The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-12-06
pau S STA.
OUR BERLIN CORRESPONDENCE.

Progress of the Negotiations with Russia.
Island Of FOrmOsa, &c.
BERLIN, Nov 16 1896.
Notwithstanding the profound secrecy observed the
subject 1t positive that negotiations going
with Russia, and have been since TIE mission Of
General Manieufie to st. Petersburg The moderation
displayed by Prussia in her dealings with wsrtemburg
and Hesse Darmsadt, and which contrasts strongly
with the harsh treatment of Hanover and Electoral
Hesse evidently dictated by wish to concate the
Gar and TO render him inclined to listen to the
proposals Of the Berlin Cabinet, and the approximation
between the two northern courts promoted by the
i'll advised attempt Louis Napoleon to bully wheedc
Prussia out Of the Rhenish provinces.
The French government appears to have had an ink
ling of these proceedings and to have jumped at once
to the conclusion that alliance had actually been
struck up. This is going little further than is war
ranted by the facts or the case So far it is only
alliance in posse and not in and the North German
Gazette is therefore justified to certain extent in deny
ing it, and particularly in contradicng the report that
the journey Of the Crown Prince to st. Petersburg
was undertaken with the intention Of completing the
preliminary arrangements. Russia aud Prussia have
agreed TO follow q common line OF poncy IN view Oh
those events will take place. The Eastern question
forms extensive part OF their programme ss
Of England and TO drive her into the of France
she will content herself with giving moral support 70
enueavOrS
patton Of the Christian population Of Turkey, and with
neutralizing the efforts Of Austria to counteract It,
whereas any steps on the par. q either France OF
the Northern Powers firmly united and ready, II
necessary, to repe 1t by force Of In return for
this Alexander would engage TO assist Prussia In case OF
attack only by sationing strong army or observa
on the Austrian frontier but also by cooperating In
the defence Of the Baltic against French fleet
The position OF Italy is dubous She bound to Louis
Napoleon by many obligations that It will be difficult
for her to join coalition against him; but II - believed
fhafao hraa he hot vvop
France and Austria on the side, and Prussia and
Russia the other she will hardly let slip tho oppor-
tunity OF anncxing Trieste and the Italian Tyro which
she claims hers by the right OF nationality by
which she has gained possession OF Lombardy and
Venice
" hypothetcal-K France keeps quiet none Of Thorn
will b. acted upon but there Is general impression
both In political and military circles that Louis Napoleon
will obliged TO do something TO appease the wounded
vanity OF his subjects, who are always ready TO barter
lberv for glory but who will rest satned with q
government that gives them neither the nor the
other. In short Is looked upon as almost GER
tain In the spring or summer ana Irussla ieas, y
indication of the good understanding with Russia Is the
marriage which is tie tapis between Princess Of
,verc gn OF Romanla who whenever the Turkish EN-
pe breaks Is sure to come in for considerable share
| Of tho spoil
| ..Shps colonies and commDce- were the dream Of
the great Napoleon and they have long been that of the
German nation. Since the events OF the late campaign
have made Prussia the leading military Power in Europe,
she appears disposed TO realize the vision and TO become
great maritime Power also During the expedition that
was undertaken some years ago China and Japan the
island Of Forosa repeatedly visited by the PrussIan
SQUADRON and In the narrative OF the voyage published
after their II pointed out that this would BE-
most eligible spot for the establishment OF Prussiar
colony and naval station Al that period government had
other matters to attend TO- and the plan was adjourned
zinc die Now. however II Is again under consideration
it is seriously proposed TO open negoons with Chin
either for the ccssion purchase Of Formosa Az thu
hold OF The Chinese upon The island very insecure
is thought they would easily be persuaded 70 surrender
IL 10 Prussia for good round sum, or at any rate
allow her the OF OF It's safe and commodous har
bors for port and arsenal The question Is only
what England would say TO such an arrangement Johi
colonies by other nations and he would hardly relish
the presence OF Prssian settlement near TO Cantor
ana Hong Kong II s likely therefore, that British In
uence will be employed TO prevent tue Court OF Pekii
from occedng 10 the proposals Of Prussia although !
Bismarck Is determined to carry out tho project he
just the to do whether the Ce!estals agree TO
! not