The Express.
London, England, 1866-05-19 00:00:00

TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE.

(aZ0713:11 uzatawis.)
THE PROPOSED CONGRESS.
BRII88)1113, MAT 18, /Mania.

The Independence Beige of this evening says :
We are now in a position to give further details
respecting the negotiations for the proposed con-
grass. Its programme will embody three propo-
sals : let. That the Schleswig-Holstein question
be submitted to the decision of the inhabitants.
2nd. That the proposal presented by Prussia for
a reform of the Federal Constitution be examined,
in as far as it may relate to the equilibrium of
Enrope. 3rd. That Venetia be ceded to Italy for
a certain compensation, Italy guaranteeing
sad recognising the temporal sovereignty
of the Pope within its present limits.
The antagonistic Powers will maintain their
armaments during the sittings of the congress.
France, England, and Russia will propose that all
pending questions shall be discussed, including the
Italian question. To this it is probable that
will agree,. bat. Austria's adhesion is con-
sidered very doubtful." A telegram from Paris,
published to-day by the Nerd, asserts that
Austria, Prussia, and Italy have not yet given
their consent to the assembling of a congress.
The sittings of the Belgian Clamber of Deputies
have been adjourned sine die.

AUSTRIA AND PRUSSIA.
VIENNA, MAY 18, Evamma.

The situation remains unchanged. The pre-
parations for war and the manifestations of loyalty
continue. The probability of a Congress for the
preservation of peace, or of any agreement between
the parties in dispute, is much doubted in all
quarters in Vienna. A ministerial council was
held yesterday, under the presidency of the
Emperor. On and after the 20th inst. traffic
upon the Northern and State Railways will be
restricted, on account of the transport of troops.
The Archdukes Ernest and Leopold, Prince Lich-
tenstein ; Lieutenant Field-Marshals Maroicic,
Schmerling, and Hartung; Counts Clam, Gallas,
Thun, and Baron Ramnitz, are reported to have
been appointed generals. The intended fortifica-
tion of Vienna will cost five million florins. It is
expected that Archduke William, chief of the
artillery, will join the northern army
upon the outbreak of hostilities. The con-
ference of Middle States' representatives at
Bamberg is believed to have resolved to call upon
Austria for guarantees that she will not ultimately
depart from the Federal point of view in the solu-
tion of the duchies' question, and that she will co-
operate in a liberal reform of the Federal constitu-
tion. Letters from Galicia state that it is appre-
hended Russia will march troops into the Danubian
principalities in case of war.
A telegram received here from Oswiecin atateathat
since yesterday a Prussian patrol has been making
a reconnaissance along the frontier. The Prussians
are entitled by treaty to advance three miles be-
yond the Russo-Polish frontier in their inspections
of the boundary line of the territory of Cracow.

BERLIN, MAY 18, Evzsrprol

A royal decree has just appeared, ordering the
establishment of public loan offices and the issue of
notes representing the advances made by these loan
offices to the amount of 25 million thalers. The
operations of these loan offices are to be solely for
the benefit of the middle classes. A government
commissioner, specially appointed for the purpose,
will examine the details of each loan, and will
have the right of refusing to make the required
advance.

RUSSIA AND GERMANY.
C,UtLSRUHE, MAY 18.

It is reported here that the Russian court is
using its influence with the sovereigns of Wurtem-
berg and Hesse Darmstadt, with whom the Impe-
rial family is allied by marriage, to induce them
to remain neutral in the impending Austro-Prus-
sian conflict.

FRANCE.
PARIS. MAY 18, EvrNo.

In the Corps Legislatif to-day M. Gamier Pages
expressed regret that no opportunity was offered
for protesting in the Chamber against the bom-
bardnient of Valparaiso by Spain. A special meet-
ing of the ministers and of the Privy Council was
held here this morning under the presidency of
the Emperor. The Empress also was present. The
France of this evening says :—" We believe that
the subject under discussion at this morning's
Cabinet Council was the proposed Congress, and
we have reason to believe that the impression that
peace may still be preserved had not diminished."
Yesterday Count von Goltz, the Prussian ambas-
sador, had a long interview with the Emperor.

ITALY.
FLORENCE, MAY 18, 10 P.M.

Signor Scialoja, Minister of Finance, has with-
drawn the offer of resignation which he had felt
himself called upon to make, in consequence of
yesterday's vote in the Chamber of Deputies rela-
tive to the tax. on Italian Rente.
The ()pinion(' of to-day says : " Austria has de-
manded that territorial compensation should be
made to her in Germany in the event of her con-
senting to forego her rights in the Duchies. She
has refused to discuss any proposition for the ces-
sion of Venetia."