Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-01-19
FROM OUR EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENT.

LONDON, DECEMBER 81, 1S49.
Our neghbor FRANCE appears to be rapidly set
ting down into political quetness and commercial
activity; and the peace of Europe will, in great
measure, be secured by this improvement in her
position. Some of our political writers are not
exactly satisfied with the conduct of the French
Government in respect to the 'rurco-Russian ques-
ton, and say that, had that business not been ar
ranged, it is quite evident to them that the French
fleet would not have co-operated with the English
one in aid of the Sultan. Gen. AUPIcK, the French
ambassador at Constantinople, stood firmly by Sir
STRATFoRD CANNING and the PORTE, and his att-
tude caused the French Government to command
their fleet to sail at the time the English one
did. There is, however, reason to suppose that,
in the event OF more serious acts of hostility the
French squadron was not prepared to support the
measures to which Admiral PARKER might have re-
sorted In Short the French fleet never reached
the Dardanelles, and at the very first prac-
ticabe moment it recalled to Toulon. g LOUIS
NAPOLEON says the Times, " was not disposed
to try the experiment of hostile collision with
Russia, in direct opposition to the present views
Of the National Assembly, and to his own secret
interests and desires. Least of all would he have
courted fresh dangers in defence of the integrity
and independence of the Ottoman Empire" This
matter may be so explained as to throw much light
upon our political connexion with France: its real
nature probably is that of sincerely amcabe and
peaceabe description between the two countries,
considered as such, but not of that intimate and
close character as would enable pull cordially
and work well together in any joint enterprise. We
may live side by side, and be very good neighbors
and friends, but we could not cordially enter into
any political speculation together as partners. The
two Governments are as different in their views
and designs the people are in their tempers, ha-
bits, and dispositions. However, although this
business between Turkey and Russia cannot be
said to be finally arranged, have no idea that any
quarrel will arise oft, and so may venture to
drop all speculation upon the subject.
The new Ministry of France appears to carry
with it large majority of the National Assembly
upon all important questions. The bill for restor-
ing the duty upon potable liquors has been carried
| by vote Of 41S against 245. The difficulty OF
finding another tax in lieu Of this upon liquors
which yields one hundred millions of francs to the
Treasury--is an irresistible argument. Nobody
would accept in lieu of it the income tax, tax
upon capital, nor tax upon the public funds. /,
is probable, however, that the passage of the tax
upon liquors will create disturbances in the south
Of France, where such a measure will be exceed.
ingly unpopular. The PRESIDENT has been accused
oil having acted double part in relation to this
matter but, that person is either used or abused
just as may suit the purpose of the moment, or tbs
wishes of a party-pretty much, we fancy, as othe
Presidents OF other republics are--we will venture
to suppose that LOUIS NAPOLEON would not commi