Northern Times. — 1859-09-09 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

NOTES OF THE DAY.  If the rumours respecting Prince Richard Metternich's  visit to the French Emperor are to be relied upon, the propositions he was instructed to make on the part of his Imperial master were but preliminary to the interview whietche was to endeavour to arrange-between the two Emperori. This, it is understood, he succeeded in accomplishing ; and it is now stated, that the interview will take place at Arenenberg, the 'old 'abode of Louis Napoleon in Switzerland. Such, at least, is said to be the case. The interview,' however, is not likely to take 'place immediately, since the Rini of the Belgians has first to have an interview with the 'French Emperor at Biarritz," with the object of endeavouring to remove any remaining' obstacles there, may be to the final settlement of a definitive peace, and an adjustment of the Italian difficulties, Let us still hope that these objects may be at once effected. The papal interests at Romagna get worse and worse —for the particular advantage of the papal system, we mean, not for that of the people themselves. The unanimous declaration of the 'National Assembly there, that " the people will no longer submit to the temporal " Government of the Pope," is one that must bring the matter to a crisis pretty speedily now, and thereby test the sincerity of France and Sardinia, as to the practical question, which is involved therein, of Italian Independencies. The hesitation of the Pope to direct his troops to advance upon Romagna, after having been thus set at defiance, would seem to indicate that he has at least his misgivings as to the support of either France or Austria. The presumed success of the Great Eastern experiment,—presumed, from the facility and safety with which the gigantic ship was conducted through the intricate windings of the Thames, and got out to sea, will' mark anew epoch in the annals of our mercantile marine. It 'is an experiment on a scale of "magnitude in navigation which has not only never been attempted  before, but probably not even dreamed of, as within the range of possibility. Its furthei development, therefore, cannot bitte_watcherl with anxiety by syr,Ski.ltA4 pkig and Coliimet:kat there_be_a difficulty experienced iii•getting her round to Holyhead;• it may fairly be taken for molted that she will cross the_Ailantic successfully, and thereby establish a raeallsef communication with the-other side which, w,ketlicr. for its extent or its facilities, will probably afford advan-. to both continents of which we have hithertohacino idea.,  , ...Now that the public interest, as to the effect of the Capital convict Smethurst,: has, in eon-legpence. of his reprieve, very naturally abated, he'is-becothing again a subject :of interesttrand curiosity, if riot -of with regard to his nitiniate idisiosal.: Many persons 'are of opinion, that as the respite was decided upon under the conviction that-he was not. guilty -of the capita crime of murderl by poison, it Must be followed by a free pardon ; while, on the other band, it is argued, that as it was more because his guilt was a matter of doubt, than`his innocence 'a-certainty, that the sentence will therefore be commuted to penal Servitude for life. The fact, however, of 'the two principal medical witnesses, Drs. -Julius and Bird, -having, since the -respite' took place, reiterated, through -the columns of the leading journal,;that: their :Opinion as to the cause of hie yietim's,death "has not been in the least degree shaken," will, no doubt, have its influence with the. Some Secretary ; and if it has, a commutation, rather than pardon, would seem to be the probable issue of t4is e 7", traordinary.casc._ .  The London Builders' Strike appears more and more likely to work itself .ont; in the way we have alreadl suggested in these columns. The unemployed are not Only idle, and therefore weary of doing nothing, but they must be 'insufficiently fed, both they and their families.; and as the master builders have .resolved that all the yards shall be thrown open on Monday next, are quite prepared to find that a 'considerable number of the turn-outs will be glad to,.resume their occupations. One fact stated is very significant. A large majority of the men are quite willing to return to work--irrespective` of the obnoxious declaraion- of the Masters---but are afraid to do so,_lest the remaining malcentents should"  taste revenge upon them. In such a case as thi  is another " Society' efidently wanting-an "6per4' ,tives' Protection Society",-,Ao prOtcet them from the gicialion and. oppression of those of their own 1)4:49 who are :not- content with doing a wrong thing the selves, but arc tyrannical enough to coerce others to d° likewise.