The Sun.
London, England, 1856-12-18 00:00:00

THE EAST.

We have received the Constantinople journals
and letters to the Bth, brought by the Indus. It
appears that it was at one time in contemplation
to have the conferences for the settlement of the
existing differences held at Constantinople, but
France expressed an opinion that they ought to
be held in Paris, and England and Austria
acceded to the wish expressed. The present mo-
ment appears to be the time for diplomatic visits
at Constantinople. On the day before the
packet sailed Reschid Pacha visited the French,
Austrian, and Russian ambassadors. From the first
two he received a cordial welcome, but from M.
de Boutenieff it was only polite. It was expected
at Constantinople that France would come for-
ward, as the mediator between England and
Persia, and in consequence of this new attitude of
France, it was expected that Ferouk Khan, the
Persian envoy, would shortly leave the Turkish
capital for Paris. He had dined a few days
before at the French Embassy, no other persons
being present but M. Bouree, the French ambas-
sador to Persia, and the Spanish Minister.

THE OUTBREAK IN SICILY.
Official despatches have reached Paris, dated

Palermo, clearly
eaaett
Palermo, December 8.
Baron Bentivegna is a prisoner in the hands of
indicating
islandthwaats
at the
again
revolt
tranquil.wa s
the royal authorities. A great many other per-
in
sons have been captured,
reslyh atanhdde
executeda
tarrrri riawivlvi
arrived
oeftuvrhetoermya
theeNde auaycspoel
es
f
Dauntless, anchored off
vtsboeeunrtHeyt
onemoeorfxmi
lott ehennna:
jsc
eiKevs
te wasii
yn.m,gstm.
ofOer
brg Thedi
Palermo on the 7th.

The Paris correspondent of the Morning Post,
in his letter dated yesterday, says :

" I am still inclined to believe the Emperor
will not countenance hostilities against Switzer-
land. He has himself enjoyed the hospitality o
that free land ; for Switzerland receives, like
England, tho political exile, whether Royal, Im-
perial, or Republican.

The Paris Correspondent of the Times (second
edition) says :

" The people discover in the article in the
Moniteur a fling at the English Government, or
at least at Lord Palmerston. The.aliusion about
cg demagogues" is thought to be to his address.
ethers believe that the attitude thus as-
sumed by France will bring the quarrel to
a speedy solutiDu. Against Prussia and France
what can Switzerland do ? About two or
three months ago the Emperor certainly took
the Swiss view of the question. It was only after
M. Hatzfeld had arrived at Barritz with an auto-
graph letter from the King that a change was per-
ceptible. That change bas gone on since then.
After the article in the Moniteur surely the King
of Prussia cannot refuse visiting Paris. I just
learn that the probability of an arrangement is
again spoken of, and even that the Confederation
will send a special agent to Berlin."

it is exceedingly difficult to obtain any reliable
intelligence from Persia. Some journals of Gerp
many declare that 40,000 Russians are approach-
ing the frontiers, and that the Turks have an
army of observation, consisting of 35,000 men,
ready to occupy Erzeroum. This force is com-

mantled by Ismail Paella. Turkey is ready to
become our active ally, if England will provide
the necessary funds. There is an impre.-ssion in
Paris that France will succeed in preventing hos:
tilities ; but the aspect of affairs in Asia, according
to late despatches, is such as to demand the most
anxious attention.

The coming Conferences cannot take place so
early as was desired, owing to the hesitation of
Austria, and the want of full instructions, which
the envoys are all anxious to get from their home
Governments before the meeting takes place.

Herat surrendered from want of provisions.

A Vienna correspondent of the Frankfort Post
Zeitung positively denies that France has offered to
mediate between Denmark and the great German