The Express.
London, England, 1846-12-01 00:00:00

TILE. EXPRESS, TUESDAY 14;YENING, DECEMBER 1, 1846.

country, and others are about to come into operation.
When we turn to Frauee, on the contrary, we Rad
rumours rife about an arrangement between the
Northern and the Lyon' ootnpanies, the object of
which is to enable the former to postpone till May
the payment of a call made for January ; and are told
that projects of law are ready against the opening of
the Chambers to relieve the lines from Bordeaux to
Cette, from Lyons to Avignon, and then esternhem lines
from part of the obligations imposed ot in
their contracts with the state, and to extend the time
allowed for the completion of the lines.
In England, then, we find that the railway system
has already given a sensible impetus to the powers
of productive industry; in France scarcely any-
thing of the kind is perceptible ; in England the means
of railway accommodation are being rapidly and
securely extended: in France the progress of railway
construction seems in danger of being arrested alto-
gether. But the adv.tcates of the French system of
railway management, instead of taking into view
their results as a whole, pertinaciously shut their
eyes to everything but one item. You tell them
that our railways materially promote manufactures
(and agriculture too) and commerce; that they are
prospering and increasing in number ; while in
France the very reverse is the case ; they pay no
attention, but repeat that theta es for passengers
is
are higher in England than France. To th
it seems a sufficient answer that the English
are
railway companies have greatly reduced, and
still reducing, their fares; that by doing so
gradually and cautiously, as experience showed
it was safe, they have maintained themselves in
such a state of prosperity as enables them to
afford continuously increasing accommodation to
the public ; while the French railways,
nt to fares
tied down
by the arbitrary prescript of governme
fixed arbitrarily without stifficient reference to ex-
are brought to a 'Wad.

- ---f—=---- - - - -
A ROYAL ordonnance has been published in the
Muniteur, prescribing certain reductions in the Cus-
toms Duties on a few articles of no great commercial
importance. According to the eulogistic commentary
of the Prase, the great merit of these reductions is
that they *ill cut away the ground from under " one
of the most specious and hackneyed arguments of the
free traders." In addition to this effect, they are ex-
pected to benefit the commercial marine of F rance
the, by
mcreasing the advantages it already en j oys over
shipping of other nations.
It is really scarcely conceivable that the infinitesi-
mally small changes contemplated by the ordonnance
can have any sensible effect in either of these re-
spects. The commodities on which the modified
duties are imposed are Peruvian bark, marbles,
nitrates of soda and potash, and the resinous pro-
ducts of the west coast of Africa. Peruvian bark,
it is acknowledged even by the panegyrist of
the Presse, constitutes a very insignificant item
of freights ; the reduction of the duty on marbles
it admits to be very slight. The main feature in the
alteration of the duties on the nitrates of soda and
potash is, that they are assimilated; and the gum
copal and resin of Africa aro secondary articles of
commerce. The reductions, too, are only made on
the articles named when imported in French vessels ;
when introduced under a foreign flag, they are sub-
ject to the old rates. To the general trade of France
the modifications will be entirely imperceptible, and
any advantage conferred upon the French shipping
interest will be found too slight to awaken gratitude.
It is truer, none but imperceptible changes could be
expected to be equally acceptable to parties so diametri-
cally opposed as that which asks differential duties to
protect native shipping, and that which asks equal
duties in order to leave trade free to flow in its natural
channels. But as imperceptible changes can at best
only be received w ith indifference )3y either, the
French government might have spared itself the
trouble to play such a super-subtle game. The mere
attempt to please both parties will render both dis-
trustful.
The most sensible provisions of the ordonnance are-
those which add Rouen to the number of towns in
which prohibited goods are allowed to be entered in
bond, and authorise the importation of cast-iron
cradles for railways, and wrought and polished mar-
bles from Corsica, free of duty. Trivial though the
ordonnance be, still it ought to encourage the libres
ichangistes. Hostile bodies are always most effec-
tively charged when in motion: even this parade
movement of ministers will offer a chance of driving
them more easily from their obstructive position.

The Aurnal des DAats of Sunday gives the follow-
ing account of Lord Palmerston's protest about
Cracow, which no doubt the writer of the French
. .

official print has seen.
Lord Palmerston divides the question into two; con-
siders
first the right, and secondly the necessity, of
absorbing Cracow. As to right, the British minister
I clearly establishes by the text of treaties and the
solemn engagement of eight powers, which could not
be annulled by three, that no such right exists.
Next as to the necessity, Lord Palmerston does
not admit this either. When three of the most
powerful states of Europe invoke the neces-
sity of destroying a poor little republic of
140,000 souls, the plea of urgency is absurd,
or in diplomatic language, not admissible. The
Powers complain, that Cracow was a centre of intrigue
and conspiracy. Admitting this, the persons who
thus conspired were either Cracovians or strangers.
If they were the latter, the three Powers are in fault
for letting these strangers penetrate into Cracow,
whose territory they surround. If these conspirators
be, on the contrary, natives of Cracow, how could the
Republic refuse, to three such powerful neighbours,
the request or command to stifle such intrigues, and
put an end to such conspiracies? Even if they re-
fused, they might be compelled, without any breach

of treaties:
The article in the Daily News of Friday, on the
Cracow measure, and its diplomatic results, is quoted
and commented on by the ministerial journals of that
city.
The news from Portugal, which arrived exclusively
by the Daily News of Thursday, has occupied the
Paris journals.
Disturbances had broken out in some of the depart-
ments of France, in consequence of the dearness of
provisions, and attempts were made to prevent the
removal of grain purchased by foreign merchants.
These were, however, easily suppressed without serious
results.
The Journal des De6ats says:
" On the 24th ult. disturbances connected with the high
price of provisions, more deplorable than any yet recorded,
occurred at Chateaurenault. Towards 1 o'clock in the af-
ternoon, notwithstanding the presence of a brigade of gen-
darmerie, the corn-market was invaded by a body of .500 or
600 persons, who commenced selling by auction the sacks of
wheat in the corn stores at 23f. for 12 bushels. M. Pesson,
the mayor of Chateaurenault, having been apprised of these
facts, haster.ed to the scene of disturbance, and endeavoured
to persuade the multitude to desist. But all his efforts
were in vain, and the sale by auction continued. Quarrels,
however, soon began amongst the buyers. The crowd
next rushed upon the sacks of wheat, divided the corn,
and carried it off without payment, notwith.tanding the
exertions of the gendarmes. The rioters next repaired to the
dwelling-houses o, two persons accused of having purchased
corn on commission, but they were fortunately from home,
and thus they escaped the contemplated violence. A hod; of
troops having arrived in the meantime,l6 of the most daring
of the rioters were captured, and order was restored. The
market which was held at Azay le-Rideau, on the following
day, was disturbed in the same manner as that of Chateur-
nault. A serious decline in the price of wheat had already
' taken place, when the multitude, not considering that suffi-
I dent, began to express their dissatisfaction. From menaces
the rioters proceeded to acts of violence. They took forcible
possession of the corn stores, and commented selling the
wheat at two francs the bushel. They moreover compelled
the mayor to sell all the wheat is his stores at the same price,
two francs the bushel.
The Rtforme states that there has been a rise
during the last week, in the price of wheat, in the
corn markets of Bergerac, Montlueol, Treguier, Lune-
-1 ville, Bayeux, and Charmes, averaging 50 centimes
the hectolitre ; whilst there has been a fall in the corn
m trkets of Louvicrs, Lille, Vic-sur-Aisno, and Couloni-
miers, averaging 1 franc the hectolitre.
The mail coach from Paris to Limoges was stopped
on the afternoon of the 24th ult., between Orleans
rusheda Ferte-Saint-Aubin. Three highwaymen
at the horses' heads, and endeavoured to
compel the courier to descend from his seat, and to
give them the keys of the mail boxes. The courier
replied by cocking a brace of pistols, and threatening
to shoot the first man through the head who should
attempt to touch the coach. An officer of rank, who
happened to be the only passenger in the mail, and
who was well armed, joined the courier in his threats
against the highwaymen. Having met a different
reception from what they expected, the highwaymen
fled and the mail continued its journey.
The Tortfeuille, of Sunday, a semi-official organ of
the Cabinet, gives an ardele on the Cracow affair,

indicating, by its vagueneta, the state of indeeimion
and difficulty to which the Guizot Canet is known
It talks of eetablishing a sybistem ofgeneral
tube red
equifibrium,of renouncing exclusive alliances, of the
qty of an European congress, and other nebulous
generalities. It contradicts very emphatically La Presse,
which it will be recollected stated that, so far from Count
'Mole being called to the chateau, that statesman had
Set been in Paris, and would not be there for some
weeks. The Portefeuille retorts upon its official con-
, temporary, saying that is in a condition to declare
that Count Mo did come from Champlatrouz to
Paris ; that hold stopped there about two hours ;
that he went to St. Cloud, where he had the
honour of dining with the King and royal family
and that on returning from St. Cloud he again passed
through Paris on his return to Champlatrouz. The
only mistake which the Portefeuille acknowledges is
in saying that the count was received at the Tuileries
instead of St. Cloud.
Speaking of the present state of the cabinet, the
Courrier .Francais says:
The ministerial crisis has ceased. The Minister for Fo
reign Affairs is flaw more firmly than ever in possession of
his portfolio, and the London journals, in their eccentric fits
of ilbhumour, may infer that the Court of the Tuileries has
struck to with the violeassion of M. Guizot. For our own
part, we see it end the same indifference with which we
saw it commence, that pitiful crisis having convineed us of
the inefficiency of the men denominated ixarible in the poli-
tical jargon of the day. By his concessions and pusillanimity,
M. Guizot has encouraged the Absolutist powers to consum-
mate the most revolting iniquity. And who is designed as a
successor, when the France of July shudders with impatience
and indignation, arid burns with revenge ? Count Molt
—the man who evacuated Ancona
territory of Belgium to
the man who, at our
very gates, allowed a portion of the
be mutilated the man, finally, whom M. Guizot himself,
during the storms of the coalition, accused front the tribune,
and with j
ustice, of having suffered the dignity of the coun-
try to be degraded on all the paints of Europe where in
questions were agitated. M. Guizot or M. !
The 15th of April or the 29th of October ! Behold the
alternative held out to France, when she is insulted
and defied beyond her frontiers, and when to punish
such insolence she would require all her energy and
patriotism. M. Guizot or M. Mole! We are mistaken,
M. Thiers is, no doubt, lurking behind the scenes, waiting
to mount upon the stage, and to sacrifice (as the others
would), our principles and our honour. M. Thiers
signal and indisputable qualities and titles. as he
not heard to declare, in the Chamber of Deputies, that
Poland, being a flat country, could not think of reconquer-
ing her nationality ?' Was it not he, who in 1836, during
his second ministry, shrugged his shoulders, and turned a
deaf car to those who cried out to him that the independ-
ence of Cracow was in danger, and that it behoved France to
interfere ? The intrigues of M. Thiers and M. 5101(.t will
once more prove unavailing. M. Guizot keeps his portfolio,
and, as it is no more contemplated—WO do not say to acheir
t
against the northern powers, hut—to protest against t
infamous usurpation, we may now appreciate the value of
those transports of rage of which the Ministerial journals
offered to us the spectacle during some days. It was on the
6th of November that the Powers signed their monstrous con-
vention; and, although twenty-three days have since elapsed,
France has not yet even expressed her displeasure. Our
rulers await, or rather pretend to await, that England come
to a resolution, as if, in such a question, France was not
to assume the initiative ! As if ngland, in spite of
herself, will not be compelled to follow the example set to her

The Madrid journals and private correspondence of
the 23rd were received in Paris on Sunday, but
brought no intelligence of importance.
The elections were in progress, those of Madrid
presenting every prospect of being favourable to the
ministry.
The Bourse remained steady.

PARIS, Nov. 29.
The rumours of a modification of the Cabinet
continue to gain ground. These rumours are sus-
tained by the dissension which appears to exist be-
tween the members of the Ministry. Pd. Guizot, feeling
that his hour is come, wishes to give himself the advantage
of an energetic and rational attitude. He gives it out that
if the king or the parliamentary majority set him aside, it
wilt be for the purpose of committing an act of weakness.
This statesman, who, until now, had affected to disdain a
popularity which he could not attain, seems now ardently to
seek it; and the minister of "peace at any price" willingly
transforms himself into a thunderbolt of war. The dis-
' agreement between the ministers arises from the fact that
M. Guizot thinks of replying to the confiscation of Cracow
by a counter-infraction of the treaties of Vienna. The
Minister for Foreign Affairs proposes to re-establish the
fortifications of liuningue, which were demolished in 1815,
and which commanded the passage of the Rhine above Basle.
The Minister of the Interior supported by the Keeper of the
Seals, who is in the confidence of the King, openly opposed
this project. The re-establishment of Huningue would be
a poor satisfaction to France for the national indignation.
We have never admitted that the northern courts had it in
their power to prevent us from doing what we pleased in our
own territory, and it is now some time since Marshal Soult
declared in the Chamber that the French government was
free to rebuild the walls of Huningue. This right could
not therefore be the consequence of the occupation of Cracow.
It belongs to us, and we have never alienated it. M. Guizot
perfectly understands the situation, when he thinks that our
government, witnessing the inso,ent usurpation which the
northern powers have ventured upon, cannot confine itself to
a pure and simple protest. Protests never arrest the acts of
tyranny, and it is nut with tyrants that words can supply the
place of acts. But where M. Guizot deceives himself is when
he supposes that he will frighten the northern powers, or
appease the anger of France, by adding a few stones to for-
tifications half destroyed. This project will only be looked
upon as a pitiable parody of the for-seeing policy which
assumed the initiative in 1840 of fortifying Paris. If the
fortress of Huningue were a means of disquieting the
enemy, and of defending our frontier, in 1815, such a step is
not sufficient at the present time. The railroad from Stras-
bourg to Basle has completely changed the strategical con-
ditions. To defend a frontier much too vulnerable, it
would be necessary to seize upon the ground both before and
behind Mulbausen, and fortify the approaches to St. Louis,
or those of Than, at the entrance to the Vosges. Hunin-
gue is at present beyond the new line of communication ;
it would not be necessary to attack it in approaching from
Basle, and nothing could be easier than turning it. You
may, therefore, easily believe that public opinion sides
neither with M. Guizot, nor with M. Duchlitel ;
and the question of Huningue produces only a very alight
sensation. Without doubt there is no one here, with the
exception of the violent republicans, who form a very small
minority, who think of making war on the Rhine or on the
Alps. But every one considers the treaties of 1815 (these
tre ities which the northern powers tear at will) as having
ceased to be binding upon France ; and this is the declara-
tion which the French government, if it be solicitous for its
honour and duty, will signify to the representatives of M.
Metternich and the Emperor Nicholas. I shall not inquire
if the inaction which your journals counsel England to adopt
with such a crime committed, is really suitable or unsuitable
to her policy. But be sure of this, that inaction is impos-
sible to France in the present case. If the ministry confine
themselves to • protest, the Chamber of Deputies will
demand more ; and, whether they wish it or not, this ques-
tion will raise a storm in the approaching session. U.
Mole, in consequence of the interview which he had with
the King, thinks himself certain of returning to power. He
has made known his expectations to the leaders of the nppo-
alarm, without whose support or forbearance he could not
maintain his ground. His ministry would, however, be only
ono of transition. But Ido not think it so nearly at hand
RS M. Mole imagines. 101. Guizot will Root till the opening
of the chambers, and if be sink then it is better it should be
by a tempest than by an intrigue. 0.
of

ROME, Nov. 18.
Nothing of a political character has occurrred here
since I sent you an account of the grand ceremonial
at the Lateran church ; nor is anything yet known of
an intimated intention, which I hinted at last month,
on the part of the pontiff to address the Roman
people in a series of homilies in that ancient Basilica,
after the old fashion of Leo and Gregory " the great."
The last Pope who made his appearance in a Christian
pulpit was the Bolognese Lambertini, about a century
ago, an undeniably great man, and the first canonist of
his day. Since then the only harangues pronounced by
Popes have been " allocutions " to the college of car-
dinals, mostly distinguishable for bad Latin and preme-
ditated obscurity. The late Gregory, on one of these
occasions, took a fancy to denounce the freedom of the
press as "damnalyikm imprimendi lieentinm." The
press throughout Europe is likely to return him the
compliment. The common people of Rome have
already adopted from Tuscany and the legations the
term "frataccio," as embodying their notion of his
reign and character.
The utmost activity, meantime, is discernible in
every department of administration, and every lawyer
of any eminence is deeply engaged in assisting the
labours of the sovereign for the emendation of a most
defective code, which has been retrograde while all
Europe was progressing. In the legations the petty
despotism of each successive local satrap had never
been controlled by any well-defined limits of autho-
rity : those limits arc being fixed, and means of appeal
facilitated, so as to render the functions of these
legates somewhat analogous to those of French Pre-
fects of Departments. Each district and municipality
is to be fairly represented in the persons of responsible
landholders, whose voice is to be heard potentially in
matters affecting the improvement of their respective
territories. The most sanguine partizans of progress
appear satisfied at the pace which regulates the ad-
vance: if not a gallopping reform, 'tis a good smart
trot—
Putrem eonitu quatit ungula campum.

Visitors from your part of the world are thronging '
fast, and promise a crowded season. The Duke of
Devonshire is hourly expected from Florence, with