The Sun.
London, England, 1867-05-09 00:00:00

THg SUN, LON DON, THURSDAY EV EININ MAY 9, 1867.

Berlin, that an intimation has been given to them,
and that M. Bismark has ordered that they shall
not only cease all provocation to France, but that
he wishes to excite the idea in Germany that the
evacuation of the fortress of Luxembourg is a
matter of small importance, in reference to which
Prussia could not refuse to make a concession in
the interest of the peace of Europe. Thus the
journals, which a short time ago contended in ex-
citing language that the maintenance of the state
quo as to Luxembourg was the ultimatum of
Prussia, have now made a sudden change of position
and celebrate the magnanimity, the humanity, and
the moderation of King William and his first
Minister. The motive which induces us to believe
in the present sincerity of these conciliatory
sentiments is derived from an examination
of the internal difficulties of the country, which is
one of a much more grave character than is gener-
ally supposed, and which Prussia must contend
i:Must. When the first moment of effervescence
had passed away, the populations of the South of
Germany gave striking evidence of the little enthu-
siasm they felt for a war, for the results of which
they had to pay so dearly. A Democratic party,
very powerful in that region, did not dissimulate
tither its hostility against Prussian despotism or its
sincere desire to maintain peace. As to the Go-
vernment of the Southern States, M. Bismarck
knows full well that they would not give him any
more support than they afforded to him last year.
" In the Confederation of the North, there is not
less embarrassment. The annexed provinces only
allowed themselves to be Prussianized with manifest
repugnance. There is a report that Hanover will
be placed in a state of siege, and in Schlewig-Hol-
stein the position is not better."
The Journal de illontford announces what is con-
sidered a serious calamity in that arrondissement,

the destruction by fire of the oldest oak of the
forest, called the Cheveaux vendeurs (the seller's
oak). This tree dates from the year 1002. Tht
name was given to it because in former days a
market for the sale of wood was held under it. This
monarch of the forest had a circumference of not
less than 25 feet. The spectacle of the destruction
of this lofty and magnificent tree by fire is described
as magnificent. The old wood threw out moun-
tains of sparks, and the appearance was like a bril-
liant display of fireworks. In spite of every effort
but few fragments of this venerable and respected
oak remain. The cause of the fire is but a matter
of loose conjecture. Some attribute it to the work
of a madman who desired to make himself famous,
like the man who wished for celebrity on the ground
that he had never read Walter Scott. The most
probable explanation is, that some incautious
smoker, who had enjoyed his pipe or cigar under its
shelter, a place of general resort, had thrown some
lighted ashes against it, which burnt into flames, in
consequence of its inflammable character arising:
from age. A portion of the trunk was crumblint.
to dust, and so that it was like touchwood.
The heat continues to be very oppressive. The
thermometer has been higher than yesterday. The
visitors to the Exhibition have visited the delicious
cool park and gardens.