The Sun.
London, England, 1841-10-05 00:00:00

SUMMARY OF NEWS

AND
übttc pintost.

" TVho runs may read."

FOREIGN.

The whole of the French press continues opposed to
any diminution of the navy. It now appears that the
disarmament will be merely in name, and that in re-
ality France will rather increase than diminish her naval
force. This fact we find indicated in the columns of the
Presse—a journal generally well acquainted with the
opinions of the Minister of Marine. " The proper course
to pursue in this affair of disarmament," says the Presse,"is
to lay up a certain number;of line-of-battle ships, and com-
mence building, and construct with the utmost possible
activity, frigates and war-steamers. By this description
of force France could with rapidity carry her flag and
her influence to all parts of the globe, and protect her
trade promptly and efficiently. In time of war their
services would not be less efficacious, for by their means
we might attack our enemies at twenty places at once,
and on all vulnerable points, before that enemy should
have time to prepare for defence. The French excel in
those impetuous movements both by sea and land, and
therefore a navy so composed would be admirably suited
to the national genius."
The Courrier Francais takes high ground upon this
question. and certainly not the most courteous towards
England. "Every nation," observes that journal, "pos-
sesses au inherent, indefeasible right to build as many
ships and employ as many seamen as she may think pro-
per. If any other Power take umbrage at the increase of
the French navy, such nation is perfectly free to in-
crease its own. But even were Great Britain to reduce
her naval force, that would be no reason why France
should do the like. Other nations are protected by a
community of interests. For example, no nation could
attack Prussia without provoking the interference of
Austria; but France stands alone. The only ally which
circumstances had given to her was Greatßritain, and she
(England) withdrew from the alliance and betrayed her !"
The Constitutionnel takes a similar view of this ques-
tion. " The best way," says the Constitutionnel, "of
depriving our ancient allies of all wish to create a colli-
sion is by showing them that we are ready to meet
them." Were such sentiments as general throughout
Europe as they are in France it would be impossible to
maintaidpeace for six months. War preparations on a
scale advocated by the French journals would inevitably
provoke war. Distrust, suspicion, and fear would every-
where take hold of the public mind, and such would be
the general uneasiness that war would be had recourse
as a relief from such a state of painful suspense.
The King of Greece has appointed Prince Mavro-
cordato Ambassador to the Porte. Though the King
pretended to find Mavrocordato in too bad a state of
health to fill the office of Prime Minister he has dis-
covered that he is adequate to discharge the duties of the
most onerous diplomatic appointment connected with
the Crown of Greece. The truth is, that Otho sadly
wants to get rid of his late independent Minister ; and
as there exists an under-current of bad feeling between
the Greek Government and the Ottoman Porte the
King could not provide for him more uncomfortable
quarters than he is likely to find on the shores of the
Bosphorus.