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

AUSTRIA.

A telegraphic despatch from Vienna, says, hardly
a day has passed since the 17th without the mem-
bers of the Vienna Conference meeting.
The Cologne Gazette states from Vienna that the
negotiations between the Prussian Envoy, Count
d'Alvensteben, and the Austrian Cabinet, are for
the purpose of agreeing on the details of the con-
vention between Austria and Prussia in the event
of its being carried into execution. The Breslau
Gazette, under its Vienna head, announces that the
Austrian Cabinet has given orders for the rapid or-
ganisation of the new levy, and mentions a rumour
that the Russian Ambassador at Vienna having
demanded explanations, was informed that circum-
stances had rendered precautions necessary, but
that the Emperor of Austria was still anxious to
act as a mediator, and to support any propositions
for peace which should be compatible with honour
and with the maintenance of the equilibrium of
power in Europe.
The lithographic news sheet of Berlin of the 20th,
announces that the Austrian Government has ad-
dressed a circular letter to its representatives at
foreign Courts, in which it explains its motives for
making armaments.
We extract the following from a Vienna letter
of the 19th May :—" Count Alvensleben, who has
already had several interviews with Count Buol,
has not yet had an audience of his Majesty. It is
generally believed that the mission of the Prussian
Envoy is of a mediatory nature, but the blood of
Austria is up ; and this Government is evidently
more inclined to take a step forwards than in
the opposite direction. It is foreseen, indeed, by
those who best know Austria that she will avoid a
complete rupture with Russia as long as possible,
but she is evidenly preparing for the worst. The
augmentation of the army has naturally led
to a great demand for experienced officers,
and many who were on the unattached and
pension lists are again employed. The Vienna
Gazette of to-day contains a long list of pro-
motions. Eight unattached major-generals have
been created generals of division, and 16 colonels
raised to the rank of generals. The pension list
has supplied four lieutenant-generals and eight
major-generals, some of whose names were often
heard during the war in Hungary. In a letter
written a few days ago it was said that some of the
highest military men did not scruple to express
their disapprobation of the present policy of this
Government, and it was yesterday related that, in
consequence of his sti ong bias in favour of Russia,
Count Schl.ick is not to have the supreme com-
mand of the northern or Galician army. This,
however, is probably a mistake, as General Count
Clam,, who is notoriously one of the greatest
partisans of the Emperor Nicholas, is to coal-
man d the cavalry corps of fifteen regiments
which is now forming in the above mentioned
province. It is very far from being my inten-
tionto insinuate that any Austrian officer would
fail in his duty to his Sovereign, but it is not good
policy to endeavour to force men to act against
their convictions. The fact is, that the Russian
Emperor has distributed so many stars, crosses,
and ribands among the highest Austrian officers,
that they are totally incapable of taking a dispas-
sionate view of the present state of affairs, and con
sequently do not see that Austria is now called on
to maintain both her independence of action and
her position as a great European Power. The
reasons urged by military men why the alliance
with Russia should be maintained are in general so
futile and short-sighted that it is next to impossible
to listen to them with patience. If worsted in
argument the invariably take refuge behind the
phrase, Austria owes a debt of gratitude to Rus-
sia, and she must pay it.'"