NEWS OF THE WEEK.
EXPECTATION now concentrates upon Paris, where the members of the Conference are gradually receiving their authority to sit for the several Powers. While we write, the authority for the representative of one Power is still wanting—Austria, who was some week or so back represented as reluctant to join in the Con- ference, delays her authority to the very last ; a fact which per- haps as much as anything marks her antagonism to Russia, and the separate attitude which she has assumed towards France.
Nor is the position of France herself with regard to the other parties in the Conference exactly so clear as it has been. Some doubts are still expressed as to the course which the Plenipo- tentiaries may take, and as to the practicability of bringing the discussion to a close by a vote.
In some external matters, too, the different Powers are taking sides in a manner scarcely consistent with their relations in the Conference. A conspicuous instance is afforded by the position of France towards Switzerland, The Court of Inquiry in the case of the Neuchatel rebels has begun the preliminary exami- nation of the evidence ; and, in spite of the attempts made to arrest the course taken by the Republic it seems quite certain that the course of justice will proceed. The prisoners have been treated with leniency and indulgence, and there can scarcely be any apprehension regarding their ultimate fate ; but the forms of justice are to be fulfilled. The Imperial Itioniteur has issued some- thing like a manifesto of displeasure on the part of France. The Government of the Emperor had endeavoured to procure a release of the prisoners, as a compliment to King Frederick William, and as a preliminary to a final settlement of the relations of Neuchatel to the Republic. But this advice not having been adopted, the Swiss Government is accused of "lamentable obstinacy" and " exaggerated susceptibility," and is warned not to be astonished "if, in the course of events, she should no longer find that good- will which she might so easily have obtained at the cost of a very slight sacrifice." It is probable that Prussia will not per- severe in advancing troops to attack the Republic ; but if she should, Switzerland must not count on France ; whose Emperor Napoleon is practically enforcing the Legitimist doctrine, that a prince residing beyond the confines of a state may uphold rebels against a de facto government, and even arrest the course of jus- tice by virtue of his right divine !
It has been remarked, however, that other Governments have an interest in this matter. If Switzerland were pressed; she might withdraw her citizens from Naples. The latest' reports show that King Ferdinand behaved with unexpected self-posses- sion and courage at the time of the late attempt upon his life : the criminal has been hanged ; and the King is probably in ra- ther better odour than he was before the attack. But the with- drawal of the Swiss troops might be a serious matter ; and France is perhaps scarcely politic in giving to the Neuchatel question so important and so hazardous a turn.
