The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-02-04
The New Peace Propositions.

We give elsewhere batch of extracts from
London journals on the acceptance by Russia
of the proposals of Austria. Their pith. in
point of fact, is simply this: Count Valentine
Esterhazy, on behalf of Austria, applied to the
Gear, with the concurrence, though not the
plenary authority, Of the Western Powers, to
treat on given basis The Gear modified the
basis in such manner as to amount to rejec-
ton. On second thoughts, however, aud after
reflection, Alexander changed his mind and
accepted the proposed basis Internationally.
Thereupon, Count Esterhazys mission was full
filled, and a ground prepared for re-opening
negotiations. This is all that has been done.
Count Esterhazy was not the agent Of the
Western Powers. He made his proposal on be.
half OF Austria, not of England or France
They were, it is true, consulted by Austria
some time before, to know on what terms they
wonld treat; and they stated those terms spe-
officially. ABORTION Of those terms is included
in the Austrian proposal; but another portion
is omitted. The latter is said to be important
It is said to refer to the Alend Isles, on which
the Allies desire to prohibit Russia's rebuilding
forts, and also to the thorough naturalization
of the Black Sea. British and French states
nen assert that though Austria has made no
mention of these points in the proposal which
she has rendered as a mediator, they cannot
conclude peace without taking them into
account. Peace, therefore, is nearer, certainly,
than it was a fortnight ago by that length Of
time; but it is by no means certain or SO
IL 1.
gree of confidence. New conferences will
spring out of the acceptance Of the Austrian
proposals; and then it will be seen how til.
Russian diplomatists are prepared to meet
their antagonists on the points of debate which
the Austri ms have left untouched. Until
these conferences have met and adjourned
nothing will be certain. Quite recent expert
ence warns US to put little faith in the outward
harmony of diplomatists, as an assumed con-
currence Of opinion between such statesmen
as those who WELD European affairs.
We have letter from Europe, written by
one well fitted to Judge of the pending crisis,
very different in tone from the articles from
the English journals. The letter was written,
it is true, before Russias acceptance of Ester
hazy's proposals was known. 1t is, perhaps,
none the better worthy of note on that account.
The writer has had lately many opportunities
Of meeting Russian MOBILES, who uniformly con-
CURED in treating the peace rumorEwith ridi-
Guile. They were, they thought, mere de-
vices Of the Western Powers, got up to con
ceal their weakness and fatigue at the war.
Russia, they thought, was in no humor to yield.
Her resources would enable her 10 carry on
the war for Elk, eight, or perhaps even ten
years longer; it must not be expected that she
would make peace before the expiration OF
that period; on the other hand, was it likely
that either France or England could endure
so long struggle? Was their alliance likely
to survive an eight, q six, nay, a three years
costly war; Impossible. Their trade, already
languishipg, would not endure SO great bur.
then as the taxes which continuation OF the
war would involve. Their people would infal-
libby rebel, or exercise such constrain. over
the government as would force them to make
peace; peculiar Inconvenience to which Rus
eia Is not subjeot. On another side, GERMANY
would not lie likely to depart from the atti
tudc Of neutrality she assumed at the noep.
ton ct the struggle. She would have every
fling 10 lose and nothing to gain by mlngling
in the fray; sbe would therefore abstain and
would keep one million of men on foot to keep
the peace within her dominions. She would
DO al tho trading, banking and carrying of
tle bellgerents on the Continent. She would
be the great neutral on land, as The United
States are the great neutral on sea. n the
Western Powers by exercising Gespotic
control over their subjects, and strain
ing their nerve to. the utmost, sue
ceeded in maintaining the contest for the
IL q c'st !caIg f2r which Eas.is ! grnsss:d,