fintign uu Culguirti.

FRANCE.—The Imperial Government has made another step in the di- rection of free trade. Last Saturday, the Moniteur published three de- crees founded on reports from the Minister of Commerce ; one reducing from 15 per cent ad valorem to from 25 cents to 55 cents per kilogramme the duty on raw wool imported into French ports by French bottoms from countries beyond Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope, including Cape Town ; -another abrogating The provisions in article 3 of the decree of the 8th February 1826, which prohibited in an absolute manner the importation into France for consumption of merchandise the production of Asia, Africa, and America loaded in the English entrepots, and the import under the English flag of European produce loaded elsewhere than in the ports of the United Kingdom or her possessions in Europe ; and the third assimilating the import-duty on grease of all sorts, except that of fish, to that paid on raw tallow.

About a year ago, M. Fremy was appointed "Director-General of In- ternal Administration," with the object of restoring order and regularity in administrative affairs, deranged by the constant political occupations of the Minister of the Interior. This office is now suppressed, and M. Fremy is once more a simple Councillor of State. It is explained, that M. Fremy, an able man, had excited the jealousy of M. de Persigny, his superior.

According to the Malta Mail, the French Government has purchased the steam-ships Emeu, Kangaroo, and Golden Fleece ; and they will change owners as soon as their contract with the British Government expires.

It is pretty confidently reported that the French troops just sent out to the East under General Forey are intended for the occupation of Greece. General de la Motterouge has passed through Marseilles on a special mis- sion to Athens. A project of law, it is said was to have been laid before the Legislative Body, authorizing the Government to call out 140,000 men of the class 1854; but it is understood that for the present the pro- position has been abandoned as "inexpedient." At a recent dinner on the opening of the railway between Valence and Montalmart, before the first toast was proposed, the company rose and shouted, " Vive l'Empereur ! " " Vive la Reine Victoria!" "A has lea Russes ! " The crowd outside caught up the cry, and echoed it with fer- vour.

"TURKSY.—Prince Napoleon arrived at Constantinople on the 1st in- stant. At the Tophana, a guard of honour, a white horse splendidly caparisoned, a crowd of Mussulmans, and the French residents, awaited him; but he did not land. Steaming up the Bosphorus in the Roland, as far as the Defterdar Bournou, a palace set apart for his use, he was received by Ciamil Bey, introducer of ambassadors, and went ashore in the Sultan's barge. On the same day be paid a visit to the Sultan ; and Abd-ul-Medjid met him at the gateway of his palace,—an unprecedented occurrence. Subsequently, the Sultan returned the call ; an attention never before shown to any but a crowned king. On the following

day, Prince Napoleon held a levee; on the 3d, he dined with General Baraguay d'Hilliers, sitting between Redschid Pasha and Lord Stratford. On the 10th, the Duke of Cambridge and Marshal St. Arnaud arrived at Constantinople. A palace had been set apart for the Duke ; but it is said that he prefers to take up his quarters with the troops at Scutari. Ge- neral Prim, with a body-guard of twelve Catalans and a numerous suite, arrived with Prince Napoleon. It is remarked that M. Brianski, a wealthy Polish exile, and a Colonel of the National Guard, accompanies the Prince; and that General Klapka has been presented to him. Next to the report that the British fleet has bombarded Sebastopol at a long range, and compelled the Russians to retire from some of their outworks, the fact that the Turkish fleet of twenty-two sail, with troops, arms, and ammunition, left the Bosphorus for Circaasia, on the 4th instant, is the most important. The fleet carries with it two British agents; one of whom is Dr. Sarrel, a gentleman well acquainted with the East. This squadron carries 1040 guns : one first-rate, the Mahmoudie 124; one of 90 guns ; three of 84; four of 74; and the rest, including seven steamers, of smaller size. One of the ships is commanded by Captain Slade. The Russians have abandoned all the forts but three- Redout Kaleh, Soukum Kaleh, and the stronghold of Anapa. No change is yet reported in the position of the hostile armies. The Russians still front the Danubian fortresses, and the bombardment of Silistria is again mentioned. In the rear of the line on the Danube the Russians seem to be taking a new position, extending upward on the left bank of the Sereth and along the frontiers of Gallicia, as if to menace Austria. Omar Pasha remains at Schumla. It has been noticed with surprise that the Russians have remained in the Dobrudscha ever since the 24th March. The Bucharest medical correspondent of the Vienna Medical Journal supplies some facts of great interest regarding the army in the Dobrudscha. In that desolate region, nothing, not even good water, is to be procured ; and the waggon-train which accompanied the army had returned for a fresh supply of provisions, bearing a heavy load of wounded men. Besides what the seven old hospitals in Ibrail, Reni, and Galatz would hold, accommodation had been provided for 2000 more. "The ambulances in the Dobrudscha fill with such rapidity, that con- signments of sick and wounded must be made twice a day to Hirsova and Matsehin, and from those places to the left bank of the river." The number of wounded was 2600 ; which according to the usual proportion gives 3000 dead and missing. "The mortality among the wounded has been 31 per cent during the month of April." The writer speaks of " daily recurring attacks" at Silistria and Rassova ; of a conflict at Karam, and "the affair at Czernavoda, the most sanguinary of all," and Russian mischances at Kostendje, as furnishing the wounded. "The news from the higher parts of the Danube is of a most contradic- tory description. This much, however, we know to a certainty. The best- informed officers in Wallachia do not consider things safe, and have sent their wives, valuables, and better carriages and harness, to the left bank of the Pruth. They have, besides, suddenly and totally left off talking big about reaching Constantinople this summer. In the mean time, reinforce- ments keep coming in from Bessarabia, and particularly cavalry and heavy artillery, which last are sent to the Dobrudscha and Kalarasch for arming the boats and sloops. The troops coming through Moldavia encamp on the Fokschani line up to the frontiers of Transylvania. Behind Fokschani a vast camp-hospital is being arranged for immediate service. By all this you will see that the war is likely to be a long and bloody one." Two combats are recorded in which the Russians were worsted : Sami Pasha defeated them "at Nicopolis," says the telegraph,—probably meaning on the left bank opposite Nicopolis; and Suleiman Bey routed a Russian force at Radovan, which must have occurred in the evacua- tion of Lesser Wallachia.

A report has been current all the week, that the English steamer Tiger, 16, grounded off Odessa, and was captured by the Russians. As yet we have only Russian vouchers for the fact, but collateral statements give them some air of authenticity. A notice from the British Consul at Gulatz, issued by the direction of Prince Paskiewitch, dated April 26, orders the sequestration of all British and French vessels, and the departure within eight days of all neutral including Greek vessels ; and directs the vessels of friendly nations to proceed to a specified spot at Ibrail. The Sulina month of the Danube has been visited by the ships of the combined fleet. The batteries are now dismantled and the town is deserted.

GREECE.—The Observateur d'Atlanes publishes an ordinance naming certain generals to commands on the frontier : General Malios to Acar- nania ; General Vlakopoulos to Eurytania ; General Gardikiotis, Governor of Phthiotide. "These acts," says the ordinance, "have for object the maintenance of tranquillity in the frontier provinces." "The ct.nfidence which the Government accords to these generals," says the Government paper, "in circumstances so difficult as the present, is a proof that it is resolved to cause order and tranquillity to be respected and maintained against any attempt which may be made to disturb it, from whatever quarter it may proceed."

Authentic accounts of the storming of Pets show that the Turks, under Fund Effendi, did their work very completely, and behaved with great humanity. On the suggestion of Mr. Saunders, British Consul, precau- tions were taken to save the Greek churches. After the battle, one of private soldiers of the Nizam took the metal plaque from the fez, and offering it to Fund Effendi, said, "I give you this sign of our order, for you have shown today that you are a soldier." The taking of Pets produced instant effects on the surrounding country ; and the insurrection is nearly brought to a close.

Piracy is rife in the Greek seas. More than one ship has been plun- dered, and several have been chased. Pirate ships are said to be fitting out ; and a Dutch corvette was on the look-out for them. French and English war-ships are also on the alert.

GERMANY.—The Austrian Government has called out 95,000 additional soldiers. At the same time, the telegraph and the correspondents, both at Paris and Vienna, report that something of the nature of an ultimatum has been addressed by the Austrian Government to St. Petersburg, . in the case, affirmed to be the non-evacuation of the Principalities, n which (he armies of Austria will make common cause with those of the Western Powers. It is remarked, that besides the armies on the South- eastern frontiers of Austria, an additional corps, under General Schlick, is formed in Moravia and Galicia to protect the military road North of the Carpathians, by which Russia would advance if Austria were attacked.

It is now stated that no "conference" has been held at Vienna, as re- ported last week, to determine on what condition Austrian forces should occupy Sclavonia.

"Several German Governments," says the telegraph, "especially Hanover, Wirtemberg, and Bavaria, have sent in their adhesion to the Austro-Prussian treaty. Other German Courts, especially that of Sax- ony, where Russian sympathies have always prevailed, have formed as yet no decision." As the Wirtemberg Ministry is unquestionably Rus- sian, there is good reason to doubt the truth of this report. S. axony is notoriously Russian. Another report says that diplomatists, incognito, from Wirtemberg, Saxony, and Bavaria, had met at Bamberg to discuss the Austro-Prussian convention; and it is supposed that the object of the two former was to prevail on the latter to take sides with Prussia in enforcing restrictive conditions on Austria in the German Band.

Prussia has added another name to the list of those whom she has dis- missed for their avowed opposition to Russian views : Baron ITsedom, Minister at Rome, has been informed that his services are no longer re- quired.

ItUSSIA.—Advices from St. Petersburg, to the 8th instant, state that an American and two Russian ships had arrived at Cronstadt ; so that the navigation must have been completely open. The Russian merchants were amazed that no blockade had been established. At Riga a large fleet was taking in produce : at Archangel, a number of ships were expected ; and it was thought that the allies would probably allow the cargoes to be taken away.

The news from St. Petersburg comes down to the 12th. An extra- ordinary levy of troops for the fleet and army had just been ordered in all the provinces of the empire. This levy was to be terminated in four weeks.

A telegraphic despatch from Stettin, under date May 15, reports that the Russian fleet at Helsingfors has set sail to join the fleet at Cronstadt.

The Invalide Busse of the 5th May published the following extraordi- nary document, far surpassing, perhaps, any known "Russian bulletin," considering that it is the decree of an Emperor and a "gentleman." It is addressed to General Osten-Sacken, the victor at Odessa !

"On the day when the inhabitants of Odessa, united in their orthodox temples, were celebrating the death of the Son of God, crucified for the re- demption of mankind, the allies of the enemies of His holy name attempted a crime against that city of peace and commerce, against that city where all Europe in her years of dearth has always found open granaries. The fleets of France and England bombarded for twelve hours our batteries and the habitations of our peaceful citizens, as well as the merchant-shipping in the harbour. But our brave troops, led by you in person and penetrated by a profound faith in the Supreme Protector of justice, gloriously repelled the at- tack of the enemy against the soil which, in Apostolic times, received the saintly precursor of the Christian religion in our holy country.

"The heroic firmness and devotion of our troops, inspired by your ex- ample, have been crowned with complete success ; the city has been saved from destruction, and the enemy's fleets have disappeared. As a worthy recompense for so brilliant an action, we grant you the order of St. Andrew. "St. Petersburg, April 21, (May 3.) NienoLes."

The Russian journals extol Russia as the deliverer of Germany, and even of England, in 1812. Prussia is reminded, that when Napoleon had lotted her out among his generals, it was Russia that saved her. Private letters in the German papers state that the merchants are greatly dissatis- fied at the inaction of the Russian fleets. "Our Government," they are made to say, "are driving a brisk trade in poetical effusions, but slack enough in actual attacks "; and the question is asked, what, in the event of the Russian navy's being beaten, "is to become of trade and industry, and the commonwealth ?"

SWE:DEN.—The Paris Honiteur publishes an interesting letter, dated "Stockholm, May 5." "Our situation is assuming here a more warlike aspect every day. Public opinion desires that we should attach ourselves to the Western Powers. The opportunity is too favourable for squaring our accounts with Russia. The Government shares this view of seeing the case. It continues its arma- ments. There is a wish to conclude an offensive and defensive alliance with France and England. Our infantry is composed of 85,000 men, the cavalry of 5569, and the artillery of 4916; in all, 94,980 regular troops. Gothland and the other provinces could furnish 21,000 nice. Thus the entire army would present a total of 116,000 men. The Ambassadors of the Foreign Powers do not leave the King. The English Ambassador had a pri- vate audience of his Majesty on the 3d instant, the Prussian had one yes- terday, and today the Ambassadors of France and England were received by his Majesty."

Later advices from Stockholm mention a flying report that the paddle- wheel squadron under Admiral Plumridge had bombarded Abo, destroy- ing the Russian ships in the harbour, and setting fire to the town. Even in the Swedish capital this story was held to "require confirmation." Another report is, that the British squadron has been within thirty miles of Cronstadt.

Ireyr.—An interesting discussion took place in the Piedmontese Cham- ber of Deputies on the 7th instant, on what would be called in England Committee of Supply. The foreign estimates were under debate, and ostensibly the subject of discussion was the vote for a minister at Rome. This led to discussion of the diplomatic relations subsisting between Sar- dinia and Rome, and to some important speaking. On the side of the reactionary Opposition—the Right, as it is called—M. Solar della Mar- garita deplored the difference existing between Rome and Sardinia, and required that the Government should come to a frank and loyal under- standing with the Pontiff. "As the son cannot be independent of his mother, so the State cannot be independent of the Church." Another member of the Right, della Marmora, said that the licentious press, which insults everything sacred and respectable, is the principal obstacle to the reestablishment of friendly relations with Rome. "In order to convince the Court of Rome of the friendly sentiments which animate us," he exclaimed, "we should prevent the scandalous construction of Protestant temples, and arrest the progress of a heterodox proselytism." To these attacks the Ministers Dabormida and Cavour replied. Count Cavour said—" We love the Catholic religion and venerate the Holy Fa- ther ; but we have also to defend the rights of the State, and to reconcile all those rights, we have proclaimed the principle of religious liberty, consecrated by the constitution and required by civilization." General Dabormida said—" We respect the rights of the Holy Father, but we in- sist on his respecting ours. When Rome shall be convinced that the constitution is deeply rooted in Piedmont, her Government will abate it

pretensions." On the 10th, oaths vote of 37,000 livres for the Roman tegation, M. Robecohi said that a charge d'affaires would sufficiently re- present Sardinia at Rome; and M. Deprettis moved a reduction of the credit, with the view of the suggestion being carried out. On a division, the amendment was negatived by 100 to 33; and the Ministerial propo- sition was agreed to. M. Borella moved a rejection of the vote for the Russian Legation ; but the motion was negatived.

Srs.ne.—The Madrid correspondent of the Times states that the reply of the Government to Mr. Soule's last note was, that they consider Gene- ral Pczuela and the Cuban authorities to have acted in a manner perfectly regular and legal ; that "out of consideration for the United States," and not as a right, they will remit the fine of 6000 dollars imposed upon the owners of the Black Warrior ; but that the other demands made by Mr. Soule are perfectly inadmissible. Spain has sent out 6000 Spanish troops to relieve the garrison at Porto Rico, which goes to Cuba.

WEST INDIES.—The Magdalena arrived at Southampton on Wednes- day, with the West India mail. The advices from Jamaica are to the 27th April. Sir Henry Barkly prorogued the Legislature on the 14th; and on the 17th he set out on a tour through the North-western parishes, accompanied by Lady Barkly. The Falmouth people were to give him a grand ball on the 17th.

INDIA een CHINA.—The despatches of the overland mail arrived on Monday. The latest dates are Bombay April 14, and Canton March 25. The news from Burmah is of the usual character—petty skirmishes in the jungle with the so-called Deceits. The King of Ave has not been poisoned, as it was announced by the last mail. In the Persian Gulf disturbances continue at Blinder Abbas, between the Arabs and the Persians.

From China there is no intelligence of any authenticity. The tendency of the accounts by this mail is decidedly favourable to the rebels ; who are said to be rapidly advancing upon Pekin with a strong desire to end the war.

Ansmeme.—The famous clipper Marco Polo arrived at Liverpool on Saturday, with advices from Melbourne to the 19th February. The Marco Polo on the outward voyage got ashore near Melbourne, through the incapacity of the pilot, and remained ashore ten days, but was got off with but little damage. She brings nothing but gold news. Reports had reached the Diggings that gold had been discovered at Callao, and several ships were on the point of sailing for that port. Some unusual " finds " are recorded ; in particular, two nuggets at Ballarat, one weigh- ing 207, another 685 ounces. The larger—nearly all pure gold—was found in a deserted hole at the old Eureka diggings : it is 9 inches long by about 7 broad, and resembles a tortoise in form. Great changes have taken place in what may be called the commissariat department of the Diggings. At Ballarat, for instance, diggers now revel in "soups and potted salmon," instead of "tea, damper' and mutton" ; and they have a

concert-room" and stores tastefully decorated, in place or the old "snuggery." New gold-diggings have been discovered at Tambaroora, Major's Creek, and other places ; and, on the whole, the golden news is satisfactory. According to the Adelaide Government Gazette, the South Australian im- ports of the quarter ending 25th December 1853 amounted to 518,0711.,— an increase over the corresponding quarter of the previous year of 240,388/. ' • the exports for the quarter were 724,6791.,—an increase of 26,5651. The increase in the exports of the staple produce of the colony, bread-stuffs, &c., is 59,324/. ; but while there is a slight increase of cop- per ore, 2440/., there is a decrease of copper to the amount of 3361/. The bullion exported during the last quarter of 1852 was 578,0401., against an export for the last quarter of 1853 of 465,038/.,—a decrease of 113,002t. in 1853.