Abroad there is an equal absence of any great or
startling event, an equal ferment of old agitations. Paris has been held with suspended breath by rumours of King Louis Philippe's illnese. The facts, so for as they can be guessed through the conflicting reports, seem to be, that the King has had no acute illness of a serious character ; that he has suffered from the influenza, but mildly ; that he has suffered less than might have been ex- pected from the death of his sister ; but that the inroads of age on his robust frame are advancing rapidly, and that even his mind begins to give way—be yields to petulant bursts of passion. It is a strange and painful symptom of the state of public morals, that a Minister should have solemnly denied, in the Chamber of Peers, that the King was ill, and should have been disbelieved!
The Peers have adopted the Ministerial address in echo of the Royal speech, with no material alteration but the customary vindication of Polish nationality-. The debates were enlivened by the orations of two young Peers,—of Count d'Alton Shee, against the Anti-Reform spirit of the Ministry ; and of Gount Montaletnbert, against the weakness of the Ministerial policy in Switzerland and other foreign countries. Everybody was charmed with the spirit and good sport of those gladiatorial displays, especially with M. de Montalembert's : even Ministers were de- lighted—they were half ready to concur in an impossible vote that the speech should be printed. And why delighted 4—Because it contained a vehement attack on Lord Palmerston. A fact for the bigots who rely on the pacific omnipotence of free trade—of free trade, indeed, before we have got it. Your thoroughgoing Free-trader would perhaps ascribe M. de Montalembert's heat to our import-duties on French brandy, and would further revise, not our defences, but our tariff. We suspect, however, that the young Count has a soul above brandy, or even Paris-made boots. The Deputies are always more copious and troublesome than the Peers; and Ministers are threatened with some awkward dis- cussion on divers doubtful points, especially on the indiscreet vituperation in the Royal speech against the motives of the Reform party. Faith, it appears, is not to be kept with Abd-el-Kader, and it is expected that he will be detained as a prisoner in France ; a captivity which holds out the advantage of his probable death. Have the French lost every generous feeling towards a great and brave enemy ? No; all the military Peers nobly vindicated their order by urging the full performance of the Due d'Aumale's pro- mise. We regret to see a respectable paper like the Journal des Debats arguing the subject on the ground of expediency, and contending for some implied qualification or reservation in the Due d'Aumale's mind by which he tacitly made the promise sub- ject to the ratification of his superiors at home. If his promise be not accepted, neither should the Emir's captivity. There is an attempt on foot to make it appear that the prisoner in durance freely elects that the promise which he exacted when free shall be broken now that he is captive ! But will the Due d'Aumale consent to be thus dishonoured; or will he vindicate his honour by resigning every office under the Government which has for- feited his word?
Spain exhibits a curious melange of news : Espartero enjoying a loud popularity in Madrid, and shaking hands all round—with Queen and King, with Narvaez and young Zurbano ; the im- peachers of Salatnanca appointing a committee mostly of his friends, to carry on the impeachment ; and the Due de Mont- pensier, so says rumour, buying a palace in Madrid for future use!
Italy is in the same state of half-understood ferment. Austria is continuing her military advances, and is said to have asked leave of the Pope to cross the States of the Church ; which was refused. The King of Sardinia continued his military prepara- tions; a measure on which light is thrown by its popularity.
To glance at more distant quarters, England, whose troops have been held at bay for a whole campaign by a band of New Zea- landers, can boast of having vanquished a Kafir chief, Pato, at the Cape of Good Hope.
A notable incident of American military life is recorded in the news from Mexico: General Scott had placed three officers under arrest. The citizens of the land of Liberty could not comply with military discipline so far as to keep their pens in order : General Worth had criticized the capitulation of Puebla; Gene-
ral Pillow had threatened to write to the Secretary at War against the proceedings of a court-martial ratified by his com- Mender ; and Colonel Dunean prtaitts to be the boastitig " Leoni- das " of some journal at home ; cortetspondetice on the affaire of the war being against orders. " Well ! " as the Yankee Colonel Says, when Hateftil W. Patkins Won't fall its at drill, "'t an't fib Matter I "
