The Express.
London, England, 1867-04-01 00:00:00

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

THE OPENING OF THE PARIS EXHIBITION.
(THIS DAY.)

The following short notice in the Gazette de
France represents pretty faithfully the general im-
pression in Paris concerning the opening of the
Universal Exhibition to-day :

The Monireur having delayed till this morning to pub-
lish the programme of the opening of the Exhibition to-
morrow, people began to suppose that the ceremony would be
postponed, and they were the more justified in thinking so
because—in that immense and ugly gasometer which coven
the Champs do Mars—there is nothing yet exhibited but
unopened bales of goods and empty shop windows. But
now, at the last possible moment, the Monio-ur pub.
balms the programme, and the reason for the delay
is very perceptible. The " solemnity " will have nothing
solemn about it. As we said two days ago, the opening
ceremony will merely signify that the Exhibition is not
yet opened, or opened only fictitiously. The Emperor,
Empress, and Prince Imperial will indeed go in car-
riages to the Champ, de Mars, where they will be re-
ceived by the Imperial commission only. Accompanied by
this commission their Majesties will walk through some of
the galleries, proceeding through files of spectators com-
posed of the foreign commissioners, the jurors, the mem.
bers of the scientific, historic, and industrial committees
and the corps diplowatique, and the members of the
three grand corps of state, the Senate, Corps Legislatif,
and Council of State. As to the exhibitors, subscribers,
and public paying 20fr. at the doors, they will be allowed
to go everywhere except in those parts of the building
reserved for the imperial eortige. We should state, how-
ever, that after the Emperor has gone the public will be
allowed to look at the passages which he passed through.
Our Paris correspondent remarks on the above :
—" There is very likely a spice of ill-nature in this
prognostication. I will hope that to-morrow's
display may be not quite so pour as the opposition
journal would foretell. Herculean efforts have been
made for the last week, and are yet making every
hour, to remedy, as far as possible, the lamentable
state of unre.adiness in which the E xhibition undoubt-
edly is. It is admitted by no hostile commentators
that the imperial commission has reckoned too
much upon the furies francese to achieve impossi-
bilities ; that the work was begun too late, and in
forgetfulness of the fable of the hare and the tor.
toile. The weather gives some promise of clearing
up, and I almost dare to hope for that rarest thing
in Paris during the last nine months—a fine day."

(aztrea's TEL/GRAYS.)

THE NORTH GERMAN PARLIAMENT.
DECLARATION OF COUNT BISMARCK ON
THE LUXEMBURG QUESTION.

BERLIN, APRIL 1.

In to-day's sitting of the North German par
Bement, Count von Bismarck, replying to the
interpellation of Herr von Bennigsen relative
to the Luxemburg question, said :—" We value
amicable relations with France and avoid
wounding her susceptibilities. I cannot there-
fore reply to the second portion of the in-
terpellation as to the course that may be adopted
in this matter by the Prussian government in con-
cert with its federal allies. Your language
becomes a representative of the nation,
but is not diplomatic. Respecting your
first question, asking for information in re-
gard to the rumoured negotiations between
Holland and France for the cession of the Duchy
to the latter, I may state that nothing is known
of the conclusion of such an arrangement between
those states. The Federal allied governments
believe that no foreign power will endanger the
undoubted rights of Germany. We hope to pro-
tect them more safely in a peaceful way the more
the debates in parliament shall show the indisso-
luble ties between the government and the people."

BELGIUM.
BRUSSELS, APRIL 1.

Lord Howard de Walden had an audience yester-
day of the King, and delivered autograph letters
from her Majesty Queen Victoria to the King and
Queen of the Belgians, announcing the accouche-
ment of the Princess of Wales.

PORTUGAL

LISBON, M•acx 31.

The funeral of Deputy Julio Pinto, killed in the
late duel with Senhor Sa do Nogueina took place
to-day.
The Cortes have passed a resolution of sympathy
with the family of the deceased. A large number
of deputies accompanied the body to the grave.
The pall was supported by members of the
Cabinet. Senhor Mendez Leal delivered an ora-
tion in honour of the deceased. The event has
caused great public sensation.

THE WAR IN THE BRAZILS.
BUENOS AYRES, Fan. 26.

Public opinion and the press are more than ever
in favour of peace. Several conferences have
taken place betwen the ministers of the allies and
the United States representative. An American
steamer has been sent to Paraguay to convey to
General Lopez the bases of negotiation.
The revolutionary movement continues in the
Argentine Confederation.
Matters remain unchanged at the scat of war.

LISBON, MAacit 31.

.
The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company's ship
Shannon arrived here to-day from Brazil, &c.,
and will leave for Southampton at 6 p.m. to-day
with 223 passengers, specie 10,9981., 720 bags of
coffee, 783 rolls of tobacco, 1,094 bales of cotton,
and 167 packages of sundries.
The Seine, with the outward mails of 9th of
March, was at St. Vincent (Cape de Verdi) on
the 20th March.