The Sun.
London, England, 1866-05-15 00:00:00

THE 'SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, MAY 15, 1866,

do, and w ere unwilling to incur the responsibility
of commencing the contest. It cannot be said,
however, -that affairs are in anything like a promis-
ing condildon, although they do not seem so con-
ducive to war as was anticipated last week. No
doubt the celebrated speech of the Emperor NA-
POLEON- at Auxerre has done much to keep
Prussia. from making the first onset, and has
thus given time and opportunity for others, to
form their plans and projects. One state-
ment Ihas proved to be correct which was
repeateely contradicted at the time of its first ap-
pearance—namely, the existence of an understand-
ing between Prussia and Italy. Last Saturday a
conditional treaty of alliance was signed between
these Powers; one of the articles is to the effect that
neither Prussia nor Italy shall contract a separate
treaty with Austria in case either is attacked by that
Power. This is very absurd, and of course would
greatly add to the eomplication of affairs in any at-
tempt to come to terms. It is an ingenious device
on the part of the Berlin Government to increase
the difficulties of Austria, and occasion her per-
plexities in the shape of various hostile powers ;
but, like many other such manoeuvres, it may
eventually turn against the originator of the
scheme. The fact is, that Count BISMARCK'S
nolicy is so crooked that it is impossible to divine
what his next move will be, and all that lookers-
on can do is to conjecture his motives and distrust
his professions. The part of the affair most to
be regretted is that the Italian Government
should have allowed themselves to be cajoled by
the unscrupulous Minister of Prussia, and forfeit,
in a great measure, the respect and sympathy
entertained for them in this country.

Another source of contention has been found
concerning Hanover, and the dispute thereupon
threatens to rival in intensity and exitement the
debates on Saxony and her armaments. It is said
that a Prussian despatch, in the form of an ulti-
matum, wa% sent to Hanover last week, summoning
the Government to explain the military measures it
has lately adopted. This news has been positively
affirmed, and in connection with this subject we may
mention that the official Wiener Zeitung yesterday
defends the conduct of Hanover, and denies the
assertions of the _Nord Deutsche Zeitung that
it has provoked Prussia to commence hosti-

lities by its armaments. It would really
seem as if no State or kingdom had a
right, to arm except Prussia, and that any other
Power doing so afforded her a pretext for
fault-finding, and was an excuse for hostilities. In
many respects it will be a great advantage if this
cloud pass away from the horizon of German poli-
tics without war breaking out; but, on the other
hand, it will be vexatious if nothing is done to
change the arbitrary course of Prussia and modify
the policy of its Government. It will only be a
patched-up peace that ensues if there be no decisive
check put upon the oppressive foreign policy of
Prussia. She bids fair to tyrannise over the whole
of Germany without scruple or consideration.
It is now believed that a perfect under-
standing exists between our Government and
and that of France on the awkward subject of
Continental politics, and hence many infer that the
chances are on the side of peace. They may be so,
but we would warn those most immediately con-
cerned not to trust too implicitly to. favourable
signs, because there is an under current in
German politics that it is difficult to stem, par-
ticularly at this juncture. How can we account

for the moderation of Herr BISMARCK, supposing
he thinks the danger over ? The best conditions
may only impose upon those who are entangled in
his meshes. Prussia at war at this time will
certainly be at a disadvantage ; but if a sort
of truce take place, the Berlin Government

may perhaps think that they can have their own
way after all. At any rate, it behoves the other
Powers of Europe not to be led away in their desire
for peace into any compromise of the principles of
honour, truth, and justice, which were all cruelly
sacrificed in the Dano-German war, and in the
despicable treaty which succeeded it. Peace is a
great blessing, but it may be purchased too dearly ;
and it is certain that unless a check be put
upon the pretensions of Prussia, the calm
that will follow this stormy interlude will
be but transient and illusory. Let not the
secondary States of Germany relax their
vigilance, for if they do they may be taken un-
awares, and lose the advantage. They have now
gained in being prepared for emergencies. Austria
will also do wisely to come to a settlement about
Venetia, and to make good terms with Hungary,
so that the next disturbance may find her in a
better condition, both at home and abroad. Which-

ever way we look at it as regards the treaties of
peace or the machinations of war, Prussia is the real
stumbling-block in the way of all improvement, and
the MARPLOT of the nations.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

PARIS, Monday Evening.
There is no new fact of importance, but abun-
dance of reports and speculations, in the Paris
and German papers relative to the position be-
tween Austria and Prussia. The following from
the Siecle, as to the state of feeling in Italy,
however, must be read with interest
All the letters and information we receive
describe the enthusiastic admiration with which
the Italians are animated in this supreme moment.
It is a national burst, similar to that with which
France would be convulsed at the cry of " The
country is in danger," to repulse the coalition of
kings. The voluntary enrolments multiply. The
workman leaves his workship, the father of the
family quits his children. The students of tli6
University of Padua have suspended their studies,
and leave for the battle field, singing patriotic
songs. Even some of the deputies abandon their
duties in the Chamber to take part in the struggle.
The differences of party are effaced. The Mode-
rates aad the ultra Conservatives shake hands.
The Government of Victor Emmanuel has given
proof of its conciliatory disposition by plac-
ing Garibaldi at the head of its volun-
teers, and in investing five Garibaldian
Generals with the command of half of the five first
divisions in activity. The last trace of the ancient
order of things which divided the Peninsula into
various States is about to disappear. A manifesto
of General Belluomini, Commandant of the National
Guard of Florence, states that the city will be from
henceforward confided to the National Guard,
that the army will soon repulse the attack of a
foreign
Power, and that the accomplishment of
Italian unity will soon be effected. Indeed, adds
the Siecle, it may be said that all the portions of
Italy are now united into one.
The Gazette de le Croix condemns in strong terms
the proposition made to the Diet by Saxony, and
says that nothing is now left for Prussia but to act
with firmness and energy for its own preservation,
meaning, of course, that she must go to war imme-
diately. As to Austria, the Nouvelle Presse Libre
calculates that she has now an effective army of
500,000 men,
From Frankfort the account is that there is much
alarm and uneasiness in that town, as well as in the
ewmheffitaregryrepatrepnaurmatons and bers of soldiers have
ot
arrived.hertowns,
demonstra-
tions continue
Confederation.ntinuethroughout the whole extent of the
German
d
the Suffren. It is to be builtl
a new model; and
tv eCs *ghee rhb aso
u justr g , tob ebeen ca e?. ne
formidable
thedable iron-clad
aad
meAnc

will be a frigate with a central fort, and with can-
non which will throw projectiles of 100, 125, and
2001bs. weight.

The new line from St. Etienne to Pay was to be
opened to-day. The Paris, Lyons, and Mediter-
ranean Company, instead of spending money on a
banquet of inauguration, decided to devote the usual
cost of such fetes for the benefit of the poor, and the
same course is to be adopted in such cases in future.
The youngest sister of the Pope has just died at
Avignans (Italy.) She was married to a rich
patrician. The Pope has two brothers living—
Count Gabriel Mastai, who is 80 years old ; the
other brother was formerly an officer in the Carabi-
neers, and is 80. The Pope himself is 71. The
family of Pope Pius the Ninth is remarkable for
longevity.

The 14th section of Moral and Political Science of
the Academy has been suppressed. It was entitled
" Politics, Administration, Finance." The fourth
section will, in future, embrace Political Economy
and Finance. The present members of the 14th
section wtll be drafted into the other sections. The
sixth section of the Academy of Moral and Political
Science was created by a decree of the 14th April,
1855.

A letter from the Meran in the Tyrol announces
the death of the Countess Esterhazy, at an advanced
age, the widow of the celebrated diplomatist Count
Esterhazy, the wily and accomplished Austrian states..
man, who, within the last half century, contemporary
with Talleyrand and Metternich, alarmed the diplo-
matic world with their manoeuvres and protocols.
Count Esterhazy was for Austria what Bismarck
is for. Prussia, and perhaps something more. He
had much to do with the Treaties of 1815, which
the Emperor recently told the agriculturists of
Auxerre confidentially he " detests."

The excitement at the Bourse continues. The 3
per cents. closed at a decline of 30c. 'I he fall was
great in many of the other securities.
The Moniteur of this evening states that the Im-
peratrice Eugenie, which arrived at St. Nazaire on
Saturday, brings news from Mexico to the 9th
April. The Emperor Maximilian had given his
sanction to various works of public utility. The
military news was favourable. There was perfect
tranquillity at Vera Cruz, and the city was in a
healthy condition.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAM.)

AUSTRIA AND PRUSSIA.

BERLIN, MAY 15.

The note by which Prussia summoned Hanover
to explain her warlike preparations threatens that
kingdom with military occupation, and demands
that the Hanoverian Government shall observe the
strictest neutrality.

In Ministerial circles the expediency is being dis-
cussed of immediately proclaiming the Constitution
of Germany of 1849 as voted by the German Par-

liament.

It is asserted that Prussia has verbally replied in
a confidential manner to the Austrian note of the
26th April declaring her readiness to enter into
negotiations with Austria with a view to the ces-
sion of Holstein to Prussia on the basis of the
Gastein Convention.

The King of Prussia's reply to the autograph let-
ter of the Czar has been forwarded to St. Peters-
burg. The correspondence which has taken place
between the two Sovereigns is believed to have been
connected with the creation of a Duchy of Warsaw,
and it is declared that the Czar has not interfered

in favour of peace.
Herr Von Benningsen, President of the National
Verein, is said to have been presented yesterday, by
Count Bismark, to the King.

FRANCE AND ITALY.

FLORENCE, MAY 15

The rumours of a prolongation of the stay of the
French troops in Rome beyond the date fixed by
the September Convention are without any foun-

dation.

The Nazione of to-day states, under reserve, that
a note of the French Government has arrived here,
proposing the assembly of a Congress. France is
said to have declared that she makes this pro-
posal with the view of preventing war, with-
out, however, pretending to impose the mode
of settlement for the pending question. The
Italian Government is stated to have declared, in
reply to this note, that while Italy did not decline
the proposal, she would require the basis of the pre-
liminary negociations to be the cession of Venetia.
France, it is added has undertaken to communicate
the Italian views to the other Powers.

In yesterday's sitting of the Chamber of Deputies
a debate took place on the clause in the Ministerial
Financial Bill relative to the imposition of a tax of
8 per cent. on Italian Rentes.

Signori Sorregiana and Ricasoli and others op-
posed the clause and proposed its suppression, be-
lieving that it would be prejudicial to the public

credit.

SignoriDecessare, Linald, and Lizaro spoke in fa-
vour of the clause, and Signor Ricciardi proposed
that the tax should be reduced to 4 per cent.
The debate will be continued to-day.

ROME, MAY 14.

A conflict has taken place between brigands and
French troops at Castro, in which four soldiers and
one captain were killed. The brigands were put
to flight.

SPAIN.
BARCELONA, MAY 14.

There is a great run on the banks of this city for
the exchange of notes and withdrawal of deposits.
Some suspensions have already taken place, and
others are expected to follow.

A Madrid letter has the subjoined intelligence :
—" The Royal family has been installed for some
days at Aranjuez. Great modifications have been
ordered in the interior of the Palace, with a view
to reduce expenses. The Spanish Government, fully
appreciating the new organisation in France of the
semaphore stations, and the services they render to
commerce, bas instructed telegraphic engineers to
take preliminary steps for a similar establishment
on all the coasts of the Peninsula. The inhabitants
of Cadiz are going to have a French theatrical com-
pany, to which they have accorded a subsidy. In
the island of Cuba, on the portion of territory be-
tween Remedios and Villaclara, an attempt at re-
bellion has taken place to cries of ' Cuba inde-
pendent ! ' Some people met in arms, but the civil
guard was called out, the assemblage was dispersed,
and some of the rioters arrested. The Ministerial
journals, and amongst others the Correspondencia,
deny the news given by the Havas Agency that
Spain has accepted the arbitration of the United
States on her difference with Chili."