Spanish politics occupy the Parisians so entirely, that scarcely any
thing of interest can be gleaned from their journals relative to French affairs. Marshal GERARD, it is said, has been out- voted in the Cabinet, on the question of issuing a general amnesty. for all political offences. It is conjectured that his failure to liberalize his colleagues will be followed by his retirement from the Cabinet ; but this is as yet merely the gossip of the salons.- The Duke, DEC AZES has been nominated to the unimportant office of Grand Referendary of the Chamber of Peers ; and this is held to be symptomatic of a determination on the part of Minis- ters to assume what is called " an imposing attitude." M. DUCHATEL has addressed a circular to the Chambors of. Commerce and Manufactures, informing them of his intention to bring forward a new customs bill in the Chamber of Deputies =- its reassembling. He announces the wish of the Government to substitute duties for prohibitions; but states that further infor- mation is required before positive enactments can be prudently proposed. He then goes on-
" My intention is first to submit to the Superior Council of Commerce, the question relative to the manufactories of glass, potteries, and plated goods ; but for these divers objects there is little evidence required. It is more particularly for the question of cotton and woollen manufactured goods that I would solicit your cooperation. This will immediately follow the questions first named ; and I think that the Superior Council may occupy itself with the matter about the 15th of October. The proposed inquiries are nat of a nature to alarm any in- terests. I need not say that it cannot enter into the intentions of any person, and especially of the Ciovernment, -to disturb material interests by sudden changes. What the country demands of the Government, and what the Go- vernment equal!), desires, are progressive ameliorations, calculated with pru- dence, which subject no class of individuals to violent sacrifices, but which place them all in a better condition, so that each will find his private benefit in the general prosperity. All parties may obtain a hearing. The only desire of the Minister, who will preside in the Council, is to establish facts, and to sub- mit all prejudices to the yoke of such facts as may result from the inquiry."
From the tone of this circular, it would appear that M. Due HATEL feels himself treading on swampy ground. He is, we believe, a sincere friend to the principles of free trade ; but never, perhaps, was more caution required in a Minister, who aimed at making important improvements in the commercial system of his country, than M. DUCHATEL has need of. His measures should therefore be considered in reference to the great difficulties he has to en- counter.
The Con stitutionnel says- " It is stated to be in contemplation to issue, on the second anniversary of the majority of the Duke of Bordeaux, a manifesto, signed by all the membeis of the elder branch of the House of Bourbon, renewing the abdication of 24 August 1830, aud making it more distinct in favour of Henry the Fifth. The Crgi- timists attach high importance to this act."
The manceuvres of the Carlists are amusing, not dangerous. Out of their own coterie, who cares a button about the abdication? A manifesto which has neither popular favour nor bayonets to back it, is worth about as much as an Oxford or Aberdeen diploma of Doctor of Civil Law.
