The Sun.
London, England, 1859-05-19 00:00:00

THE SUN.

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1859.

The war still remains in statu quo. France and
Austria are watching each other, but neither party
seems desirous of firing the first shot. It is said
that the Austrians are waiting for the arrival of
their EMPEROR and Baron HESS. Louis NAPOLEON
is already at the scene of action, but he is doubtless
desirous of obtaining the aid of the troops now march •
ing into Piedmont before he engages in a heavy
contest. Of course, as might easily have been anti-
cipated, the reports from the different camps are of
a very conflicting character. Each party regards
matters in the point of view most favourable to
themselves, and the statements are accordingly
coloured to suit the prevailing tint. Before, there-
fore, any confidence can be placed in telegrams, it
must be seen -whether they proceed from Turin or
Vienna, and ample allowance must be made for
great exaggeration. Even persons inclined to act
impartially will be influenced by those with whom
they come in contact, and who will, of course,
entertain very natural prejudices on each subject
that arises.

The resignation of Count BuoL does not
afford much assurance to Europe. Although there
has been a pretext of illness, it was manifestly in
obedience to Russian dictation that he was got rid
of. His conduct during the late war in the Crimea
was as unsatisfactory to Russia as it was to Eng-
land ; and the first opportunity was therefore
seized in order to substitute a more yielding
Minister, one who would lend himself more readily
to the views of the CZAR, with respect to the
Danubian Provinces, and possibly as to Turkey
itself. Hence, the "failing health" of the ex-
Minister, and " the gracious acceptance" of his
resignation by his Imperial Master. It is possible
too that he might have differed in some respects
with regard to the war which FRANCIS JOSEPH
was resolved to force on.

The Austrians have taken up a strong position
at Vercelli, occupying the only bridge over the
Sesia ; and thus commanding the road from Turin
to Novara and -Milan. It will be difficult to dis-
lodge them from this position, or to carry the war
into their own country. The head-quarters are at
Mortara, and it is by no means impossible that the
first serious conflict will take place in its vicinity.
The Austrians are clearly acting on the defensive,
but they will not resign the strong position
which they have taken so much pains to fortify
without a sharp conflict. NAPOLEON, having pro-
ceeded to the place, must take some step in advance.
It will not do to continue " playing at soldiers " at
Alessandria, or seeking " the pomp and circum-
stance of glorious war" without encountering also
its stern realities. To remain quiescent would be
to cover himself with ridicule—a subject on which
the French are peculiarly sensitive, and which
would be fatal to himself and to his dynasty.

From Turin we hear that the Austrians occupy
the right bank of the Po as far as Castel San
Giovanni, 12,000 strong, and that they are still
fortifying the bridge of Stella, for the purpose of
protecting their retreat. There will, however, be
seine fighting in the first instance before the war
can be carried into the Austrian territories, or even
the " protected" States, whose quasi neutrality will
not be much respected by the allied forces. Indeed,
it is very likely
that insurrections may take place
whenever the approach of the French or Sardinian
troops may render such a proceeding safe. The
Grand Duke of TUSCANY will not be the only
Italian potentate who may find a change of air
beneficial; or indeed necessary, for security.
It cannot be supposed that the state of inaction
will long be continued. The Austrians and Sar-
dinians are actuated by too strong feelings of
hatred to allow them long to remain face to face,
with arms in their hands, without making some
moTemontj and, as we have already stated, Lovzs