20 FEBRUARY 1864, Page 3

The Emperor of Austria prorogued the Reichsrath on the 15th

of February, in a speech of which the following is the only note- worthy paragraph :—" In conformity with the vote of the Federal Diet, I have, as a German prince, taken part in the Federal execu- tion, and, in concert with the Sing of Prussia, the Duchy of Schleswig has been occupied as a pledge." This is understood by very sanguine people to imply a promise that when the pledge is redeemed Schleswig shall be restored, but then Austrian officials admit that Denmark must pay the expenses of the war, and that Schleswig must be kept till she does, and Prussia has already con- fiscated the money she owed to Denmark on account of the Sound dues.