25 MARCH 1848, Page 7

_foreign attb

Arisrata.—The movement at Vienna has assumed the character of a complete revolution, and Prince Metternich has fled.

On Monday the 13th instant, the session of the Diet of Lower Austria was opened; and as a matter of course an address to the Emperor was to be proposed. An address of movement seems to have been concerted; for the Viennese were strongly interested in the proceedings, and gathered round the Hall of' Assembly in very great numbers. An address, very loyal but very plain-spoken, was resolved on, and a petition. " Most gra cious Sire," said the address, d the iiiople of Austria will elevate to the altitude of the stars (warden zu den Sternen erheben) the Crown which, free and self-conscious, great and glorious, declares confidence to be the real fortress of the State, and harmonizes this confidence with the ideas of the age." The petition besought an immediate amendment in the constitution of the Chamber of Deputies, and the liberty for it straightway to consider measures of development to the representation, of reparation of the fi- nances, and of a general restoration of the confidence of the country,—in- chiding, especially, liberty of the press. The people awaiting outside the hall became impatient at some delay; and a part of their number, chiefly students, broke into the interior. When there, they raised a cry from the windows that they were prisoners, and induced the mob to overwhelm all resistance, and join them in the joint occupation of the chambers with the Deputies. The deliberations became disturbed; cries were raised that the address was not strong enough. The address, however, was at last voted as originally drawn; and the Diet- Marshal, Count Montecuculi, who is popular, went to the Emperor with the majority of the States to present it. The Count and his companions were kept waiting from noon till four o'clock. In this interval, the popu- lace were excited by the oratory of the students to extreme impatience. It seems that, on the day before, Prince Metternich had treated a deputation of the students, headed by some of their professors, with high disdain. They were greatly exasperated against him, and induced the mob to set off for his palace. Arriving there, they resumed their harangues, but did not Produce any actual destruction or mischief. The crowd was then led back to the Hall of Assembly, and in the absence of the Deputies took posses- sion of it. Here the Archduke Albert came to the students, and promised that if they would be patient for half an hour their requests should be granted. That time passed, and at the end of it the requests were all re- fusal. A general destruction of the contents of the States House was im- mediately accomplished. The students then turned into the streets, shout- ing, " Down with the censorship!" "Academic liberty! " " Progress for ever!" and, after much rushing to and fro, they made for the Imperial Palace. Here the excitement became uncontrollable, and students and people toge- ther began an attack on some houses. Suddenly the troops appeared, de- ployed, and commenced firing in platoon. The students accepted the con- flict, and a fierce engagement was obstinately waged for a considerable time. According to some accounts, cannon were brought out, and many rounds of grape fired. At last the Burgher Guard turned out; and, by some means which do not clearly appear, the actual conflict was stayed. The people and the guard proceeded en masse to the Palace; and were told

that Prince Metternich had just resigned, and that their wishes should be conceded. The tumult was allayed; and the night was spent in watching and in illuminations. The Burgher Guard remained on duty, assisted by the students, who were supplied with arms from the arsenal, by orders of the Government. In the morning, the Burgher Guard undertook to pre- serve the peace, if the military were withdrawn: after much deliberation the Government consented, and handed the city over to their care. The posts were immediately surrendered by the soldiery; who retired to the number of 18,000, and bivouacked without the walls. The people mingled among them with perfect good humour: the reconciliation of both seemed complete.

On the 14th, there appeared proclamations conceding the liberty of the press and the formation of a national guard. The command of the latter was to be taken by Count von Hoyos, a popular man. The proclamation ran in these terms- " We, Ferdinand I., by the grace of God Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Bohemia, &e., have now made such arrangements as we recognized to be re- quisite for fulfilling the wishes of our faithful people.

"By virtue of our declaration abolishing the censorship, liberty of the press is allowed in the form under which it exists in those countries which have hitherto enjoyed it. A national guard, established on the basis of property and intelli- gence, already performs the most beneficial service.

" The necessary steps have been taken for convoking, with the least possible loss of time, the Deputies from all our provincial States, and from the Central Congregations of the Lombardo-Venetian kingdom, (the representation of the class of burghers being strengthened, and due regard being paid to the existing provincial constitutions,) in order that they may deliberate on the constitution which we have resolved to grant to our people. " We therefore confidently expect that excited tempers will become composed, that study will resume its wonted course, and that industry and peaceful inter- course will spring into new life. " We rely on this with so mach the greater hope, because we have this day, in the midst of you, convinced ourselves with deep emotion that the same loyalty and attachment which you have uninterruptedly for hundreds of years manifested to our ancestors and to ourselves on every occasion still fills your minds. " Given in our capital and residence, at Vienna, the 15th March 1848.

"FERDINAND.

"Count von INZAGHI, Supreme Chancellor. Baron von PILLERSDORN, Court Chancellor.

Baron von WEINGARTEN, Court Chancellor."

It was also stated that Counts Kolowrath and Monteouonli had reoeived power to form a new Ministry. Prince Metternich had left Vienna; and the unpopular Archdukes Ludwig, William, and Albert, had resigned office and retired to private life. The command of the troops was given to Count Windischgraetz, who is far less unpopular than the Grand Duke Albrecht. On the following day, the people were further conciliated by the removal of Count Windischgraetz, and the appointment of the popular Count Lichtenstein in his stead.

The latest intelligence is to the 18th. A Provisional Council had been appointed, composed of the popular members—Baron Stifel, Baron Doppel of Stametz, Meyer, and Roberto. The' populace distrusted the animus of the concessions, and were uneasy and expectant, but no disturbances had again arisen. Prince Metternich and the Grand Duke Albert were said to have es- caped to Breslau. The effigy if Metternich had been hanged and burnt; and it has been said that his palace had been sacked; but that is contra, dieted.

The Emperor, it appears, views events with the wonder of a child: he weeps at the siLden movements, but is compliant. The loyalty of the people, in the midst of all this ebullition, is described by a writer on the spot as unimpaired— "His Majesty, surrounded by several members of the Imperial Family, appear, ed on the balcony of the Court Library, on the Josephs Plate, where the Ns-,, tional Guard was drawn up in ranks, and was received with enthusiastic ohm* of the assembled thousands. It seemed as if the acclamations would ne '— Suddenly the national anthem was struck up; whose tones perhaps h never be fore sounded so'solemn and impressive. They are not mere won hen we se) that tears of emotion and inexpressible joy fell from every eye,' Bind every heart was deeply moved."

The accounts of the slaughter during the conflict are extremely die. crepant—indeed, all the details are vague and contradictory: none of theist state the killed lower than 20; one account says 63; another says that the attack on the people was made in four different points simultaneously, that upwards of 120 bodies were in the dead-house, and that there were full 300 slain in all.

The more recent accounts from Vienna throw additional light on the movements there, but still do not give a perfectly clear narrative. The conduct of the Government on the 13th and 14th seems to have been va- cillating: some changes were conceded on Monday, but on Tuesday great preparations were made by the Government to recover their position by force. The Palace was crammed with troops, and every commanding point was occupied by artillery. The measures of the previous day, how- ever, had been fatal to an extreme course. The students and the populace were armed and organized; and it was found that there were not more than 15,000 troops wherewith to crush a movement of 60,000 fighting citizens. A decree of freedom of the press was issued and recalled, and then again formally promulged. The riotings continued at detached points, and destruction of property became prevalent. The great masses of artisans in the suburbs were arming and joining the movement, and bodies of sympathizers were flocking into Vienna from the country. The night of Tuesday the 14th was passed in uneasy doubts. On the 15th the Archduke Stephen arrived from Presburg, bringing news of the effect of the events in the capital on the Hungarian Magnets: they had resolved to march from Presburg and join in the fight. This was enough. The Archdukes resigned, and the proclamation promising a constitution was issued. In the course of the day, Kossuth, the leading man of the Hungarians, came up with a body of his countrymen; and finding the turn taken by events, he assisted in allaying the doubts and excitement of the people. The Emperor drove out in a landau, and was surrounded by the mob: he was so agitated that he became unwell, and begged with tears to be taken back to the Palace. The people dismissed the horses and drew him home themselves, shouting and manifesting a joyous loyalty. The papers relate this spirited incident. Archduke Louis, enraged at the request of the students, turned round to the deputation, saying, " Good God! tell me who governs here—I, or the gentlemen at the University? Dr. Schilling replied, " Up to this hour your Imperial Highness has go-

verned, that is certain; but who will govern an hour hence nobody can

tell."

The Austrian Observer of the 18th of March announces an Imperial re- solution of the previous day, commanding the formation of a " responsible Council of Ministers" to deliberate on the principles laid down in the Im- perial patent of the 15th of March. The Council to consist of the Minis- ters of Foreign Affairs, of the Interior, of the Household, and of Finance, War, and Justice. It also officially expresses approbation of the loyalty shown, during the last few days, by the burghers, and satisfaction at " the admirable conduct" of the students; hoping that, as far as academic duties will permit, the students will continue to aid in the consolidation of public order.

The Hungarians have obtained a separate Ministry, under Cotint Loais Batthyany. Kossuth had been requested to take office, but declined; pre- ferring to retain his position as a patriot.

One of the last acts of Prince Metternich was to dissolve the popular Chamber of Hungary, in reply to a free remonstrance against the whole Metternich policy which it addressed to the Emperor. The Chamber of Magnets is in perfect unity with the Deputies on the topics of this address.

Parresta.—The movements at Berlin have latterly become of the greatest importance; but to make the matter distinct, we must go back to the comparatively trivial outbreaks in that capitaL

On Monday the 13th, the people seem to have been the aggressors. They assembled in the Thier-Garter to petition the King; and thence marched, in spite of the placarded prohibition of the authorities,' to the Palace, provoking the soldiery on their way. They reached the Branden- burg gate; and as they disregarded the summons to disperse, a body of Uhlans was moved against them. It was thought the Uhlans would not strike, so the people resisted. The Uhlans, however, did strike; swords were arawn, and blood too, freely; and it is said some were killed. The people required no more on that day.

On the 14th, the Magistrates and delegates presented an address to the King. He replied, that the yesterday's disturbances had not alarmed him; that his motto was " Free nations and free sovereigns "; and that the constitution ought not to be raised anew, too fast, or upon a foundation of sand.

Next day, Wednesday the 15th, the spirit of the people returned; they assembled in immense numbers, and clamoured for reforms. The students sided with them, and increased the ferment. The citizens organized them- selves into a civic guard, and demanded the withdrawal of the troops into the barracks. This was done till late in the day, when some unlucky misunderstanding and accident occurred, similar to that which gave the first serious turn to the Paris outbreak: the soldiers were let loose at a particular point, and attacked the people with ferocity. Barricades were hastily thrown up, and a set fight commenced; in which, after some slaugh- ter and many wounds on both sides, the troops got the mastery, and tho- roughly quelled their opponents.

On the 16th, the students of Berlin and Ilene, to the number of 1,800, petitioned the King for the reforms generally demanded; and plainly inti- mated that they would arm and join. the people if concessions were not made. The King on that day hastily demi* to totedain.

Affairs now took a turn of grand importance. The new's-of-04 'events Vienna seems to have put a sudden resolve into the Kin6 head of standing forth for the leadership of a great German nation. On Saturday the 18th, the following remarkable decree appeared- ' " We, Frederick William, by the Grace of God—When on the 14th of this Month we convoked our faithful States for the 27th April next, in order to adopt with them the measures for the regeneration of Germany which we desired to propose to our faithful allies of the Germanic Confederation, and which are also immessavy for Prussia, we could not have supposed that at the same time great erOnts occurring at Vienna would essentially facilitate, ou the one hand, the exectutrinn of our projects, and on the other hand, would render their prompt execution dudispensable. After these important events, we believe ikright to de- clare, before eV,. not only before Prussia, but before Germany, (if such be the will of God,) and before, our assembled people, what are the propositions which we have resolved to /flake to our German confederates. Before all, we demand that Germany be transformed from a confederation of states into a federal state.- We admit that that supposes a reorganization of the federal constitution, which can only be put into execution by the union of the princes with the people•' and that, in consequence, a previous federal representation must be formed of all the states of Germany, and be convoked immediately. We admit that such a federal representation renders eonstitutional institutions of the German states necessary, in order that the members of that representation may sit side by side with equal rights. We demand a military system of general defence for Germany, imitated in its essential parts from that under which our Prussian armies have conquered innumerable laurels in the warn of liberty. We demand that the German army be united under one single federal banner, and we hope to see a federal general- in-chief at its head. We demand a German flag, and we hope that in a short time a German fleet will cause the German name to be respected on near and distant seas. We demand a German federal tribunal, to settle all political dif- ferences between the princes and states, as also between the different German governments. We demand a common right to all natives of Germany, and a complete liberty to establish in the German countries. We demand that, for the future, there shall be no barrier raised'against commerce and industry in Germany. We demand a general Zollverein, in which the same measures, the same weights, the same commercial rights, shall draw still closer the material union of the country. We propose the liberty of the press, with the same guarantees against abuses, for every part of Germany. Such are our propositions and our wishes, the realization of which we shall use our utmost efforts to obtain. We rely with the fullest confidence on the cooperation of our German confederates, and all the German people: we shall fortify, by their incorporation into our states, provinces which do not form part of them, when, as we suppose, the representatives of those provinces will partake of those wishes, and that the confederation will be disposed to agree to them. We hope that tho realization of our intentions will put an end to the anxiety which, to our great regret, at this moment agitates Germany, paralyzes commerce and industry, divides the country, and threatens to deliver it over to anarchy. We hope that these measures will strengthen Germany in itself, and make her respected abroad, in order that in her united strength Europe will find the firmest guarantee for a durable and prosperous peace. But in order that the accomplishment of our intention may experience no delay, and that we may develop the propositions which we judge necessary for the internal constitu- tion, we have resolved to hasten the convocation of the United Diet; and we charge the Minister of State to make that convocation for Sunday the 2d April."

Appended to this decree was the following- " Law concerning the liberty of the press. The censorship is abolished, and all laws relating thereto are abrogated. Offences of the press shall be tried by, the ordinary tribunals. The penal laws in vigour are applied." [Provisions were added relative to the caution-money, the declaration, and other formalities.]

These proceedings on the part of the King reconciled the people; who assembled in the Royal Square to testify their delight. The King ap- peared, and was received with joyful acclamations. At this juncture occurred, a second time, one of those accidents which seem by fatality to have commenced each of the leading insurrections of the present epoch. A troop of dragoons arrived in the square, and took position, but not with any apparent intention of menace. The Colonel, de Priethwitz, was insulted by the crowd, and lost his temper so far as to command his men to charge. They did so whthill drawing swords; but met with vigorous resistance and repulsh. - Nettled at this, they returned to the charge, and drew their sabres. As if by signal, the cry " To arms!' was instantly raised far and wide, and a more serious struggle and slaughter took place than that early in the week. All ranks of the citizens joined in the combat; barricades were raised across every street, in greater ra- pidity and strength than before; and the bridges were turned into fortified strongholds. It is stated that the soldiery at last got the upper hand; but the accounts give their losses in killed and wounded as much higher than those of the people-40 soldiers and several officers killed, and upwards of 200 more or less dangerously wounded: of the people, 15 were killed, and about 60 wounded. It is perhaps doubtful whether the soldiers were vic-

torious, and more probable that the tranquillity that was restored towards evening was chiefly due to a renewed understanding between the combat.. ants, whose quarrel arose in misadventure. The fighting was at all events somehow stayed, about six o'clock, and not renewed again, though there was nothing like a restoration of " tranquillity " till next day.

In the night, the King seized his pen and wrote this affecting appeal to the people: it appeared at seven on Sunday morning-

• "TO HY BELOVED BERLINERS.

"By my patent of convocation this day, you have received the pledge of the

faithful sentiments of your King towards you and towards the whole of the Ger- man nation. The shout of joy which greeted me from unnumbered faithfuL hearts still resounded in my ears, when a crowd of pmcebreakers mingled with the loyal throng, making seditious and bold demands, and augmenting in numbers as the well-disposed withdrew.

"As their impetuous intrusion extended to the very portals of the palace with

apprehended sinister views, and insults were offered to may valiant and faithful soldiers, the court-yard was cleared by the cavalry, at walking pace and with their weapons sheathed; and two guns of the infantry went off of themselves, without, thanks be to God! causing any injury. A band of wicked men, chiefly consisting of foreigners, who, although searched for, have succeeded in con- cealing themselves for more than a week, have converted this circumstance into- & palpable untruth, and have filled the excited minds of my faithful and beloved Berliners with thoughts of vengeance for supposed bloodshed; and thus have they become the fearful authors of bloodshed themselves. My troops, your brothers and fellow countrymen, did not make use of their weapons till forced to do so by several shots fired at them from the Kiinigs Stress*. The victorious advance of the troops was the necessary consequence.

" It is now yours, inhabitants of my beloved native city, to avert a fearful evil.

Acknowledge your fatal error; your King, your trusting friend; enjoins you, by all that is most sacred, to acknowledge your fatal error. Return to peace; remove the barricades, which are still standing; and send to me men filled with the- genuine ancient spirit of Berlin, speaking words which are seemly to your King; and I pledge you my royal truth that all the streets and squares shall be instan- taneously cleared of the. troops, and the military garrisons shall he confined solely to the most important buildings—to the Castle,: he Arsenal, and a few others— and even here only for a brief space of time. Listen to the paternal voice of your King, ye inhabitants of my true and beautiful Berlin; and forget the past, as I shall forget it, for the sake of that great future which, under the peace-giving blessing of God, is dawning upon Prussia, and through Prussia upon all Germany. "Your loving Queen, and truly your genuine mother and friend, who is lying on a sick bed, joins her heartfelt and tearful supplications with mine. "Written during the night of the 18th and 19th March 1848. " FREDERICK WILLLtm."

Soon after the appearance of this address, a report got abroad that the.

Ministers de Thile, Eichorn, Savigey, and Bodelschwingh or Stollberg, had resigned. These things together, once more inspired the people with pa feelings. At two o'clock they were overjoyed he publication of the names of a new Ministry, containiug,great popular favourites in important positions,—namely, Arnim President, with the added department prolent-

pore of Foreign Affairs and Constitutional questions; Count Schwerin, Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs; and Provincial Councillor Auerswald, Minister of the Interior. The Ministers of Justice and Courts, Stollberg and Von Rohr, were to retain their posts till arrangements could be made for replacing them. M. Kiihne, Director of Taxes, was to be Minister of Finance ad interim.

Accounts received yesterday give subsequent acts of the Prussian Government, and supply some details of the conflict. On Monday the 20th, the King followed up the proclamation of Sunday morning by publishing this amnesty=

"I have already announced yesterday that I have cordially forgiven and for- gotten everything. In order that no doubt may remain that I include all my subjects in this act of forgiveness, and because I earnestly desire that the ap- proaching eventful future of our Fatherland may not be saddened by any painful retrospect, I hereby announce full pardon to all who have been accused or con- demned for political offences, or for misdemeanours committed against the laws which regulate the press.

" The Minister of Justice Von 'Widen is charged with the immediate execution

of this amnesty. FREDERICK Wrzaasm."

The countersignature of this decree of clemency seems to have been the graceful conclusion of M. Uhden's career. He immediately after resigned; and the King appointed Dr. Borneman Minister of Justice. He also announced that he had summoned ,114. Camphausen, an active Liberal, "to give his valuable aid as one of the Ministry." In the evening of the same day, a civic proclamation announced the commencement of the organization of a burgher guar;}, and summoned the Schutzengilde, and a certain number of citizens,ao receive forthwith their authorized armament. On Tuesday the students were supplied with arms, by authority.

The doubts entertained of alleged success of the troops against the people are justified: it appears that the fight continued during the whole of Saturday night, and was continuing in the morning with increasing suc- cess to the people when the King's proclamation was issued, deploring the fatal misunderstanding which had brought on the conflict. On the first serious beginning of slaughter in the great square, the people rushed in thousands to the armourers' shops and cleared them of arms, and upon the guard-houses of the troops and disarmed the guards. They rushed along the streets screaming with a phrensy of rage, and with wonderful rapidity raised enormous barricades as high as the houses. Students of Berlin, Halle, and Breslau, gave their labours intelligent direction; and their ranks were filled with members of the trained Schutzengilde. Their most formidable dement, however, was the battalion of the Rifles of the Royal Guard, con- sisting of students serving for one year, most of them natives of the Canton of Neufchatel. These joined the people to a man; took station on the barricades and at the windows of houses; and with cool skill effected enormous slaughter among the officers of the troops. The Prince of Prussia is said to have had hairbreadth escapes with his life. There were twenty thousand troops en- gaged; and the fight had been waged for thirteen hours when the proclamation appeared and stayed the combatants. Deputations waited on the King, and requested the withdrawal of the troops and the authorized arming of the

le. The King spoke of his great power; and was firmly answered by PM'

3 citizen—" A victory by your Majesty would in this case be equivalent to a defeat." By degrees all things were conceded,—change of Ministry, re- lease of prisoners, and withdrawal of the troops. The King and Queen appeared at the Palace balcony, and endeavoured to speak. Their eyes met the spectacle of a number of deal bodies which were ranged on vehicles below, and decked with flowers. The Queen instantly retired: the King essayed to speak, but his voice was drowned. He retired from the balcony, and appeared amongst the people below, declaring he confided himself to their safeguard. He was called upon to pay respect to the dead: with bared head he uttered words of deepest regret and respect for those who bad fallen. There was mutual forgiveness of the past; and the crowd raised the chorale " Now thanks be to God!" and sang it through with a grand and impressive composure. After the King had regained the Palace, the Ministers Arnim and Schwerin addressed the people from the balcony; and towards noon the people returned to their homes.

There have been in several Prussian towns agitations similar in their degree to those of Berlin,—namely, at Kiinisberg, Stettin, Magdeburg, Halle, and Erfurt.

GEamarm—Throughout the rest of Germany the movement has con- tinued. There was tumult in Brunswick on the 16th; and the convoca- tion of the Extraordinary Diet is again fixed for the 14th of April. The peasant insurrection in the Odenwald and mountain region of Baden and Wurtemberg goes forward. The people of Munich continued very frantic about Lola Mentes; and companies still scoured the country near and ex- plored every place of concealment, under the idea that she still lurked in the country. King Louis had been obliged to.revoke her letters of naturali- zation and order her arrest, if she weffi 'discovered. This restored his popularity. Prince Wallerstein had resigned. From Dresden we learn that a new and popular Ministry has been installed, who have published a programme of approved progress. The Duke of Saxe Weimar, by ordi- nance on the 14th, dismissed the Ministers, as the people had demanded. He also concedes divers reforms, and promises a general amnesty for po- litical offences.

The great German perturbation has invaded the Danish provinces, and revived with energy the sympathies of the Dutchies. They openly con- tend for separation from the kingdom of Denmark, and desire to form part of a great united German INtion. The 4ing has abolished censorship, and .granted freedom of "associatidfilind tiffetiffts and has soothed exttement for the present. — •

The King of Hanopf has at last been constrained to make advances. On the 15th, he published a manifesto, professing much love for the Hano- verians, but excused himself from answering all their petitions.

Though the majority of the petitions, he said, breathed confidence in their King, some had not this spirit: such, he was certain, were inspired by foreignera, seekers of disorder and trouble. He was persuaded that the fidelity and good sense of his subjects would not ask the fulfilment of desires which would destroy their own true happiness. King Ernest then makes this announcement--" The result of my deliberations as to the possibility of granting a part of your prayers, and the measures which I am constitutionally preparing, will afford trod ,0( this. Every Hanoverian will understand'nd y credit this 'assurance. for he knews his ring says nothing that he hoes nof believe, nor promises what he does not per- form. Therefore, I say, I cannot consent to a national representation at the Ger- man Diet; but I will' endeavour, as 'I have always done during my reign, to pro- cure more zeal and activity from the Diet in the management of your affairs." He might need all their strength, and would in return devote his blood for their The States of Honorer were not satisfied with this manifesto; and on the 17th their deputations in concert waited on the King for more favour. able and explicit declarations. The petitioners were informed that the King was ill, and could not receive them. They persevered, however, and were received. The King, after hearing them, asked for time to deliberate; but they objected to delay as altogether needless, and so plied him that in half-an-hour this was the result. He granted-1, freedom of the press; 2, the convention and public declaration of the States; 3, an amnesty for all political offences. Nor were the rest of their demands rejected; although the Royal reply in that respect was less specific and satisfactory.

Rossu.—The events of Paris have put the Emperor on thoughts of war. He has issued an ukase, which states that those events manifest the sinful design of overturning legal authority and spreading anarchy. He therefore calls into active service, and places on war footing, the reserves of specified divisions, recalls all absentees on furlough, and fixes the 13th of April for a great muster of his forces.

Hots.lizn.—The Royal Family has just learned the death of Prince Alexander of the Netherlands. The news was first ascertained only by seeing that the Court of Lisbon had gone into mourning for the Prince. Direct accounts had miscarried in some way.

The sections of the Second Chamber of the States set forth fifteen points proper to be considered bases of a new fundamental law.

The King has decreed the nomination of five distinguished Liberals to take counsel on the new constitutional basis.

Baum:rm.—The stoppage of the Bank of France has produced defensive financial measures in Belgium. The currency of the two countries is the same in name and specie; and the depreciation of Paris bank-notes, ran- ging from 3 to 8 or even 121 per cent, operates as a premium on the export of metallic money from Belgium to France. To modify the pressure on the circulation expected to ensue from this cause, the Government has au- thorized the two chartered banks of issue in Brussels to suspend cash pay- ment of notes of 100 francs and upwards, and increase their issues from 12,000,000 francs, which they jointly reach, up to 30,000,000 francs, against adequate deposits of title-deeds or Government stock, and under the supervision of Government inspectors.

FRANCE.—Our last intelligence from Paris broke off at the great meet- ing of workmen who went to the Hotel de Ville on Friday the 17th. The

numbers present appear to have been far greater than the first accounts stated—nearly 200,000 men. A deputation of about vrty persons from the corporations and clubs was received by the Provi Geyer ument within the Hotel. The demands made were—first, th from Paris; secondly, the postponement of the electionsaLs./icual Guard to the 5th of April; and thirdly, the postponement of the lational- - Assembly to the 31st of May. A long conversation ensued. M. Louis Blanc spoke to the delegates, and besought the citizens to leave the Provisional Government to deliberate with freedom and dignity on the demands.

Some delegates insisted on a reply—on something better than words. M. Ledru-Rollin reminded the delegates, that they could not pretend to repre- sent France, though they did represent its greatest and most intelligent city. He had sent inquiries to the Commissaries of the Departments to know if the elections could, materially and politically take in on the 9th of April; and the answers to those inquines he could not have n all cases before the 25th. Paris generally gave the impulse to the rest of France, but could not desire to oppress France. " Wait, therefore, till the Departments have declared," said M. Rollin; " and if we find that at this moment the elections cannot take place in such a way as to positively insure the principle which we have seen proclaimed after the victory, then the elections shall be postponed."

M. Louis Blanc again spoke. He was interrupted by a M. Sobrier, nee of the delegates; who declared that no violence was contemplated: there was entire con- fidence in the Provisional Government.

Some delegates—" Not in all !"

M. Sobrier--" In all, gentlemen, without exception, without exclusion: we have sustained the Government up to this day, and we will continue to sustain it till the Constituent Assembly meets. (" Yes, yes; to the last! ") The circular of M. Ledru-Rollin has been approved by the people: the Departments, when enlight- ened, will approve of it as Paris has done.

A delegate inquired if all the members of the Provisional Government approved of Ledru-Rollin's circular?

M. de Lamartine was called for, and he advanced as if to answer the question. He, however, dexterously engaged attention on other topics, throughout a brave and eloquent speech. He pictured the Government standing before the delegates, with their venerable President at their head, as a little group of men without arms, without physical support, without soldiers, without guards; and as neither having nor seeking any authority beyond that which the people maintained re- specting them. What, could such men oppose to the delegates? "Only one thing—your own reason; that power of general reason which is alone here placed between you and us, which inspires us, and arrests you before us. It is that invisible, moral, and yet all-powerful force, which renders us calm, ourselves independent and dignified, in presence of that mass which surrounds this palace of the people, defended by its sole inviolability. ("Braver) That last barrier of our independence, as a government and as men, we will defend to the death, if the pressure of the multitude should wish to violate it; and it is not for ourselves, it is for you, that e should perish in de- fending it. What would be a people without a government, and what would a degraded government become to the people?" ("Bravo! ") To neither of the three demands would he assent on the moment. As to the third, indeed, he would submit his breast to be pierced with balls before such a vote should be wrap,' from him by pressure of force from without. He would only promise to weigg well all the demands, and to decide as should appear the will, not, only of the peo- ple of Paris, but afaoYhe rigNe aud will of all the Republic. thdlifeputation loudly applauded; many shook Lamartine-by the hands; and one s>0, Be assured the People are only here to support the Provisional Government."

On the retirement of the deputation, the multitude without called en- thusiastically for the Provisional Government. They appeared; and M. Louis Blanc said a few words to the crowd; concluding with the words "You have understood that violence is left to those who are not strong." (Cries " Yes, yea!" and enthusiastic applause.)

The masses shouted "Bravo!" " Viva la Republique! " " Vive le Gouveia

l merit Provisoirel" and set forward in admirable order to the Column of Bastille. Thence they marched in imposing mass along the BoWpwrd that their numbers might fully strike all beholders. They ulIleately dis- persed without the slightest disthrbance.

Some forty thousand went to the residence of M. Learn-Rollin, and de- manded again the withdrawal from Paris of the regular troops. M. Rollin spoke to theta; . assured them that there but few troops ip Paris, to assist the National Guards in their duties, and that those soldiers were good citizens like the rest. He brought them shortly to shout " Vivo l'Arm6e!" "Vivo Ledru-Rollin!" and then dismissed them peacefully.

As M. de Lamartine and M. Cremieux were returning home from the ILI- tel de Ville, they were recognized by the crowd, and greeted with cries of " Vivent les hommes d'ordre!" " Vive le Gouvernement Provisoirel " A large body of men formed in column behind them, and followed them until they took refuge under a gateway. Here the cries were still vociferated for a long time. The Provisional Government has since postponed the elections for offi- cers of the National Guards, which had been already postponed to the 25th

instant, to the 5th of April. .

A deputation of Irishmen resident in Paris presented an address to the Provisional Government, on Thursday the 16th. M. Leonard, a member of the deputation, said it came to be admitted into the great French family, and to deposit the flag of Ireland in the hands of the Republic. M. de La- martine replied-

" Your great countryman O'Connell created what he himself called, by a deno- mination borrowed from liberty itself, peaceful agitation. This agitation has en- titled Ireland for several years past to the admiration of the world. And I have not the least shadow of a doubt that,after having successively conquered religious liberty and arrived so near to constitutional liberty and independence, it will ul- timately procure for you the full enjoyment of this portion of your nationality." Next day it was thought necessary to explain in the journals an inci- dental remark made by M. de Lamartine. They state that M. Leonard is a citizen of Sens, though of Irish origin; and it was him only that IL de Lamartine congratulated on his naturalization and citizenship in France. They also state that the English Ambassador had demanded amicable explanations as to the deposit of the Irish flag in the Mel de Ville. M. de Lamartine explained, that the Republic acknowledged no other English national flag than that of the Three United Kingdoms. He also said that he had expressed himself only in conformity with that thought when sym- pathizing with religious and liberal Ireland. The Tuscan Minister communicated to DI. de Lamartine, on Monday, a despatch expressing the satisfaction felt by the Grand Duke at the peace- able disposition of the French Republic, and authorizing the Minister to maintain the most friendly relations between the two states. A deputation of the natives of Savoy waited on the Government, to present an address expressing a decided wish that France would tear the treaty of 1815, and take their country again into the bosom of the Rs- , public as a department. M. de Lamartine replied with a present refusal to break the peace of Europe, but a vague hope for the future- " In receiving your adhesion to the Republic, the Provisional Government believes it is receiving the homage of a part of the French nation. With respect to the adhesion that you express to the French nation, you comprehend our own sentiments. If we repel it, we should chill our own affections; if we accept it, we break peace and alliance with the people and governments of Europe. There- fore we have said it—and we wish the words of the Republic to be words of truth—we will not break the peace of the world. But if; independently of us, the peace of the world should be broken by an attempt upon the independence of Italy, we will fly to your assistance: we would deliver Italy and join our flag with yours; and if afterwards the map of Europe should be torn against our will, be convinced, citizens of Savoy, that a fragment of this map would remain in your bands sod in ours, and that we would place the weight of your hearts in the scales in which the territories of the new European equilibrium would be weighed."

There has been a change in the Ministry of War. General Subervic has been superseded, and appointed to the Chancellorship of the Legion of Ho- nour, in place of Marshal Gerard.

The Ministry of War is given to General Cavaignac, Governor of Al- geria: he is of M. Armand Marrast's party, and may somewhat re strain the excesses of hf. Ledru-Rollin. Till General Cavaignac returns from Algeria, his portfolio will be held by M. Arago ad interim. General Cbangarnier succeeds to the Governorship of Algeria.

The Provisional Government has decreed a heavy additional taxation, to fall exclusively on land- " There shall be temporarily levied, and only for the year 1848, forty-five cen- times on the total of the roles of the four direct contributions of the said year. The centimes bearing on the contribution fonciere shall be at the charge of the proprietor alone, notwithstanding any contrary stipulation in leases and agreements. The amount of the temporary centimes shall be immediately exigible, without any new notices to the tax-payers."

Official depots have been established for raw and manufactured goods, on which advances will be made by Government. The goods are valued; their deposit and the advance on them are certified; the certificates are made transferable by indorsement, and are received on discount at the offices of discount established by the Government. The last official act of General Subervie was an order of refusal to per- mit the officers of the National Guard an absence in the provinces to ap- pear as candidates for the National Assembly.

The Government has postponed the period of payment of drafts, bills of • exchange, &c., till the 15th of April.

The Governor of the Bank of France notifies, that from the 20th of March the Bank will exchange its 1,000 franc notes for nine of 100, or four of 200, and a coupon of 100, allowing 100 complementary francs in cash.

The money-changers of Paris met on Tuesday, and decided, in order to maintain the circulation of specie that they would pay a premium of 2f. 50o. per 1,000f. cash, and change 'bills of the same amount at a maximum of 5f.

The correspondent of the Daily News, writing on Monday, gives a-gloomy account of commercial affairs-

" The situation of Paris today is curious. The Bank of France continues closed. The private bankers decline to pay checks except for 500 francs, or its multiples—that is to say, 1,000 francs, 1,500 franca, &c.—inasmuch as they have not specie nor smaller notes to make up the differences.

" The money-changers are most of them closed;

i and the few that are open are omstmplied with silver, the stock they had before the suspension of the bank nay- tig been exhausted. There is some gold to be had at the rate of 2 francs per glip franc piece, or 10 per cent premium. Private families and individuals in these idrojka-sy.ftuces are obliged to obtain their daily supplies of necessaries of all de- Mription aft\firedit. There are difficulties, however, which credit does not sar- want. For example, the postage of letters must be paid: the post-office gives no credit, and, indeniti, is unprovided with the means of keeping accounts."

A meeting of the masters and chiefs of industry assembled on Friday, at the Luxembourg, under the presidency of M. Louis Blanc. M. Blanc ex- horted the masters to make the concessions which the progress of ideas and the great emancipation of the nation demanded. He would no more ac- cept of a despotism of the workmen over the masters than one of the mas- ters over labour. The assembly applauded M. Blanc's speech, and elected ten delegates to join with the ten delegates of the workmen already elected to assist the Commission for the Organization of Labour in its studies and resolutions.

Another account exposes matters not mentioned in the above. " The proceedings were most disorderly; silence could not be kept; all was anger and confusion; in the midst of which Louis Blanc abruptly left for the Hotel de Ville, to take a share in the receptions there. He was allowed to depart with freezing indifference."

The Minister of Public Works has published an address to the working men. He says that, notwithstanding marchandage has been made illegal and suppressed, large public and private workshops are abandoned. He exhorts the men to resume their duties- " Citizens, you are men of industry; you are proud of being so. You wish to live by your labour; and you are in the right, for this is the true source of the wellbeing of men, of families, of the whole human society. In this consists real independence—true liberty. Return, then, to your workshops. . . . Public credit has been shaken, and has need of being restored to confidence. This con- fidence can only be restored by calm, and calm can arise only out of steady occu- pation."

The Prefect of Police, learning that foreign labourers were repairing to Paris, attracted by the forced wages given in the Government workshops, has published a proclamation, warning foreigners,

"that they cannot participate in the labour and wages which the Pro- visional Government has assigned to native workmen. He therefore informs them, that if notwithstanding this caution, they determine to come to that city, they will be liable to be turned out forcibly from the French territory, by measures warranted under the circumstances."

[This looks like a mere pretence, not to keep back workmen, of whose resort to France no one hears, but to be used as justifying the expulsion of English workmen already there.] Riotous disturbances occurred at Lisle on Saturday, in connexion with demands of workmen in the spinning-factories for higher wages. A mul- titude of women first assembled; raised vociferous demands of change; and, being joined by men and a great number of boys, even attacked a patrol and disarmed the officers. At last, after many persons on each side were wounded, the National Guard and troops cleared the streets and restored order. Next day all was quiet, and promised to remain so.

Marshal Bugeaud has been summoned before the Juge d'Instroction of peel.. gnats to answer interrogatories under a commission from Paris to inquireinto the subject of the impeachment of the late Ministers. The Prince of 1,loskowa has written to the Provisional Government acknow. ]edging the reparation granted to the manes of his father, [in decreeing the erection of a monument,] and offering the gratitude of his fanuly. Feriere Laffitte has presented 25,000 francs to the State as a patriotic gift. It is stated that on hearing of the proclamation of the Republic, M. de Um_ teaubriand wept with joy, and repeated the sublime words he formerly uttered to Armand Carrell: " If the sympathies of my youth belong to a nice of iallen Kings, my reason as a thinker and my heart as a citizen belong to a Republic, that Queen of futurity."—Riforme. The operatives employed at the construction of the hall in which the nee Constituent Assembly is to meet, refused to work on Friday last, in consequence of the grand demonstration made that day by their fellow labourers in Pans. The carpenters of Paris waited on the Government with a petition for the liber. ation of a comrade who was set at liberty from the prison of the Madelonnettes or the 25th of February, but whom they restored to the custody of the authorities. M. Marrast applauded their noble conduct, and promised a consideration of their petition.

Fifty-one political clubs have been formed at Paris since the Revolution.

The following characteristic epistle is to be found in the Emancipation of Toulouse— "Citizen Editor—Malevolence has attributed to me fang-lime which I have net used. It is false that I have demanded 500 heads. There exists no branch of trade or

manufactures which has more need of beads than mine. CAZALAB, Batter."

A decree restores to the town of Bourbon Vendee the name of Napoleon Vendee, On Sunday night last, the population of Paris was disturbed by a most re- markable phmnomenon. Of a sudden the moon was covered with a deep stain of red, which lasted several hours. An eye-witness informs us that it is difheult to realize the vague but fearful apprehension which this extraordinary appearance excited among the people. Men said that such a direful portent had not been seen since the massacre of St. Bartholomew. Gradually the blood-red spot faded away, and was followed by a partial eclipse; but it was not until late in the night that the people returned trembling to their homes. Morning Post. On Wednesday, an immense cortege of citizens, with a battalion of the Tenth Legion, and a battalion of the National Guard Mobile, planted a tree of Liberty in the Champ de Mars. The curate of St. Pierre de Gross Caillon commenced the ceremony of benediction, when a rainbow appeared. "Children," cried the curate, "that is the sign of alliance that God, four thousand years since, made with his people. At the opening of a new and holy sera, that is opened to us by the freeing of nations: let us salute the sign by which God renews his merciful alliance, and announces that he will bless our destiffies."—Daily News. A report that the Regent diamond had disappeared from among the crown jewels is contradicted; but a little case has been derobe from the Tuileries, con- taining a mounted diamond, valued at 250,000 francs, and a pair of ear-drops worth 30,000 francs more. What think you of the filles de joie going to the Hotel de Ville with banners as a deputation? They were let into the building, and then were all sent off to St. Lazare! For my part, I think their petition one of the most reasonable yet pre- sented, and that they were very harshly treated. They asked that their dames should be obliged to share their profits with them in a just proportion.—Iivies Correspondent. In the Rue du Havre, as I went today, (Saturday,) I saw the most grotesque scene I have yet witnessed: a troop of some 200boys—collegiens of the College St. Louis, I suppose—pursuing an unfortunate master downs the street, and pelting him with stones. I asked one little Revolutionaire what it was about, for the poor man ran as if it was for his life. The little urchin told me, " l'etait un tyran, at nova is chassons comme Louis Philippe!" "Enfinl qu'avait-il fait?" "11 etait trop severe "; and the boy, whom I longed to whip soundly, ran on after the others, crying, "Viva la Republique! guerre aux tyrans!" I ought to add, that the peo- ple in the street, in this instance, looked on and applauded the poor oppressed tyrannized schoolboys.—Times Correspondent.

Irxt.r.—The Neapolitan Government seems to yield the demands of Sicily. Scovazzo is made Sicilian Minister; Ruggiero Settimo, hitherto President of the Provisional Government at Palermo, is appointed Viceroy; miff the Sicilian proclamation for assembling the insular Parliament on the 25th is acknowledged. Every Sicilian of 18 ounces per annum (between 91. and 101.) is an elector. If the two Parliaments of Sicily and Naples disagree, Charles Albert and the Grand Duke of Tuscany are to arbitrate; and if jig cannot arrange, the Pope is to be final adjuster of differences. Lord Minto has set out for Palermo, in a line-of-battle ship, as the bearer of these terms.

INDIA.—The Bombay mail of the 15th of February arrived in the mid- dle of the week, but has brought hardly a scrap of interesting news. The new Governor-General was at Calcutta, mastering the details of local go- vernment. He has already gained some popularity by his approval of an act for the improvement of the Bombay Small Cause Court. The sot will sweep away many hindrances and expenses to justice in small causes: it was in danger from the opposition of the attornies, and its passage is re- garded with great satisfaction.

In the Panjaub, the incorrigible Ranee has raised disturbances in the district whither she was removed, Shorapore. The leaders have been im- prisoned, and the Ranee has been packed off elsewhere, by Captain Mea- dows Taylor. Certain exposures of turpitude in the management of the Union Bank are described as appalling: the shareholders have contributed 20 per cent as a measure towards setting matters straight.