The Sun.
London, England, 1854-05-24 00:00:00

FRANCE.

Under date of yesterday, the Paris correspondent
of the Morning Chronicle writes :—The attitude
of Austria is now the point upon which, in public
opinion, the whole affair turns ; and unhappily
there is sufficient ambiguity in the conduct of that
Power to create doubts on both sides. The French
Government professes the utmost confidence in
Austria ; and certainly there is much in what has
happened within the last two months which seems
to justify that confidence. How can it be sup-
posed that a Power, occupying so high a position
as that of Austria, and having a regard for its con-
sistency and character can have entertained the
opinions recorded in the protocols of Vienna, and
still think of supporting pretensions on the part of
Russia, which it has declared to be unjust and un-
tenable ? After the explanations which it has
given to the Western Powers, of its recent mili-
tary manoeuvres, and of the increase of its army,
how can it, if it has any regard for its veracity, in-
tend these measures as anything but a threat to
Russia ? And yet there are many who still be-
lieve that Austria will not take any part against
Russia, and that all that she is now doing is
merely with a view to her being the umpire in the
quarrel, and to her stepping in to check the progress
of the allies, should Russia be in clanger of de-
feat. At the present moment there are the most
contradictory reports on the subject. On the one
band, it is said that every day the intimacy and
good-feeling between England and the Cabinet of
Vienna are on the increase ; while, on the other, it
is said that the Emperors of Austria and Russia
never understood each other better than at the
present moment. I do not pretend to say which
party is in the right, but the truth cannot be long
concealed. Facts, interests, and protestions are all
on the side of the Austrian Government taking
Part with the Western Powers. Personal feeelinc,
on the part of the young Emperor of Austria would,
Perhaps, point the other way. There is a story
current here, which I give without vouching for it,
and just for so much as it is worth. The Aus-
trian Government has, it appears, given a large
order for crosses and decorations of the first class
to some Paris tradesmen. The Russian party speak
of this matter with great glee, and affirm that they
are intended for the Russian generals who have
4. distinguished themselves. It is to be hoped that
they will be as much disappointed in their expecta-
tions in this respect as they have been in many
others. In the meantime the preparations for the
camp at Boulogne and St. Omer (a measure which,
with all their ingenuity, the partisans of the Czar
are unable to construe into anything but a hint to
Prussia as well as to Austria) are going on with
great activity. The third division of the army of
Paris is already under orders, and will leave for
St. Omer in the course of a day or two. From
the west and north of France the troops are being
directed towards the same port.
A considerable number of persons have been
arrested in Paris within the last few days. The
offences with which they are charged are, of course,
political. Among the notable persons whose names
are mentioned are the Count de Poix and M. Hut-
teen d'Origny.
The Minister
the of the Marine has given orders for
fabrication of 150,000 boarding pikes. It