Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-02

THE PRospEcf OF PEAcE.-Peace rumors
abound in Europe, created and caught at
principally by capitalists and bankers. Pos
tive basis, official or other they have none.
And yet the English and French papers
speak with certain assurance about propo-
sitions and representations sent to st. Peters
buro by several second rate German Powers,
which are said to deprecate perpetuation
of the Cars obstinacy. An ultimatum Of
Austria, and pacifactory efforts Of Prussia are
also talked Of but all, SO far as we can Judge,
without foundation. Certainly the most
Trustworthy German papers convey an op-
posite impression, and we cannot doubt that
they are equally we'll if not better informed.
From these journals we gather simply that
no such steps have been taken; that Germany
has no idea of changing its policy; that Rus
STA has made no preliminary proposals; In
word that all these widely disseminated ru-
mors are made out of nothing but the wish
es and interests of their authors.
Austria is carrying still further the reduc-
ton of her army. Canrobert has formed no
treaty whatever with Sweden or Denmark,
and It is now admitted that his mission was
successful only in moral point OF view
but precisely to what extent we are not yet
informed. Spain seems also to have refused
to enter the alliance; and thus the general
crusade against Russia is seen to be confined
to what are called moral demonstrations alone.
1t now appears that this was the sort of
demonstration that Louis Bonaparte meant
to demand of Europe in his famous speech at
the closing of the exhibition. OF that dis
course M. Walewski, the French Minister OF
Foreign Affairs, has been constrained to give
an explanation for the instruction OF the
world This is in the form of a diplomatic
circular, in which the Minister enters upon
an execesis of what his master really inten-
ded. In the first place, then, it see ms that
he did mean to menace Europe with gen
eral war in the spring. He recognizes and
admits the neutrality of Powers which have
chosen to remain neutral, and does not de-
sign to force them to change their policy
They can, however, still beneficially influence
the course of events, and the participation
to which the Emperor invited them was ac-
cordingly a moral one. He does not ask
them for armies, but simply for their opinion
and verdict in his favor. According to other
rumors Napoleon desires peace. But Pal
merston is deaf to all propositions; and as
Walcwski sides with the English Premier,
some suppose that before any negotiations
can take place the present French Minister
of Foreign Affaires will be replaced by Drou-
yn d rHuys, his predecessor.
The most conspicuous event in Germany,
in its bearing on the probability of peace, is
the meeting of the Prussian Diet and the
majority of fifty votes for the Government
candidate for its Presidency. This majority
will greatly strengthen the Government in
its domestic and foreign policy, and will also
confirm in their course the other German
Powers, which have so far been influenced
and directed by Prussia. In Russia the levy
last ordered by the Gar is said to be going
on actively. The Russian papers arc very
war like, and such also seems to be the spirit
of the merchants of Moscow, the heart of
{ Russia. One of them has made to the Gov
eminent gift of $4,000 in cash to aid in
arming the militia The council of war
called together at st. Petersburgh, composed
of Generals Ruidger, Grabbe, Berg, Panintin
and Others, has for its object the defense of
the Baltic shores in the Spring. Prince Pas
kiewitch is hopelessly i'll at Warsaw.
i n. Y. Tribune.