Although foreign affairs retain their character of importance and interest,
the intelligence of the week presents less than the recent regular amount of change. Doubts beset the national movements here and there ; but on the whole they advance.
France is in the least hopeful condition, as her worst enemies are within. In spite of fine speeches and eloquent state papers, the country is actually in a state of anarchy resembling that of the middle ages. People go about armed, the quiet for defence, the venturesome for sport ; and lives are sometimes lost through "mistake." The powder-magazine at Lyons was in the hands of a drunken mob ; the representatives of the Government " hoping " that the key would be surrendered in a day or two. Government is avowedly busy ill packing the elections for the National Assem- bly : anything like a true representation of independent opinion seems out of the question. Not a glimpse of sunlight as yet pierces through the gloom.
Belgium is contiguous to France.
Germany is agitated by distracted counsels,—fearing Russia, as yet quiescent ; rather rebuffing King Frederick William, whose dictation is viewed with jealousy ; but continuing active preparations for the Constituent Assembly at Frankfort. King Frederick William has just been obliged, in deference to the Provisional Diet at Frankfort, to rescind the election of Federal representatives nominated by his own Diet : they are to be elected by the whole people.
The Danes are making way into Schleswig-Holstein, but offering to treat. Poland seems to be managing indiscreetly,—quarrelling with her allies the Germans, and keeping up old feuds, that will en- feeble her before the Russian.
Austria declares war against Sardinia, and simultaneously offers to treat with the people of Lombardy for the cession of her sovereignty.
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