The Sun.
London, England, 1868-09-16 00:00:00

REMARKS.

The atmospherical pressure over our islands has slightly diminished
since yesterday, whilst at stations in the west of France readings are
a little higher. The highest pressures still continue in the N. : there
is a difference in readings between Nairn and Penzance of 0'241n.
Temperature at southern stations has risen a little. The wind is
easterly and light on the Channel coast, but fresh in the S. of Ireland.
On our E. coast light northerly winds prevail. In these islands the
weather is cloudy. Fog is reported from the W. coast of France.
The sea is disturbed on the S. coast of Ireland.

The King of Prussia's speech at Kiel is the most impor-
tant intelligence bearing upon the war agitation. The
telegram through Reuter's agency does not give the whole
of his Majesty's reply to the address of the university.
Not only did King William say, '' I do not see throughout
Europe any cause for the disturbance of peace," but he
added, "What will still more reassure you, I perceive i
the vigour of the Fatherland n the representatives of the
army and navy assembled here, who have proved that
they do not shun the combat if compelled to fight it out."
This is by no means so pacific an assurance as the fir:t
sentence alone would be. Whilst the King of Prus A
sees no cause for war, he is c nfident that those who
attack Prussia will have reason to regret their temerity.
It is hardly to be hoped that this proud assertion will have
any sedative effect upon the Paris Bourse. Other indica-
tions are in favour of peace.; that is, the French official
papers have during the last. two or three days striven
vigorously to prove that war is out of the question. But
whilst the French papers have become more pacific, the
Prussian press has assumed a very threatening tone. The
attitude of Austria has become a most important con-
sideration. It is stated at Vienna that in case of
a European war Austria
i will not preserve neu-
trality if her position n Europe is endangered
in the slightest degree. In France, however,
Austria is not counted upon as an ally, and in
Prussia her neutrality is the utmost that can be hoped
for. All that can be positively said on the point is, that
Austria reserves the right of perfectly independent action.
The generally admited failure of the Salzburg interview
Leads to the conclusion that she will not assist France
against Germany. On the other hand, Prussia has not
succeeded in gaining Austria's friendship. The Usedom
despatch proved that Prussia had calculated in 1866 upon
the complete dissolution of the Austrian Empire, and the
impression produced by this discovery is not to be wiped
out by words. Baron Werther, the Prussian Ambassador
at Vienna, has attempted to " explain" matters to Baron
Beust, but has not succeeded.

The military preparations on both sides of the Rhine
still continue. The Prussians are about to construct near
l'rves an entrenched camp, which is destined to take the
place of the fortress of Luxemburg. Troves is at the
junction of the Sarre with the Moselle, and is directly
opposite the great French military centre at Metz. The
position about to be fortified by the Prussians is very
important. Letters from Metz state that all the farm-
buildings, cottages, &c., which have been erected
round that fortress since 1 14 are being destroyed,
so as to clear the ground for the operations of
artillery. At Besancon, Belfort, and other places
the garrisons have been strengthened recently. Con-
tracts for military works are accepted without compe-
tition, so as to avoid the necessity of publishing adver-
tisements.

It had been arranged that the Queen of Spain should
visit San Sebastian about the 27th of August, but that
date has passed and the great border fortress has not yet
been honoured with the royal presence. The unhappy
authorities had " spared no expense" to give her Majesty
a fitting reception. The fireworks and illum'na.tory mate-
rial will of course keep, but what are the municipal mag-
nates to do with the fish, flesh, and fowl they had ordered
in obedience to the command to provide a grand banquet!
It is supposed that the Queen is awaiting the arrival
rd the French Empror at Biarritz. The Times
Paris correspondent says that the question of
an interview between the two sovereigns is
not yet determined : the Emperor has declined to grant
the Queen's request, but the Queen is not satisfied. The
Emperor does not wish to embarrass himself with the
affairs of Spain, but the Queen has finally decide 1 that
she can no longer manage them herself, and she still hopes
to get the assistance of her neighbour. The Times corre•
spondent, however, concludes that there is no reason to
suppose the Emperor will depart from his resolve.
A correspondent of the Independence Beige says it
is certain that the Queen of Spain bad thought of forming a
new Ministry under the Presidency of Marshal Oincht.
This Cabinet was to be composed of the Liberal Union and
of the Moderate party. All tho politicians who woro olferqd
Wat Atili.4try heY9, declined ita