in almost summer clothing.
Queen Christine of Spain reached Rome on the
20th of December, and took up her temporary resi-
dence at the hotel of the Spanish Ambassador.
I have received some interesting particulars of the
horrible effect of the earthquake in the Kingdom of
the Two Sicilies. Potenza no longer exists; that
part of the country which lies between Potenza and
the Valle di Diana has completely disappeared, and
the greater portion of its 4,0110 inhabitants have
perished. Lorenzona, Auletta, Padula, Polls, and
Alletta, are nearly completely destroyed. The num-
ber of victims already dug from the ruins at Salerno
exceed 2,000, and dead bodies are being y
found.