NEWS OF THE WEEK,
THE Emperor of Austria arrived at Frankfort on Monday, and by Tuesday every Prince now reigning in Germany, except the Lord of Lippe, the King of Denmark, and the King of Prussia, was present in the free city. The séance was held in the "flail of Rome," and on Tuesday proceedings were opened with a speech read by the Emperor himself. His Majesty expressed in warm language his pleasure at meeting his "most illustrious and beloved Brothers, and Cousins, and most valued Confederates," stated that Germany "looked forward to a development of its Constitution," and admitted that "by allowing the peoples to participate in the Bund " it would acquire greater vigour. His Majesty added that he saw no basis of hope in long deliberations, and alluded to the absence of King William of Prussia, who, however, "appreciated his arguments concerning the urgent necessity of reform," and only objected to Congress because the necessary preparations had not been made. The speech was, of course, well received, but the Northern Princes are so sensible of the inutility of reform without Prussia, that the whole Congress has sent him an invitation, conveyed by the King of Saxony. His acceptance is still doubtful, and it is felt that without him the meeting, with all its grand accessories, will be almost a failure.
