The Express.
London, England, 1860-12-08 00:00:00

AUSTRIA.

VIENNA, PEDAL

The Fortathritt states that in a Council of
Ministers, held within the last few days, the pro-
gramme drawn up by Baron Schmerling for the
interior development of Austria was agreed to by
the government.

It is to be expected, therefore, that Baron
Schmeriing will enter the cabinet.
The Wanderer of this evening says :—" We learn
from an authentic source that Baron Schmerling
was yesterday appointed Minister of State, in place
of Count Goluchowski, and that the Baron has
accepted this appointment.

SWITZERLAND.
BERNE, Dec. 7.
The elections to the Federal Council took place
to-day. The former members were re-elected, in
consequence of the parties not being able to come
to a compromise.
M. Knilsel has been elected President, and
M. Staempfli Vice-President.

BERNE, FRIDAY.
The following have been elected members of the
Federal Council :—M. Furter, by 138 votes ; M.
Staempfli, by 131 votes ; M. Kniisel by 128 votes;
M. Fornerod, by 87 votes ; M. Naeff, by 88 votes ;
M. Herosee, by 86 votes ; M. Pioda, by 76 votes.
All the former members of the Council have thus
been re-elected.

SYRIA.
VIENNA, FIUDAY EVENCfO.
Endeavours are being made to bring about an
understanding between England and France con-
cerning the prolongation of the French occupation
of Syria, which will not, however, take place with-
out the acquiescence of the European Powers, and
without being approved by another conference at
Paris.

At a meeting of the Society of Political Econo-
mists, at Paris, on Wednesday, the subject of discussion
was the war in China, and the right of notions to impose on
foreigners any commercial conditions, or employ physical
force to support the trading adventurer in the sale or par.
chase of the commodities in which he deals. The pressen°
of Sir John Bowing led to • long and elaborate debate on
the peculiar position which Great Britain occupies in the
Celestial Empire.

" A St. Petersburg letter," says the Opinion
Nationale, " informs us that the deem emancipating the
Russian peasintshas been signed by the Emperor Alexander,
and that it is expected to be promulgated on the let of
uirt January. 'arious rumours are in circulation respecting
the °swot erecter of this great reform, but nothing
certain has et transpired, except the important fact that
personal liberty of the serf is formally stipulated."

. -
The King of Holland incurred some danger three
days back when going by special train from Amsterdam
to Arnheim. Jut on entering the elation at the latter
place, the engine•driver perceived a csrriage 'binding across
the line. Being so near that it was impossible to stop, be
had the presence of mind to put on full steam, and dashed
the obstacle to shivers without the slightest shock to his
owe trio. Neither the King nor any of his suite suffered
the least injury.

The Dabais of this morning publishes the first
portion of a new bra-Aare by M. Saint Naro•Qirardis on
the decree of the 24th November. This celebrated writer
views the concessions of the imperial government al of con.
siderable importance ; they justify the past of the parlic.
;unitary party, and opts a future to the younger liberaht