The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-10-17

Especial Correspondence of,he Union. j
MuMcn, Sept. 23. ls

AlluOuRH MAJESTY tlic n ihS ~ ShSdii1 tias VI
tirely Withdrawn his opposition to the abolition Of
the transit duties in the States of the German Zo
rem and although Austria threatens, in the Zo
does not decide the question in the airmatiye
to bring it before the German Diet at Frankfort
political question, in accordance with the treaty Of
Vienna the Hanover conferences have not yet given
the matter their undivided attention. so as to come
to definite conclusion in regard to it. The subject,
however, must be discussed now, since il has be-
come the eodifio s.e qua of Austrias joining the
customs union II is truly lamentabe to see how
the two great States of Germany, Austria and Prus-
sa are doing all in their power to thwart each 9TH
ers designs, and how especially Prussia through its
ministerial presses, exposes the weak points in her
rivals policy. Were there not twenty millions Of
Germans in the minor States of Germany TO act as
ballast Germany would tomorrow be divided into
two distinct nations, and all hopes of future union
would be ut an end. As II is, there il every rca-
son to expect that friendly understanding VIII yet
be brought about between the two leading States Of
Germany, and that transit duties and river
dues will be abolished, either directly or by
means of diplomatic negotiation If the Germans
are slow TO move, they are equally slow to give up
notion which they have once recognised just and
proper The union Of Germany, says tho Austrian
Minister Of Finance, the talented Baron on Bruck,
is to be attained through common labor industry,
| and commerce; and it is difficult, in the present
condition OF things to perceive any other means by
which that same end can be reached. Hence the
Austrian propositions ere received with great joy
throughout Germany, aud pens are ready to support
them in the public press. The abolition of the
transit duties is urged in all the leading jour
| mails of Germany, including even those which have
the greatest circulation in the Prussian provinces.
1t is impossible long to resist public clamor when
the government themselves secretly inclined to
listen to it. Bavaria and Wurtemberg, Saxony and
Hanover, favor tho proposition OF Austria in fact,
all the minor States OF Germany inclined that
way, and against such odds party in Prussia, by no
means majo ity, cannot hope to contend much
| longer with success.
The question of the navigation of the Danube is
| not yet definitely disposed OF but have learned
from good authority that it is the intention OF the
Ryerain States to render it entirely free for all
| tions. Nothing can be more sensible. Rivers
that is to say, navgable riversare means of COM
muncation, and not of separation, between nations
| and to divert them from that purpose is common
injury to all The Riverain commission will, no
doubt be called together more, and its labors
submitted to the Paris conference after which that
matter will be definitely disposed Of That the Orien-
tai or Turkish question will not by that means APP
proach quiet solution, has been the burden of all
my previous letters. Turkey is in state of rapid,
spontaneous decomposition caused by the late war
and the conditions OF peace imposed upon her. She
never was consolidated Empire with strong cen
trail government and the prestige of the Sultan, by
which alone he governed, or at least maintained
some shadow of authority, in the scattered provinces
of his vast domnions, derived from his being the
representatiye-head Of the Hohammedan religion.
His attempted reforms have destroyed that pres
nBe, ana MADE TIE execution OF MS laws uependeIb
on the intervention of foreign powers How long n
State governed OH such principles can survive de-
pends entirely the agreement, among themselves,
OF tho protecting powers. As the case now stands,
Prussia though having immediate interest in the
Mediterranean or the Black sea, may, by change OF
position, give to the Oriental question wholly diff
ferent aspect Thus far, Prussia has occupied
grounds different from Austria in the Oriental ques-
ton; but should regency be established in frus-
sa, under the head of the Prince Of Prussia, pub
e. f.,r n1raa mann acl,np apIo
ciliation may be effected with trstria. 1t is un-
dersood, in well-ir ormed diplomatic circles, that
the Prince of Prussia has particular affection for
Baron Manteuffel (the soul OF the present foreign
policy Of Prussia and that in case Of his succeeding
to the exercise OF regal power the present Premier
will not long be invested with the insignia of Office
wrote you IN my last that the rege, " question in
Prussia will be decided the 23d Of October next
but that was only the EXTREMIST limit. His Majesty
the King of Prussia having concluded to pass
the winter in Italy, the regency question will be
settled earier-perhaps in the course OF this week; ;
after which all questions of diplomatic character
and all those referring to the political economy of
Germany, will assume new aspect The question,
as it now stands, to be between sole regent
in the person Of his Royal Highness the Prince of
Prussia, or between joint regency in which her
Majesty the present Queen would be invested with
share Of powers. The mpracticability of such an
arrangement need hardly be discussed in an Amer
Journal and finds, indeed but very few advocates
even among the ultra party represented by the
Kreuts- Ze't,ag. The Queen, most charming and
worthy person, has, herself idea of such an ar
ransement.
The Emperor of the French returned to Paris,
where he held cabinet council, after which he left
for the camp at Chalon. Her Majesty the Empress
still remains at Biaritz Both the Austrian and
Prussian ministers plenipotentary visited the En-
peror at Biaritz but whether they had any other
object than watching each others movements has
not yet transpired. Rumors ahoat in regard to
changes contemplated in the cabinet of the En-
peror, and the prime minister Mons Fould, is espe-
cialy designated as the person who will probably
retire from public life. This may or may not be so
without affecting the policy of France. The Empe2
of the French being the motive power Of the
whole machinery of government, it really matters
but little through what persons he chooses to act and
carry out his designs.
The acquisition Of the port of Vila-franca by Rus
sia is variously Interpreted by the English press,
but has received very impartial comment in Ger
many. If the London Post and its congenia con-
temporares have exaggerated the matter, the Lon
don Times, heretofore the great panicmaxer and
the chief croaker in regard to Cherbourg, makes ev
identity too light of it. The fact that an expansive
power like Russia has acquired, by lease or other
wise, any maritime position in the Mediterranean is
itself calculated to attract attention Vilafranca If
not port for men-of-war now, has been q naval de-
pot, and at time the only naval depot of Savoy
lis position considered of sufficient Importance
to be disputed by France it was besieged and
changed masters several times, and only remained
permanently in the possession of Savoy by the peace
OF Utrecht II was only abandoned by Savoy for
Genoa, just as Genoa is now abandoned for Spezzia
without detracting from its capacity for naval pur-
poses. 1t is clear that, with the at the dis
n II - n .