The Express.
London, England, 1867-04-02 00:00:00

TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE.

(azures's =mum.)

COUNT BISMARCK ON THE CESSION OF
LUXEMBURG.
BERLIN, Amu, 1.
- • - - • - - - -

In to-day's sitting of the North German Parlia-
ment, Herr von Bennigsen rose to question the
government relative to the rumoured cession of the
Grand Duchy of Luxemburg to France, Count Bis-
marck having previously announced his readiness
to give an immediate reply to the intorpellation.
Herr Bennigsen said—" A disquieting rumour is
current that Germany is to lose Luxemburg, a
birthplace of German princes, and parliament
wishes to learn what attitude the governments of
the Confederation intend to adopt in the matter.
It is the question of a Federal German fortress
and of a German frontier territory, with an essen-
tially German population, which never dreamt of
wishing to become French." The speaker then
read a letter from Luxemburg, which was described
as a cry of distress to the parliament, and in which
it was asserted that out of 200,000 inhabitants,
there were not 200 whose language was other than
German. Herr von Bennigsen then continued as
follows :—" Ref. me this question all party differences
disappear. When the integrity of Germany is
threatened all parties will unite, and support the
Minister President against foreign powers to the
utmost. We wish for peace, but will not shrink
from war if it be necessary, to repel the very
first attempt of France to attack our honour.
Let us give a speedy and resolute answer
to the warlike tendencies of France, and
we shall stifle them in the bud. To be
silent would be weakness. The promise given by
the King, that not even a German village shall be
lost, is preserved by the people in grateful remem-
brance. Let him call upon them, and he will find
that they are one. The work of the new constitu-
tion can be concluded within a few days if foreign
intervention threatens. We do not seek war ; and
if it break out, let France be answerable. The
German and the French nations could live aide by
side in peace and prosperity, whereas war would
inflict deep wounds ; but if Franco attempt to
hinder the work of our reconstruction, we will show
her that Germany is united." Count Bismarck, in
reply, said :—" By the dissolution of the old Con-
federation the King of Holland acquired full sove-
reign rights over Luxemburg. There prevails
in the Grand Duchy a disinclination to enter
the North German Confederation, on account
of the military burdens that step would entail. In
the higher and highest circles a bsd feeling is en-
tertained with regard to the victories of
Prussia, and in a despatch addressed to the
Prussian government last October, Holland de-
manded the evacuation of the fortress of Luxem-
burg. The government, not wishing to have
foreign princes in the Northern Confederation, has
not put any pressure upon the Netherlands. Prus- '
sia values amicable relations with France, and has
respected her susceptibilities so far as was consistent
with her own honour. The Prussian government I
does not adopt the opinion that an arrangement
has been entered into between Holland and France,
but cannot, on the other hand, assert that the con-
trary is the case. The question was first officially
brought forward by a communication made by the
King of Holland to the Prussian ambassador, asking
what position Prussia would take up in case his
Majesty should in any way cede his sovereign
rights over the duchy. In reply, Prussia declared
that she would leave the responsibility of such a
step to the King of Holland. So far as Prussia is
concerned, there is no reason to make any decla-
ration on this subject. Prussia will assure herself
of the views entertained by the co-signitaries of the
treaty of 1839, and by her federal allies, as
well as of the state of public opinion, as
represented by the North German Parliament.
Holland has offered her good offices to further
negotiations between France and Prussia, but
they have been declined." Count Bismarck
declared that ho was prevented from giving any
further explanation by the nature of the affair, and
concluded as follows :—" The North German
Federal governments believe that no foreign power
will endanger the undoubted rights of Germany,
and they hope to protect those rights more safely
by peaceful means and preserve good relations with
foreign powers the more the debates in parliament
shall show the indissoluble ties that exist between
the government and the people."

BERLIN, APRIL 1, Evastxo.

In to-day's sitting of the North German Parlia-
ment, Articles 30 to 44 of the draft of the Con-
stitution referring to customs, commerce and rail-
ways, were adopted, either without alteration, or
with amendments approved by the government.

PRUSSIA.
BERLIN, APRIL 1.
The Crown Prince of Saxony has arrived in this
city to-day.