The Sun.
London, England, 1856-01-04 00:00:00

" If the conferences were broken off on the subject
of the third point, the responsibility thereof does not fall
upon the Imperial Cabinet, for when (the Austrian Ca-
binet brought forward the solution which appeared to it
most acceptable, it was the Russian Plenipotentiary who
declared it susceptible of becoming the starting point
(point de depart) for an arrangement, and it was the
Ministers of the adverse party who rejected it in conse-
quence of internal dissensions which had arisen.
" In the course of the grave events which ensued,
while torrents of blood flowed and the two belligerent
parties were imposing immense sacrifices on themselves,
however much the heart of his Imperial Majesty was
affected thereby, he was obliged to remain silent as long
as his enemies appeared resolved to substitute the right
of might to the spirit of justice and of conciliation,
which, for nearly half a century, had presided over the
destinies of Europe.
" But as soon as information reached the Govern.
ment of his Majesty, which assured him that his ene•
mies were disposed to take up again (reprcndre en sous-
ffuvre) the negotiations of peace on the basis of the
four points, such as they had been defined in the
Conferences, the Imperial Cabinet did not hesitate
to come for ward frankly to meet those peaceful
dispositions, and to seek frankly a possible solution
for the third point in the order of ideas which had ap-
peared, turn about, satisfactory to all parties."
[Here follows, says the Berlin correspondent of
the Nord, the notice given above, and which
" gives a complete solution to what is called the
third guarantee."]
" The Imperial Cabinet declares in conclusion, that
this resolution of the Emperor will give a new pledge of
the sentiments of conciliation by which he is animated
and of the sacrifices he is ready to make for the peace
of the world. He puts his trust in the impartial judg.
ment of the Powers which have remained strangers to
the struggle, and calmly and confidently awaits the de-
cision of his enemies.' "

VIENNA, Duo. 31.—The following article, which
is from the Augsburg Gazette, will be read with
pleasure, as it not only fully confirms information
long since contained in our columns, but gives a
detailed account of what has recently passed be-
tween England, France, and Austria. The
article, which is nominally from Frankfort, is
evidently from an excellent, if not an official,
source :

" The mission of Count Valentine Esterbazy is the re-
sult of a complete understanding between the Western
Powers and Austria. Since the commencement of the
Eastern crisis, the understanding between the three
Cabinets has never been so clear, cordial, and perfect
as it now is, end this as well in regard to the new
conditions of peace as to the measures to be taken
if they should be rejected. The terms of peace will be
recapitulated, and such remarks made on them as may
appear necessary. L The Rassians to relinquish all claim
to the right of protection over the Danubian Principali-
ties, and to agree to certain conditions for securing their
future political position. This point, though difficult of
execution, is expressed in such clear and positive lan-
guage that--if it should be accepted—it will be impcs,i-
ble for Russia to exercise any prejudicial influence on the
negotiations for the regulation of the affairs of thecoun-
tries in question. In short, it is demanded that Russia
shall simply accept the arrangements which may be made
without sharing in the negotiations or in the resolutions
which may be taken. 2. Cession of a part of the Bessara-
bian territory, of such extent that Russia shall not only be
removed from the Delta of the Danube, but shall entirely
relinquish her position on the Danube. (The geographical
line for the new frontiers of Russia, which is given in the
propositions, is drawn at a considerable distance from
the Danube.*) 3. Neutralisation of the Black Sea,
without any Russian fortifications or arsenals on its
coasts. At the mouths of the Danube, however, there
is to be a station fer the smaller vessels of war which are
to do police duty in the Black Sea. 4. All the Powers
to protect the Christian subjects of the Porte. The fore-
going proposals emanated from Austria, but the Western
Powers added—the admission of consuls to all the ports
of the Black Sea, and the promise of Russia never in
future to fortify the Aland Islands.
" In as far as Austria is concerned, the propositions,
without being an ultimatum, have the importance of
one. The new agreement was made between the
Western Powers and Austria in the most straight-
forward and loyal way, and a speedy decision is
required from Russia,t as the Powers are fully re-
solved that there shall be no diplomatic trickery. It
was only on this condition that the Western Powers con-
sented to the terms. The tremendous armaments which
England and France are making for the spring can
neither be interrupted nor can the enormous outlay be
made in vain. The British Cabinet is resolved to give
positive information to Parliament, and this is whysuch
a short time has seen granted to Russia. In case of the
rejection of the propositions the diplomatic relations
between Russia and Austria will at once be broken off.
It will depend on the result of Count Esterhazy's mis-
sion whether we shall learn anything more relative to
the recent negotiations between the Western Powers
and Sweden."

* The territory to be conceded lies between the Pruth
and a line drawn from the fortress, of Chotym down to the
Salt or Saeik Lake, on the coast of the Black Sea.
± Within three weeks.

THE WEATHER IN THE BALTIC.—FLENSBURG, Dec.
30.—A thaw set in here on the 24th December and
still continues, which, though not sufficient of itself to
open the navigation, has enabled a channel to be cut for
the entrance and departure of vessels. Bolderaa,
Dec. 26.—The waters here are now navigable as far as
the winter harbour, the south wind having completely
freed the mouth of the river from ice. Lubeck, Dec.
29.—The communication between this place and Trave-
munde has been re-established by the breaking up of the
ice, and several vessels have left for that port to-day in
tow of the Courier (s).
REDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF COALS.—Yesterday the
retail coal dealers throughout the metropolis reduced
the prices of every description of fuel. Seaborne coals,
of good quality, sell at ls. 3d. to is. 4d. per cwt. ;
Yorkshire, at ls. 2d. ; and Derbyshire and Staffordshire,
at ls. to is. ld. per cwt. ; and small coals sell at 11d.
per cwt. The best gas coke can be obtained at sd. per
imperial bushel. Chumps, logs, and kindling wood
have decreased in value ; and charcoal may be had at
very much reduced prices.
REPRESENTATION OF HEREFORD.—There is likely to
be a sharp contest for the representation of the City of
Hereford, which, it is expected, will shortly be vacant,
in consequence of the bankruptcy of Sir Robert Price.
A requisition is now in course of signature to Thomas
Evans, Esq., of Sufton Court, flerefordshire, calling
upon him to allow himself to be put in nomination, and
It. Biddulph, Esq., of Ledbury, who formerly sat for
the city, has announced his intention of again coming
forward whenever a vacancy occurs. A third candidate
is also spoken of.
THE DRUIDS AT OXFORD.—The return of New
Year's-day brings with it the annual festival of the
Druids at Oxford. On the present occasion upwards of
300 sat down to a sumptuous repast in the Town-hall.
eceomunptaynyanwdercetythoef
ththee
Oxford,N A. Bprruesnindeerd,. coAromnoenr
afsotr
Right Hon. E. Cardwell, M.P., the Mayor of Oxford,
Aldermen Sadler, Dudley, Towle, and Spiers ; several
members of the town council, the N.A. of the Grand
Lodge of England, &c.,
&c. Mr. Langton, M.P., was
unable to be present owing to illness.
LAUNCH AT BELFAST.—On Tuesday afternoon a
barque was launched from the slip of Messrs. Alexander
M‘Laine and Sons, at Belfast. The vessel was named
the Moyola. She is of excellent model, and it is expected
will be a remarkably fast sailer. She is about 400 tons
burden, new measurement ; 133 feet on deck ; depth of
hold, 15 feet; breadthlof beam, 23 feet. We understand
that she is intended for the West India trade, and is
the property of Captain Porter, of Carrickfergus. At
the destined moment the supports were knocked away
by the simultaneous efforts of the carpenters, and amid
the roar of cannon and the cheers of the multitude she
swept gracefully into the water,