The Express.
London, England, 1867-04-09 00:00:00

171011 WATTS AT LONDON BRIDGE.

ill/9 DL? —tfornin.f, 4b. Una Afternoon. sb. 174
TO-Molll.oW—Morning. sh. 40m Afternoon, ft. Qs.

LONDON, TUESDAY, APRIL 9.

THE state of affairs reported from every point
of Europe forms an additional reason fur desiring
such a settlement of our own great question of the
day as would leave the nation free and able to
meet whatever contingencies may arise with its
united forces. As was to be feared, the
French Government has felt itself too far com-
mitted in its negotiations for the acquisition of
Luxemburg to be able to consider the King of
HOLLANDS withdrawal from the negotiations as
restoring matters to their former position. Thu
action of the King of HOLLAND has had the
effect of placing the power of Prussia in a stronger
light thaa ever, and exhibiting Count BISMARVE as
the master of the situation. The Emperor of the
Fitexcii is meeting the crisis with great caution,
but he is aware that it is one which may evolve con-
sequences fatal to his throne and dynasty, and we
appear to be very far indeed from a settlement of
this question. The effect upon Germany of what
is taking place in France may be read in every
communication from that country. The South
German governments are drawing closer to
Prussia, and the Parliament of the North
German Confederation appears inclined to forego
all discussion, and let the Prussian Government do
what it pleases on condition of organizing victory.
Yesterday the Parliament adopted Articles 119 to
64 of the Constitution by a large majority, and
without debate. These articles related to details
of the military organizal ; and subsequently the
whole section on the Federal military system was
considered, when, after a few explanations from
the Government, all the amendments of the Oppo-
sition were withdrawn. Should a war break
out between Pniasia and France, it is most impro-
bable that it would end without having produced
changes far more important than the transfer of
Luxemburg from the GRAND Brae, who now holds
it so loosely. The independence of Belgium
and Holland both would be in jeopardy.
Nor would any change in the condition of those
States be a matter which this country could safely
regard with indiSerence. Considerations of this
order, as we began by observing, make it a matter
of great consequence to get the Reform contro-
versy, which is now dividing and weakening the
nation, well settled beforehand. It is the more
to be regretted, therefore, that matters
have now taken such a turn as to deprive
us of this lmpe. We wish to point out, espe-
cially to men of business, who may feel too
limited MI interest in Reform to induce
them to follow all the windings of the
debate, that those radical members who
are aiding the Government to pass its Bill with-
out the necessary amendments, do co with the deli-
berate intention of making the Bill the basis of
further agitation. It is still more important to
point out that a bill which, like this, will not
admit the intelligent artisans of our large towns,
must lead to disappointment, and assist those who
delight in popular excitement. The country
desires rest from agitation, but that rest it cannot
enjoy under a bill which gives votes to the cor-
rupt householders of the smaller towns, and denies
them to the masses of the intelligent working morn
who are found in the great centres of the national
industry. To pass such a bill is knowingly to pr.-
tract our preserat divisions, and with them our
weakness in presence of foreign dangers.

RETEST .Ys IN THE NAVY.—It appears
from a return to parliament issued today, and obtained
by Mr. Childers, that Commander Wood at the time of
his promotion bad served 6 years and !El days as naval
cadet and midshipman. and 4 years and :t)3 days as lieu-
tenant. Commander .1. S. Graham, G years and 17
days as naval cadet and midshipman, and 4 years
and 203 days as lieutenant. In 1M.55 lie served
in the trenches before Sebastopol, and in 1857
was engaged in the destruction of ChMese war junks when
he was slightly wounded. Commander Fittclarence at
the time of his promotion had served e yeah ssoil 31 days
an a naval cadet and midshipman, 1 year PM days as mate,
and 4 years 21 clays as lieutenant. In ls::4 he commanded
a rocket boat on tho attack on (Mesita. Commander the
Bon. J. M. Yorke hail served 6 years and 1 day as naval
cadet and midebipnian, 1 year 61 clays as mate and acting
lieutenant, and 5 years 244 days as lieutenant,