The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-03-26

ITALIAN QUEs1IoN.-It now seems probable
that the decision of the question whether there
shall be peace or war will depend upon the course
to be taken by the States composing the Ger
manic Confederation, We publish this morning
all the official manifestoes which help to throw
light upon their intentions, including resume Of
the principal points Of their collective reply to
the Austrian circular, which we find in the Ores
den correspondence of one of the Paris papers.
When the Prussian Circular first made its ap-
pearance it will be recollected that its tone gave
rise to the idea that the Berlin Cabinet was ami
mated by anything but friendly views towards
Austria, and that when the occasion arose she
might even be disposed to join in hostile coali-
ton against her. This, considering her position
as one Of the leading members of the Confedera-
ton, Of course led to the belief that
her sentiments were concurred in by
some, if not the majority, of the States.
Both the premises and the conclusions may
turn out to be unfounded. The Prussian note,
so far from having been written in the
spirit and with the intentions attributed to it,
was, if we are to believe the Memorable Diplo-
matique, framed in accordance with an under.
standing with the Vienna Cabinet that both go
vernments should separately address confden-
tial circular to the several Courts inviting them
to make known their views on the present diplo.
matte difficulties. 1t was agreed that the Aus
TRAN note should have the precedence; and on q
comparison of dates it will be found that this ar
rangement was adhered to. Although Prussia
and Austria are rivals for German supremacy,
Of the Rhine.
So far, then, as the Prussian Circular is to be
taken as an evidence of the intentions of that 60
vernment, this explanation deprives it of much
of its Importance. Even conceding to it all the
weight that was at first attached to it, it sh ould
have been received with the reservation that the
subsequent action of the Confederation might
neutralize, if not reverse, the purpose which it
implied.
OF what that action is likely 10 be we are now
in better position to judge. The reply of the
German States to Austria, guarded as are its
terms, is considered clear as to the position
which they are prepared to assume. IL is
believed that they will not back up Francis
Joseph in the occupation Of the Papal
States but that whatever he occupies in
virtue Of treaties they will assist him in main
tanning. In other words, they will not allow
France and Sardinia to drive the Austrians out
Of Parma, Modena and Tuscany; and as this is
the principal point aimed at by the demands Of
those Powers, it is certain that if war is made
the alternative the Confederation will take part
with Austria. Whatever disposition Prussia
may feel to consult the views of the st. Peters
burg Cabinet, which would gladly witness the
humiliation Of Francis Joseph, she will either
have to take joint action with them on this ques-
ton or preserve position Of neutrality which
will for ever destroy her influence as leading
member of the Diet. 1t may be added that
some statesmen look upon the reply of the Ger
manic Confederation as indicating that the Con-
federation will sustain Austria in any German
question, but not in any one outside of Germany,
and of Importance to Austria only.
TURPTTUDE OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
The conduct of the Board of Aldermen with
reference to the appointment of City Inspector
is the climax Of municipal corruption, and
deserves the deepest censure from our citizens.
AT period of the year when the danger of cpl
demic disease is hourly staring us in the face,
the members Of that Board are deliberately con-
spring to prevent such measures being taken as
might avert a calamity which is inevitable unless
the sanitary affairs of the city be attended to by
aOsn orpcO izp6n hov
official who can keep the streets clean, or rid the
reeking cutters of our narrow thoroughfares of
their pestilential deposits. The Mayor-not &C
knowledging Mr. Morton as legally City Inspcc-
tor-refuses to pay any bills presented by him in
that capacity; so that this important department
is at stand STILL The Mayor come time since
sent the name Of a medical gentleman to the
Board of Aldermen, to fill Mr.. Morton's place;
but the committee to whom 1t was referred have
declined either to confirm or reject him, or take
any action in the matter; and when the nominee
desired to withdraw bis name at the last meeting
Of the Board, and Mayor Tiemann sent in nat of
another party for confirmation, the Aldermen
raised host Of quibbling and frivolous obec-
tons, and finally referred the matter to special
committee, out of whose hands 1t will probably
never come.
If the Board had pursued this course for the
public benefit, it would be as commendable as
unusual; but the transaction from beginning to
end is such a barefaced swindle that we are
surprised how the public bear with It. The con-
stituents Of the transgressing members of the
Board should call upon every one of them to re-
sign, for they are bctrayng the interests of those
who elected them and Of the whole city.
If the Mayor resolutely continues to refuse the
payment of Mr.. Morton's bills, it may possibly
force the matter to point Of settlement; but we
fear that Mr. Tiemann has not pluck enough to
hold bis ground, and that he will finally yield,
which will, of course, but prolong the contro-
versy and leave our streets in the yilainous con-