In France, Ministers have carried the critical Secret-service- money Bill
through the Chamber of Deputies by a decent ma- jority. The Soult-Guizot Cabinet therefore has a new lease of office for the session.
Switzerland continues agitated, but as yet without any marked action. Catholic Lucerne and Protestant Argau stand at bay, and threaten actual warfare. General Sonnenberg, an officer Who has served in Sicily, commands in Lucerne, and is supposed to meditate a positive irruption into -4.rgau, in retaliation for the , inroads of the " Free Corps" or lawless guerilla bands that aided the revolt in Lucerne. The conduct of these Free Corps has 'raised a cross-question to complicate disputes ; for their aggres- sion is regarded as a violation of the independent sovereignty of the Cantons ; and many who opposed the Government of Lucerne on the original question of recognizing the Jesuits now side with it in maintaining its territorial inviolability and an essential ele- ment of the federal constitution. The Vorort has notified to the Cantons that it will interfere to prevent further disturbance by the Free Corps.
From India we hear of two new revolutions, in the Punjaub and in Nepaul. They do not much concern us, except as being of those unceasing mementos that the consolidation, not the mere extension of our territory, can alone secure enduring peace to British India.
In the United States, the House of Representatives have passed a bill for what may really be called the occupation of the Oregon; and it has been sent up to the Senate; where it will probably be thrown out—for the present at least. But the measure itself is less menacing than the outrageous war-whoop raised by the Re- presentatives who supported it : one of them ingenuously avowed his contempt for "laws," and called for soldiers. It is a pity that we cannot resort to a practice of chivalry, and have out these belligerent gentry for a pitched battle, band against band. That would be an excellent way to enable the greedy fire-eaters to flesh their maiden swords, both in America and France, with- out national war and its horrors. It would also save waste of annoyance and trouble, if the War parties of France and America would be so good as to omit England, who stands between them, and light it out together ; each condescending to regard the other as England. None of us could really hope to conquer the others, and we would willingly waive the "glory."
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