The Express.
London, England, 1861-05-16 00:00:00

FRANCE AND SYRIA.

PARIS. MAT 15.

The discussion on the petition in favour of the
occupation of Syria was continued to-day in the
Senate.

M. Billault gave an historical outline of the
events in Syria, and said that the almost powerless
state of Turkey obliges the great powers to act
with extreme circumspection. He mentioned
the negotiations that preceded the occupation
of Syria by French troops, which was
prolonged until the sth of June, notwithstandirg
some objections. England, he said, only consented
to the prolongation on the express condition that it
should be the last term. With regard to the or-
gauisatiou of Syria, the government has weighty
reasons for supposing that the proposal to appoint
a Christian chief only who would govern the whole
population of Mount Lebanon has great chances of
being adopted. The only thing to be done, there-
fore, is to execute the convention, and evacuate
Syria on the sth of June. If the withdrawal
of our troops has lamentable consequence'', cer-
tain persona have accepted a great responsi-
bility. Should blood be shed because our counsels
have been misunderstood, we shall call Europe
to witness to the immense responsibility it has in-
curred. (Sensation and applause.) It is not France
who evacuates Syria; it is Europe. When France
supports a cause of her own her acts are free, and
she does not withdraw. (Marks of approba-
tion.) What will now be the conduct of the
Emperor ? France will not forget her duty.
The transports which are to bring back the
troops will leave six vessels, which will cruise in
the waters of Beyruut, and will be the terror of
the mnnlerers. Eugland is aware of this, and
associates herself with us. Her flag will Boat in
the Levant side by side with ours and that of
Russia. And then if necessity requires them,
other measures will be taken. M. Billault read
the circular of M. Thouvenel, dated May 3, ex-
plainiug the course which France will follow, and
concluded by saying that France being freed
from the mandate of Europe in regard to Syria,
recovers all her individual liberty. Ho thou pro-
posed that the Senate should pass to the order of
the day. (Great agitatiou.)
The Marquis Larochejaquclin expressed his
satisfaction at the miuisterial declaration, and said
that he should vote for the order of the day.
The order of the day was then adopted almost
mmuimously, there being only two dissentient
votes.

AMERICA.

NEW YORK, MAT 4.
(Per (Sty of Washington, vii) Queenstown.)

President Lincoln has Waned smother proclamation
calling for 41,000 volunteers, 23,000 for the regular
army sod 18,000 seamen.
A deputation from Western Virginia has informed
President Lincoln that Western Virginia would
support the Union if the people were armed.

The chartered steamer Atlantic has arrived. She
reports having reinforced Fort Igtekens success-
fully, and without resistance on the part of the
Secessionists.

Baltimore is quiet. A report on Federal rela-
tions, very hostile to the Federal Government, has
passed the Maryland Legislature. The majority of
the committee aro reported to be Secessionists.
The Governor of Missouri iu his message to the
Legislature condemns the action of President Lin-
coln's administration.

The steamer Northern Light has arrived from
flan Francisco with 870,000 dollar's in specie.

The following telegrams have been received at Mr.
Reuter'a office from the Peninsular and Oriental
Steam Navigation Company :

OUTWARD INDIA AND CHINA MAILS.

The Pere, from Southampton on the 4th of May,
arrived at Malta on the 13th, at 4 p.m., and left
at midnight for Alexandria.
The Vet** from Merman on the 12th, reached
Malta on the 14th, at 11 p.m., and left at 4 the
next morning tor Alexandria.