intrign null Cullluial.

FRANCE.—The Moniteur has published a long report on the budget of 1855, drawn up by Baron Paul de Richemont. In a preface of great length

he describes the return of prosperity, mainly since the 2d of December 1852; showing that in three years the indirect contributions having risen from 707,000,000 to 846,000,000 francs. But this prosperity has been sud- denly threatened by a Sovereign who for a long time desired to pass for the firmest supporter of European tranquillity. The event has caused an alteration in the budget, which, as originally framed, estimated the receipts at 1,559,914,440E, and the expenditure at 1,553,922,375E, leaving a surplus of 5,992,065f. As at present framed to meet the new emergen- cies, the receipts stand at 1,566,012,213E, the expenditure at 1,562,030,308f. the surplus at 3,981,905f. The alteration has been effected by a new postal tax, a sum devoted to the sinking-fund, and the estimated profits "to be realized to the Caisso des Depois et Consignations in 1855." On the other hand, it is estimated that a saving of 7,300,000f. has been effected over the whole budget as amended; and the loan lately raised by public sub- scription has enabled the budget to be drawn up nearly as if there were no war. The credits demanded for the different Ministerial departments, with one exception, that of Agriculture, Commerce, and Public Works, in excess of those of 1854, are as follows : Minister of State, 12,146,400E; Minister of Justice, 27,443,380f.; Foreign Affairs, 9,621,600f.; Mi- nister of Finance, 711,964,619E, and 15,407,933f. in addition to provide for the interest of the new loan ; Minister of the Interior, 130,991,220f.; Minister of War, 315,897,791f.; Minister of Marine, 127,602,402E—in- crease over 1854, 16,933,145f.; Public Instruction and Public Worship, 66,719,722f.; Agriculture, Commerce, and Public Works, 156,735,242f. —decrease, chiefly on Public Works, 5,400,000f.

Speaking of the Anglo-French occupation of Athens, the Mon iteur de- scribes it as "a conservative measure which Greece will applaud. Her finances were wasted, her interests badly administered, her interior or- ganization vicious ; piracy had invaded her seas ; her moral sense was *endangered in the midst of such administrative disorder. The Anglo- French administration will recall Greece and her statesmen to the true conditions of her greatness, and to the pacific activity of commerce and agriculture, which are her true riches." • General Baraguay d'Hilliers returned to Paris on Tuesday, and had a private interview with the Emperor.

Trum.—At the latest dates, the defence of Silistria was bravely maintained by Mussa Pasha, described as one of the ablest and bravest officers in the Turkish army. The Russian artillery, directed by Mar- shal Paskiewitch and General Schilders, had battered down some of the advanced works, but they had been rapidly repaired, and new works had been thrown up behind them. Four times the Russian troops had been brought to the assault, and each time repulsed with loss. In spite of Russian reports to the contrary, the word capitulation" has not once been mentioned; neither has the communication of the fortress with Schumla been interrupted. On the 26th May, the rising of the Danube had rendered the Russian batteries on the islands useless. It is scarcely possible that the investment of the place can in any strict sense have been effected; for the most credible accounts represent General Liiders as still far from the scene of the siege. Nor is it likely, especially when the Fremden Blatt originates the report, that the Turkish towns of Sistowa, Nicopolis, and Turtukai, have been captured by the Russians; for to effect this they must have crossed the Danube in great force, and have prevailed at those very points where throughout the war the Turks have been able to take the offensive and show themselves superior. Omar Pasha is now fairly in communication with the Allies. On the 18th May, Marshal St. Arnaud, Lord Raglan, and the Turkish Seraskier, proceeded by sea to Varna, where they were met by Omar Pasha. A council of war was held at once ; and it is said the result was highly satisfactory, to the commanders of the allied forces. The plan of cam- paign is of course a secret, which they arc not fools enough to disclose until it reveal itself in action. The Times however, conjectures that the Allies would occupy for the present the healthy high ground on the right bank of the Danube, leaving the Russians to waste their strength and decimate their troops before the fortresses and among the pestilential marshes of the Danube ; that the French troops would probably march to Adrianople, and so through the Balkan, while the British regiments at Scutari would be sent by sea to Varna ; that the Allies would act on the defensive as long as possible, watching for the inevitable opportunity of assailing the Russians with advantage. This is not a very hopeful prospect—nor a very likely plan.

Omar Pasha being much troubled by the atrocious and insubordinate conduct of the Bashi-bozouks, irregular cavalry, it has been arranged that they shall be placed under the command of the French General Youssouf, an officer who has distinguished himself in Algeria, quite as much in organizing Mussulman soldiers as in the field. He will be assisted by French officers and noncommissioned officers accustomed to deal with Arab tribes.

At the instance of the French Government, the Bey of Tunis has determined to send a force of 10,000 men, 400 horse, and 12 pieces of cannon to assist the Sultan. They will be commanded by General Redchia, who, last year, was intrusted by the Bey with a mission to France. r - • - The Ottoman army at Kars in Asia was at the latest dates in the most deplera" ble plight ; wanting efficient officers, food, clothing, and ammuni- tion. Geneial Guyon had done what he could to reorganize the army, but the wretched system had greatly counteracted his efforts. A report had reached Kars that 20,000 or 30,000 British troops were on their way from Trebizond !

The festival of Ramazan has been gaily kept in Constantinople. One incident to which it gave rise is striking in itself. The Sultan surround- ed by his great functionaries and the diplomatic body, "assisted" at the .exAMmation of the Artillery School. It is remarked that Lord Raglan And Prince Napoleon were present. . The correspondent of the Daily News gives this description of the Sul- tan on his way to the examination in the Artillery School- " The Sultan passed before me long.ere I expected to see him. He rode, accompanied by half a dozen men on foot and on horseback. His dark-grog horse trod the ground proudly, but slow. -Abd-ul-lifedjid passed noiselessly by. There were no cheers from the spectators. The Turks never remove the fez. No heads were bared at the approhelt of the Sovereign. As hie horse bore him slowly by, he sat in the saddle as a man who assists at a pageant of which he is the principal attraction because he is the victim. His hand hardly held the relied, his knee did not guide the horse. That slight noble figure—that pale hoe, showing the traceirof grief and anxious unavailing thought—that right hand drooping past the gold hilt of his sword —that royal head bent down—that large lustrous eye seeking the ground— filled me with an indescribable mixture of pity and awe."

The British army continued to enjoy robust health, and its attendant unflagging spirits. A large portion was under canvass at Scutari; and enthusiastic correspondents are_reminded of Chobliam by the sight of the same tents, the same regiments, and the same officers. The greatest gor- dislity prevailed between the Turkish regulars and the British infantry. How they manage to converse is not known ; but they do converse. A Guardsman, who had been talking to a Turk, is reported to have _been, asked if he knew Turkish ? Not much, he replied, but enough to ask a "comrade" to take a glass. [Wants confirmation.] It is stated that some delay in moving the troops on to Varna had been occasioned by the absolute want of baggage and artillery horses. Seeing a horde of Bashi-bozonks riding up, and little impressed by their appear- ance in a military point of view, an Irish soldier is said to have exclaimed, "Boys, we'll take their horses to draw the baggage !" - An insta.nce of the good feeling existing between that Allies is furnished by a correspondence that has appeared in the journals. In reporting to Lord Raglan the safe arrival of the Ninety-third Regiment and the Second- Brigade of Rifles at Scutari, General Brown states that he could•not have embarked them at Gallipoli without great delay, had not Admiral Brunt and General Canrobert lent him prompt and efficient assistance for which he warmly expresses his gratitude. The occasion was this. Having marched eight miles to the place of embarkation, he found no English man of war on the spot, and had no means of communicating with the trans- ports except with the defective boats furnished by the Commissariat: but on his applying to the French authorities for aid, General Canrobert in- stantly placed at his disposal all the fiat-bottomed boats he could spare and Admiral Bruat employed all the boats of his squadron. By this means, the troops, and 100 horses, were embarked between one o'clock and sunset. Lord Raglan forwarded General Brown's letter to Marshal St. Arnaud, accompanying it with the most complimentary. expressions- and Marshal St. Arnaud, in a letter written in a similar spirit, forward; both to General Canrobert and Admiral Bruat.

Some reports have been received of the doings of the steam squadron under Sir Edmund Lyons. The squadron consisted of the Agamemnon Higleflyer, Retribution, Sampson, -Nigh; and Firebrand, and the French steamers bharlemagne,.! Mogador, and Vauban. They left the fleet on the 5th May, and stokid.away for Caffa and the straits of Kertch. Three of the ships were sent to Kertch, five to Caffa, ahd one to the South- wards. At Kertch, the water was found to be shallow ; and the Niger, chasing a ship, got aground, but was brought off by the Highflyer with little damage. The batteries looked formidable, but they were distant At Caffa, the appearance of the ships caused great excitement onakes,i. a regiment of cavalry was drawn up, and some field-artillery. Thera were no steamers; the batteries were not heavily armed ; the fleet stood out of gun-shot, and the shots fired fell short. The ships did not returir the fire. There being nothing to do worth doing, the squadron went South.

The Invalids Busse published in a supplement of the 19th May the de- spatch of General Osten-Sacken to Prince Paskiewitch announcing the capture of the Tiger. Substantially his account does not differ from pre- vious accounts ; but it opens with this characteristic phrase—" I hasten to lay before your Highness the flag and jack of the British steam-frigate Tiger." He states that two field-pieces, supported by two companies of infantry and a platoon of lancers, caused the enemy to strike his flag before two other steamers could render assistance. The shot from the ship, lying on her beam, flew over the battery. After the crew had sur- rendered,. the Russians brought down eight additional guns two batta- lions of infantry and two squadrons of lancers ; and finding the Tiger could not be got to float in the presence of the other two steamers, they set her on fire with red-hot shot. General Osten-Sacken states that the two steamers opened fire on the batteries; but Colonel Granowitch main- tained such a well-directed fire for two hours with twelve pieces, that "the enemy's ships were compelled to retire, much damaged.'

Captain Giffard and his companions in captivity have been communi- cated with by means of a flag of truce ; cigars and letters have been sent them, and letters received from them in return. Itis stated that Captain Giffard speaks well of the treatment he has received.

GERMANY.—The text of the last Vienna protocol, signed on the 23s1 May, has been published. It states that the Plenipotentiaries of the Four Powers met, conformably to previous arrangements, to 'record,,in One common act the treaties concluded between France andKagland,,and between Austria and Prussia • that they, agree that these conventions -bind

i the parties to them in the relative situations "to secure the maintenance of the principle established by the series of protocols of the Conference of Vienna"; that the integrity of the Ottoman empire and the evacuation Of the Principalities are and will be the invariable objects of the Four Power's; and that the above-mentioned treaties "correspond to the en- gagement which the Plenipotentiaries had mutually contracted on the 9th of April to deliberate and agree upon the means most fit to accom- plish the object of their union, and thrill give a fresh sanction to the firm intentions Of the Four Powers represented at the Conference of Vienna, to combine all their efthrts and their entire resolution to accomplish the object which forms the basis of their union."

The Cabinets of Vienna and Berlin have transmitted a collective me- morandum to their Envoys at the Diet relative to the Eastern question and the Anstro-Prussian convention. This document, not remarkable for its clearness or decision, first recounts generally the turn affairs have taken since the complications in the East were discussed before the Diet in November last, including the protocol last signed at Vienna. Both Austria and Prussia are of opinion that the integrity and independence of the Ottoman empire must be maintained, and "that the was should

under no circumstances have for result any change in existing territorial positions"; and although France and England are at war with Russia, the four Cabinets, adhering to common principles heretofore proclaimed, have united with regard to the basis of deliberations for attaining the ob- ject of their endeavours. The Courts of Vienna and Berlin cannot deny that "the prolongation of the development of military force on the Lower Danube is inconsistent with the most important neighbouring in- terests of Austria, and also with those of Germany. Not only will exist- ing political state relations be menaced in a manner detrimental to Ger- many, but will most acutely prejudice the development of its material welfare." Addressing themselves to their high allies, the two Courts hold it their duty to declare, "that the interests for which they answer in the midst of pending complications are according to their very essence also the interests of entire Germany." A well. regulated state of affairs in the countries of the Lower Danube is a requirement, an element of the conservative policy of Germany. "The material interests of Germany are susceptible of most powerful elevation through the great water-channels to the East; and it is thence generally incumbent on Germany to secure as much as possible the freedom of Danubian commerce, and not to witness the material anima- tion of water-communications with the East repulsed by restrictions." But it is the duty of the Federal Government to take care that "the preexisting state relations of European great states shall not be altered to the prejudice of Germany by the present war." If Germany be an united power pOlitically speaking, the strength of the Confederation will be amply sufficient to meet local dangers within its range, and to deter- mine the rank which states are henceforth to take among themselves. Austria and Prussia are preparing for all eventualities, and will esteem themselves fortunate should coming events not entail the necessity of further intervention. Final decision still belongs to the future. Con- ceiving that they have fulfilled their duties to the Confederation, they ask as a matter of necessity that all the members of the Confederation should make known their decision through the Diet.

It appears that the signature of the last Vienna protocol took the Rus- sian party at Berlin by surprise. The consultations on the subject be- tween.the King and Baron Manteuffel had been kept so secret, that no one knew of them or their result until orders had been sent by telegraph to Count Arnim to sign the protocol.

A very considerable amount of petty negotiation is going on among the minor states of Germany. Nut only have there been meetings at Bam- berg, but also at Weimar. Of course it is impossible to say what de- cision will be come to.

Baron Brunnow, it is said, will succeed Baron Budberg at Berlin. Queen Victoria's birthday was celebrated at Berlin and Vienna by di- plomatic banquete.

GREECE.—Anglo-French intervention at Athens has been decided, and auccessful for the time. It is said that the projected occupation having been announced to the Queen, she behaved with great violence ; declared she would mount on horseback, call the people to arms, and lead them to the frontier, the moment a French soldier landed at the EMUS. Her baggage was packed ; but at the eleventh hour, urged by the prayers and entreaties of the King and Court, she relented. The French expedition arrived on the 25th May ; and, after taking possession of the Greek ships of war, 9000 troops landed at the Pirmus. Consternation prevailed at Athens: the Ministry resigned, and being without a Ministry the King declined to answer the summons of the French commander. But a new Ministry was to be formed, on the principle of conceding the ultimatum and observing strict neutrality.

The insurrection, which is not in a promising condition, will thus be further discouraged. According to the latest detailed accounts, the most satisfactory results had followed the taking of Pete.; and Mr. Saunders, the British Consul, had been instrumental in mediating between several villages in Epirus desirous of submitting and Fuad Effendi. It seems quite clear that the Greek invaders compelled these poor people to join the insurrection ; in fact, that they had no choice. The women and children had taken refuge from the contending parties in the midst of the marshes of the Lure ; and Mr. Saunders very considerately sought them out in their retreat, and assured them that they might safely return to their homes. They were in a wretched condition, and nothing could exceed their joy and gratitude for this unlooked-for kindness. The villages of Suli had also submitted; taking Mr. Longworth, the British Consul at Monastir, as their mediator. There only remained the villages of Dju- merka and Radovizi under the influence of Greek bands, and measures had been concerted to relieve these districts from their presence, and to operate upon Thessaly at the same time. In this latter country the civil war has been carried to extremes on both sides, recalling the atrocities committed in the war of independence; but by the overwhelming num- bers and systematic action of the Ottomans, it is believed the insurrection will soon be totally extinguished.

Russia.—The Hailal Gazette of St. Petersburg explains how the Rus- sian ships of war which took refuge at Trieste last autumn came into the hands of the Greeks. By the order of Baron Meyendorff, says the Gazette, the corvette Ariadne, 12, and the brig Orphei, 6, were given 4' as a present" to the Greek Government, with everything on board. Letters from Riga in the official journal of Bremen state that the vast 'commercial quarter of that town had been razed to the ground, in order to permit the construction of defensive works ; and that upon those de- fences the whole labouring population had been forced to work.

The Neva was free of ice on the 2d May, and had risen so high that an inundation was feared. The report that the Russians are fortifying its banks is again current.

Irarv.—The Neapolitan Government has published its declaration of neutrality. Armed ships and privateers are prohibited from entering the parts and roadsteads of the Two Sicilies ; letters of marque will not be granted, and Neapolitans are forbidden to serve in privateers ; Nea- politan ships are not to carry articles contraband of war, nor enter ports under blockade. It is laid down that the flag protects the goods, and that property of neutrals on board vessels even belonging to the enemy shall be respected.

The railway running between Suss and Turin, was inaugurated on the 22d of May, in the presence of the King and Queen of Sardinia, the Duke and Duchess of-Genoa, the Ministers of the Crown, and a large concourse of people. The opening of this line, although only thirty-two miles in

length, is an important event, as it will tend to break down the Jowl and exclusive spirit which has been the bane of Italy.

SPAIN.—The Queen, it appears, did not change her mind. A decree or- deringthe forced loan has appeared in the Madrid Gazette. The rate of in- terest is fixed at 6 per cent; the municipal authorities will decide upon the proportions to be raised upon individuals in their localities, and the debt will be repaid in eighths. It has caused great dissatisfaction in Madrid and the provinces ; and the persons who are desirous of effecting a revo- lution are described as anxious to take advantage of this state of the pub- lic feeling.

Another account is, that the Queen did resist the Ministerial proposi- tion for the forced loan but that at length she was induced to yield by the application of a golden specific in the proper quarter. The Ministers promised to hand over half a million of reals (50000 to "the super-regal influence,"—that is, the Favourite,—and thrice that sum when the loan is got in. The disbursement of the loan itself is already anticipated ; it will go to pay dividends ; to pay a sum to M. Salamanca on account of his railways; and another sum to the Rianzares interest.

jareN.—The report that the Russian squadron had succeeded in "opening up" the Japanese empire to commerce proves unfounded ; and the credit belongs to the Americans, who have succeeded in negotiating a treaty. The scene of this important negotiation is Yokohama, in the Bay of Jeddo a village only ten miles from the capital. On the arrival of the United States squadron, the Japanese at once constructed houses on the beach for them ; and on the 17th March, Commodore Perry landed, and in conjunction with the Princes sent to meet him arranged the treaty, which on the 23d was finally concluded. Its details have not yet been made public, but it is understood to be modelled after the treaty with China. The Governor of Uraga and nine of his suite dined on board one of the ships of the squadron ; and complimentary toasts were interchanged with a facility that would do honour to the London Mansionhouse. One of the American officers sang a song, and the Japanese returned the com- pliment; but the writer who supplies the account of this event does not rate the musical accomplishments of the Japanese very highly. Their singing he likens to "the roaring of lions with bad colds." )Thile there, the Americans buried a comrade on shore with military honours. They also set up a magnetic telegraph, and spelt out Japanese sounds along the wire ; and moreover delighted the Japanese with a circular railroad, many of them making circuits in the car.

IND1A.—The fuller despatches by the overland mail add nothing to the intelligence communicated last week by telegraph ; the alleged alliances between Russia, Persia, Khiva, and Bokhara, being the chief items of news. According to the same authorities as those from whom these stories emanate, Russian spies, disguised as ambassadors from Khiva, had presented themselves at Cabul ; and were anxious to go on to Peshawur ! The writer of the letter from Cabul published in the _Delhi Gazette affirms that he has read with his own eyes the treaty between Russia and Khiva;

and that Deist Mahomed had sent an ambassador to the Russians. .

• The opening of the Ganges Canal, on the 8th April, was perfornied by Mr. John Colvin, the Lieutenant-Governor of the North-west provirices, Colonel Cautley, the projector and engineer of the work, and a peat mul- titude of persons. All went well ; and a telegraphic message tot :le Go- vernor-General at Calcutta apprized him on the same morning that the canal was opened. In a few minutes the Governor-General returned this reply—" I have rejoiced over your message ; all honour to Colonel Cant- ley. It is only the want of proper posts that delays the rapid progress of the electric telegraph.

CAPE OP GOOD Horn—The Indiana arrived at Plymouth on Satur- day, bringing advices from the Cape of Good Hope to the 21st April.

The chief news of interest is from the Orange River free state. The troops had been withdrawn from the colony, and the fort erected by Sir Harry Smith at Bloemfontein is now guarded by Burghers under the government of the Volksraad. The chiefs Moshesh and Moroko had been on a friendly visit to the new Government. The provisional Govern- ment, to whom Sir George Clerk transferred the territory, handed their authority over to the Volksraad on the 29th March. The constitution adopts the Roman Dutch law ; the Volksraad, or Legislative Council, enjoys supreme administrative and financial power, and is elected for four years. The President of the State is elected every five years. General Jackson will succeed General Cathcart as commander of the British force in British Caffraria.