14 SEPTEMBER 1872, Page 2

There is a rumour, not yet even semi-officially confirmed, that

negotiations are pending between Austria and Germany for a Customs' Union between the Zollverein and Austria,—the Austrian Empire, we presume, but possibly Hungary and the Eastern provinces, may not be included. The terms are said to be,—a common tariff for the external boundary of the Union, a gradual abolition of duties on the internal frontiers to be carried out within five years, a common coinage, and a joint Customs' Parliament for Austria and Germany on all matters of Customs' duties and commerce. If this rumour be true, Austria must be intending to throw herself pretty cordially on the support of Germany for the future.