The Press.
London, England, 1856-02-16 00:00:00

Inapt 6ortzsgonbtatt.

FRANKFORT, Feb. 12.
GERMANY is occupied entirely in discussing the
probable position of Prussia and the Confederation
at the approaching conferences. The merest exer-
cise of common sense will place the matter in its
true bearing, and without offence to national suscepti-
bilit►cs. Prussia declares never to have lost sight of
her neutrality, and, in proof of having maintained
that line of conduct strictly, quotes the refusal to
participate in the coercive propositions submitted by
the Cabinet of Vienna for the acceptance of Russia.
A given alternative where the selection of one course
leads to certain evil, and where the other is distaste
ful, cannot be accounted an act amicable on the
part of the proposer. In this Prussia judged rightly,
and in declining to identify herself wits the Austrian
propositions avoided a position irreconcileable with
that of friendly neutrality towards Russia. The
question of peace or war, in the first stage, has to be
determined by the belligerents themselves, with
Austria as an intermediate agent.
The preliminaries of peace being settled, such pro-
visions as might trench upon the general policy of
Europe would immediately bring about the second
and consequent phasis, and call for a participation of
those States connected by territory with the points
under discussion. Without Prussia the question of
the Baltic navigation could hardly be said to be dis-
posed of, and Germany can show good cause why its
voice should be heard in a settlement of the
European balance. As the word " drifting" seems
to have a peculiar charm in many of the transactions
connected with the war, it may be said that the con-
ferences for peace may "drift" into a general con-
gress, and the application of the term become
scrupulously just.
It is the plan of Austria to advocate the admission
of Prussia to the first conference in order to injure
the interest of Sardinia, for if the latter once form an
integral portion of the peace treaty, an importance
might be assumed at a future time to which that
country has not a present claim, according to the
views of M. de Buol. And in due time would arrive
the awkward question of Italy. Austria, in dogged
perseverance against the progress of opinion,
counts on having the support of Russia, and of being
able to turn the conferences to its own profit. But
if good faith be the spirit, and common sense the
guide of action, it needs no effort to show that
Prussia must bide its time and wait for the second
stage of affairs to participate in the settlement of
European interests. And that this is the opinion of
the German Confederation has been verified by the
proceedings of the Diet. It has simply accepted the
Vienna propositions as a record, without deliberation
or comment. Austria has urged the affirmation of
the five points by the Diet in order to qualify the
latter for a place at the conference, and at the same
time has pressed the suit of Prussia with the allies
for a similar benefit, unshackled by such stipulation.
Thereby the Cabinet of Vienna has opened its game
without judgment or discretion. France and
England cannot fail to perceive that an unseemly
and discreditable attempt is being made to over-
balance the deliberations of the conference. If the
question and terms of peace are made one with the
general settlement of European interests, a com•
plication of detail must ensue that will render nuga-
tory the more simple clauses, and materially contri-
bute to a future misunderstanding. Let the
belligerents first arrive at a pacific solution, and that
having became a "fait accompli," without reserva-
tion, the other States of Europe may afterwards take
their part in a European settlement, referential to
their particular and united interests. _ _ _

J. E. L.

THE KING OF DENMARK and the Holstein Diet
have not yet come to any agreement. Although the
King has annulled their votes requesting a more
just recognition of their rights, he cannot stop their
prosecution of M. Von Sehule, the Danis'a Minister
for the Duchy. The Diet are determined to try him
for his abuse of power, and the matter is being
pressed forward with great energy.

163

3attion not Inttiligtnte.

FRANCE.

The plenipotentiaries lor the approaching Congress
are gradually arriving in Paris. Baron Brunow, one
of the Russian Plenipotentiaties at the Congress,
arrived on Thursday evening at the hotel of the
Russian Embassy, M. de Bonrqueney having pre-
viously arrived from Vienna, while M. Cavour, Count
Buol, Count Orloff, and Lord Clarendon were expected
to reach the capital before the end of this week, and
Aali Pacha by the 22nd inst.
The French Senate and Legislative Body are con-
voked for the 3rd of March next. M. Billault, in a
report to the Emperor upon the duties of the Senate,
has recommended the collection of the resolutions of
the councils-general, and the same being brought
under the notice of the Senate as a useful indication
of those measures of amelioration and practica► pro-
gress for which his Majesty confides in the initiative
of the Senate. The Emperor has approved of the
recommendations of the report.
The Di,buts during the week has written with re-
markable acerbity against the alleged disinclination
of England for peace. In the opinion of the Debits,
Russia will concede the non•tefortification of the
Aland Isles.

A pamphlet, by Baron Gustave de Romand, upon
the peace, has excited some attention. The writer
claims the Congress as a great triumph for the
French Emperor, and argues that the peace will es-
tablish the European equilibrium, and suppress the
revolutionary interest.
The monthly returns of the Bank have appeared,
and show an increase over those of January in every
item.

General Bosquet has been raised to the rank of
Senator.

AUSTRIA.

Count Buol, accompanied by the Baron Meysen •
berg, M. de Kletzl, M. de Werner, and Count Calman
Szechenyi, was to leave Vienna early in the seek,
and, stopping a day at Manheim, was not expected
to reach Paris before the close of the week.
Measures were under consideration for re-estab-
lishina the Civic Guard. It would consist of infantry,
artillery, and cavalry corps.
The conduct of the Italian bishops in taking undue
advantage of the Concordat, has given rise to new
negotiations with Rome.
The pregnancy of the Empress has been officially
announced this week.

A telegraphic despatch from Berlin, on the 11th,
stated !
The committee of the Frankfort Diet has deliberated on
the Austrian propositions, and recommends an adhesion to
the preliminary bases, with a reservation as to the pro.
positions that may be presented relative to the fifth point.