NEWS OF THE WEEK.
TLIE English and Austrian rejoinders to Prince Gortscha- kelt and a summary of the French one, have all been published this week. They all prove that the Prince is wrong in his facts and mistaken in his conclusions, and all end by throwing upon Russia the responsibility of the " serious con- sequences" which may follow her present course of action. The only special sentence occurs in the French despatch, in which M. Drouyn de ',buys remarks that France is left "at entire liberty in her judgment and conduct, and will avail herself of this liberty of action." The Russian replies have not been published ; but it is understood that Prince Gorts- chakoff is exceedingly courteous, but re-affirms the necessity of enforcing peace before any concessions are made, and hints that further discussion would be only a cause of bitterness. The reply is in effect, though not in terms, an announcement that Russia will go her own way, and that way is indicated by the fact that the " clement " Czar has addressed an auto- graph letter to General Mouravieff thanking him for his "energy" and success, and bestowing upon him a new deco- ration. The reply will deeply irritate France, and leave a painful impression even in England ; but it is only action which can help the Poles, and action until the spring seems out of the question. The Baltic will be closed in three weeks.
