The Sun.
London, England, 1866-05-04 00:00:00

FRANCE.

The following is the full text of the declaration
relative to the policy of the French Government,
made by M. Rouher in to-day's sitting of the Corps
Legislatif. M. Rouher said:—
Gentlemen—The examination of the bill fixing
the annual contingent has appeared to some mem-,
bers of this assembly to furnish a natural oppor-
tunity for discussing the affairs of Germany.

" The Government is convinced that it cannot
now accept this discussion without incurring much
serious inconvenience. But at a moment when
rumours of war prevail in Europe, and produce
the greatest anxiety in the public mind, the Govern-
ment is bound to declare to the Legislative Body
and the country the character of the policy which
it has followed, its present attitude towards the
German Powers, and particularly its position with
regard to Italy. I am about to fulfil this duty by a
declaration, the brevity of which will exclude
neither clearness nor precision. (Very good ! very
good!)
The policy followed by the Emperor's Govern-
ment, in the question of the Elbe Duchies, has been
constantly peaceful. While duly conscious of its
personal dignity, as of the regard due to the inde-
pendence and the legitimate susceptibilities of the
Powers with whom it entertained relations, it has
always from the commencement, as well as in the
phases of this question, at Copenhagen, at the
Conferences of London, Vienna, and Berlin, prof-
fered the counsels of wisdom and moderation. It
still continues with no less energy its efforts to pre-
serve the peace of Europe from regrettable conflicts.
By what singular contradiction, in fact, would the
Government seek to develop public prosperity at
home and to mark the progress of international
solemnities, and at the same time remain in-
different abroad to the dangers that may arise from
the shock of rival passions ? (Very good ! very
good !)
" Our efforts for the maintenance of peace have
theretofore only been limited by the firm determina-
tion not to take any obligation upon France—(fresh
expressions of approval from the House)—and to
maintain her liberty of action towards the Powers
concerned. In those questions which do not, after
all, affect either the honour, the dignity, or the
direct interests of our country, was it not the duty
of the Emperor's Government, after having loudly

proclaimed its pacific tendencies, to respect and
practise the rules of loyal and sincere neutrality, ill
order to remain free in its resolutions in face of
complicated events. Further, it is determined only
to make use of this liberty for the accomplishment
of a mission that will be easy to it—viz., that of
protecting the power, the security, and the great-
ness of France against every attack.
" Particular duties were imposed upon us with
respect to a nation to which we are attached by
traditional sympathies and a recent confraternity
in arms. Italy may believe herself called upon to
intervene actively in the conflict that threatens to
arise between Prussia and Austria. Every
nation
is the judge of its own interests; we do not pre-
tend to exercise any guardianship over Italy, which
is free in her resolutions, because she is alone
responsible for them. (Loud cheers.) But the
interest we feel towards her obliged us to come to a
categorical understanding with her; thus, she is
aware, from our reiterated declarations, that equally
as we should highly disapprove any attack of Austria
upon her, we are perfectly decided to cast upon her
the risks and dangers of any attack she may wake
upon Austria. (Prolonged cheers.)
" The declaration of the Government is therefore
summed up in three sentences—pacific policy, I°Yal
neutrality, complete liberty of action.
The Government feels confident that this line of
conduct, which maintains our complete independence,
which determines and circumscribes our responsi-
bilities without, is conformable to truth and justice,
and upon this account deserves the approbation 01
the Chamber and the country. (Prolonged ap-
plause.)
BOURSE, May 3, Three o'clock.—The market
has closed on the following quotations :
Bank Shares 3500
Italian Loan
Do. end month 43
"
Mexican Loan
Do. Bonds 270 --
Spanish Threes
Home Debt
Deferred
WA Ye.
Cash.

per Cents 94
Do. end month —
3 per Cents.
Do. end mouth CS 02;
Credit Mobilier 565
Do. end month 555 -
- Unis —
Do. end month —

Orleans
Northern
Lyons and Mediterranean
Southern
Western
Eastern
Sardinian
Austrian
Lombard
North of Spain
Saragossa
Ditto to Barcelona
Roman

Acct.
812 50
1075
843 ‘°
540
530
520

85 ---
•••
31
**: 3320
ov
135
180

- ••• -
......
----- ---- •.• o 0-7 5
_ _ ...

LAW INTEL LIGENCE—(This Day)•

COURT OF ESC ri EQER.
(Before Lord Chief Ju tice Erle, the Lord Chief Baron,
Barons Martin and Bramwell, and Justices Blies and
Willes.)

THE CASE OF CHARLOTTE WINSOR.
This being the day fixed for hearing the arguments t'
support of the case of this unfortunate culprit, Which
came formally before the Court on an assignment
error on her behalf, the object of which was to revers
-
the decision of the Court of Queen's Bench, t",„
court was crowded to excess. The prisoner was broiled
up, and, as previously, placed under the witness-hose 3.
aln4
exhibited the usual stolid or indifferent expression whic
has marked her conduct throughout the whole of the leg
proceedings.
Mr. Folkard and Mr. Collins appeared for the prisoner'
and the Solicitor-General and Mr. Hannen for the Cr°lll3„,i
The counsel for the prisoner urged at great length, au
the
with considerable ability, the grounds advanced when the
case was before the Court of Queen's Bench against the
conviction, which, he contended, was entirely against +'-
spirit of constitutional law.
The arguments are likely to occupy two days.

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Goulburn.)
IN RE THOMAS TOWEL
The bankrupt was a horse dealer, of Croft-house, Efe
bury, N. 8., and he now applied to pass his last esarain-
tion. The bankrupt did not surrender to his bankrupts ci
which occurred four years ago, and he was procl3its
in accordance with the provisions of the act. ge
since surrendered. The debts are £4,476, and the
ass
£l,lOO. An application was made to name the tro,u;
assignee, and it was contended that his Honour could 11°
pass the bankrupt until another assignee was appoiatech,e
His Honour said that he could clearly net go into
appointee
question, and the case was adjourned.