furrign aub Clamant.

Frantr.—The Moniteur has published in its official columns the Se- natus-Consultum concerning the Imperial Regency. It bears the sanc- tion of the Emperor, countersigned by the Ministers; and is dated Plom- bieres, July 17, 1856.

From his retreat at Plombieres the Emperor has addressed a letter to M. Rouher, the Minister of Public Works, respecting measures for pre- venting the dangers arising from the overflow of the great rivers. Se- condary works, he observes, that would temporarily preserve the great cities, might be easily accomplished ; but what must absolutely be dis- covered is a general system. The system of dikes he condemns as only a palliative, and then propounds his own plan. He remarks, that the sudden risings of the great rivers are caused by the rains that fall from the mountains.

"When the rain falls on a plain, the ground serves as a kind of sponge ; and the water, before reaching the river, has to traverse a vast extent of soft ground, the gentle slope of which also retards the running off of the water. But when, independently of the melting of the snow, the same thing takes place on the mountains, where the ground, mostly rocky. or gravelly, does not absorb the moisture:the steepness of the country carries the water rapidly to the rivers' which thus suddenly rise. This is what we see every day when it rains. The rain which falls in our fields seldom forms a stream, but that which falls on the roofs of houses, and which runs into the gutters, instantly becomes streams. Thus the roofs are the mountains, and the gut- ters the valleys."

Everything, therefore, depends upon retarding the running off of the water.

" The means of effecting this is to erect on all the tributary streams of rivers, at the mouths of the valleys, weirs, leaving in the centre only a nar- row passage for the waters, and thus keeping them back when their volume increases, and forming reservoirs which could only empty themselves slowly. It is necessary to do on a small scale what Nature has done on a large one. If the Lake of Constance and the Lake of Geneva did not exist, the valleys of the Rhine and the Rhone would only form two vast sheets of water ; for every year the above-mentioned lakes, without any extraordinary fall of rain, and merely from the melting of the snow, rise from two to three metres; which makes for the Lake of Constance an increase of about two- and-a-half milliards of cubic metres of water, and for that of Geneva an augmentation of 1,778,000,000."

In illustration of this view, he cites an account of a weir on the Loire at Piney, established in 1711, which saved Rotten in 1846 and 1856. He accordingly directs M. Rouher to have the system examined on the spot, and further to examine a plan proposed for lowering, the waters of the Rhone at the place where it enters the Lake of Geneva, by construct- ing a weir there. He also desires that the management of the great rivers should be confided to one person.

II.—According to the latest intelligence, Marshal O'Donnell and his subordinates had succeeded in putting down the "insurrection" on all points save Saragossa. The government of this military chief may be said to have established itself; at all events for the moment, through- -out the Peninsula.

Although a great deal of information and an abundance of documents have been published, there still remains much obscurity respecting the -origin and growth of the coup d'etat. The generally received story is, that the enterprise of O'Donnell was the execution of a deep-laid plot which had its partisans if not in the Tuileries at least in Paris. The incident that gave rise to the explosion was the return of M. Ecosura, the late Minister of the Interior, from an expedition to the disturbed districts, and his statement to his colleagues that he had traced the trou- bles to O'Donnell himself. This was kept secret from that officer. The course adopted by Ecosura was to propose in council restrictions upon the journals which had fomented disturbances. O'Donnell, it is said op- posed the proposal, and demanded the dismissal of Ecosura. But the Minis- ters supported their colleague against O'Donnell, and his resignation was demanded in turn. He refused to resign except to the Queen. It was at last agreed that both Ecosura and O'Donnell should tender -their resignations to the Queen. They did so on the evening of Sunday the 13th ; a long discussion ensued ; and the Queen, finally accepting the resignation of Ecosura, declined to receive that of O'Donnell. Hereupon Es partero and all his colleagues resigned, and the Queen in- stantly empowered O'Donnell to form a Cabinet. This was at four in the morning of the 14th. O'Donnell had concentrated large bodies of

troops in and near the capital, and he took care to instruct all the com- manders as to what had passed, directing them to hold their men in readiness for action. The names of the new Ministry were posted ; and O'Donnell's programme, a state of siege, and the disarmament of the National Guard, quickly got bruited abroad. The first step in opposi- tion was taken by the Members of the Cortes, 91 in number, then present in Madrid. They assembled under the presidence of General Infante ; passed a resolution of want of confidence in O'Donnell, and empowered a deputation to carry it to the Queen. O'Donnell replied, that their as- sembly, was illegal ; that their resolutions, which might have been passed under the pressure of the insurrection, could. not be recognized ; and that no further answer would be returned to any of their representations. What became of the Cortes does not appear ; but as they had decided to sit en permanence, it is probably true that they were dispersed by the troops. manifesto of the new Ministry represented, that neither the late Government nor the Cortes had been able to reestablish order and secu- rity, disturbed by the revolution of 1854 ; that the crisis demanded "a change in the system of the government of the state," " a policy, of union and conciliation," " the repression of the elements that agitate society," and " the concentration and the firm unity of the public power." When this is accomplished, "the Government will submit its conduct to the judgment of the Cortes." This manifesto was followed by the proclamation of the state of siege for all Spain.

The insurrection did not break out until the evening of the 14th. On the side of O'Donnell and the Queen, there were from 14,000 to 20,000 troops and about 60 pieces of cannon. What the force of the National Guards may have been, is not stated ; but they had artillery and plenty of am- munition. They seem to have occupied the houses and barricaded the streets. How the fight went, is not very clearly stated ; but the best description is given in the Journal des _Debate, which adds a significant statement of the line that O'Donnell and the Queen had resolved to pur- sue in case of defeat.

" The dispositions of Marshal O'Donnell were very simple : he divided his strength into three corps ; the first, which he commanded, was formed of half of the infantry and artillery ; the second, composed of the other half of these forces, was under the orders of Marshal Concha ; General Dulee commanded the three corps composed of cavalry. Concha occupied the Eastern part of the town, including the quarters Prado and Retire, a point which communicated in a direct line with the head-quarters of O'Donnell, by the street of Aleala, the Puerta del Sol, and the grand street ; but these streets were barricaded and occupied by the National Guard, who concealed themselves in the houses, from which they fired on the troops. The two Marshals could alone effect a junction by driving the insurgents from their principal line into the Northern and Southern quarters. This was the first operation directed by O'Donnell, and which was effected at the sacrifice of much blood. This struggle, which commenced on the 15th in the morn- ing, lasted the whole of that day. The army had gained ground, foot by foot, but the insurgents held good on several points. Of a sudden, the insurgents occupying. the Ministry of Interior hoisted the white flag as a signal of submission. The appearance of this flag increased the ardour of the troops, and produced a contrary effect on the insurgent militia. The leaders imagined themselves to be abandoned by their men, whilst the latter believed in the treason of their leaders. Both were dis- couraged, and the rout became general. Those who persisted in the revolt withdrew to the fortified points occupied by the bands of Pucheta, in the Toledo quarter, and towards the North, defended by the companies of vol- tigeurs. On the 16th, all these bands were attacked by the Royal troops, who had maintained the positions conquered in the struggle of the 15th. At three o'clock, the insurgents at the North were dispersed in their turn, and the army of the Queen had obtained a decisive victory. The losses of the army were great, though they are not exactly known; those of the insur- gents were even more considerable. The troops gave no quarter. On both sides artillery was employed ; and many palaces, hotels, and private houses, will bear for a long time the traces of the round shot which has struck them. The hospitals are full of wounded. Marshal O'Donnell had anticipated a great battle and a victory dearly purchased. He had made his provisions for a check, and had acquainted the Queen with his views. Had this mis- fortune occurred, the Marshal would have left Madrid with the remainder of his troops, escorting the Queen, whom he would have defended to the last : he would have marched towards the Northern provinces of Spain, to- wards the frontiers of France."

The official account of the losses of the troops is—killed, 6 officers and 32 privates ; wounded, 19 officers and 202 privates ; missing, 2 privates. There were 6 horses killed and 16 wounded. Another account estimates the total loss on both sides at 1000.

The victory was instantly followed by a disarmament of the National Guard ; the appointment of a new Civil Govern* of Madrid, and a new Municipal Council, headed by the Duke of Alba, brother-in-law of the Empress Eugenie; Prim, Captain-General of Grenada, absent in France, and Falcon, Captain-General of Aragon, in command at Saragossa, and several Governors, were dismissed. On the 17th, "tranquillity reigned at Madrid" ; and the Queen, to show her satisfaction with the troops, issued a decree granting a step to all generals and officers wounded, and pensions to the wounded troops. Throughout the conflict, the Ministers of foreign powers, especially the French Minister, were assiduous in their attendance on the Queen. The Madrid Gazette says that Lord Howden's absence was much remarked ; but the official organ forgot that Lord Howden was absent from Madrid, and that Mr. Otway was at the Palace. What became of Espartero during the conflict is still uncertain ; but there seems reason to believe that he was under surveillance, if not actually a prisoner. The latest rumour is that he had obtained permission to proceed to Almagro.

The insurrections in the provinces appear to have been partial. At Saragossa, General Falcon, and several members of the Cortes, had issued a proclamation calling on the people and army to unite in resisting O'Donnell and in saving liberty ; and it appears that the people and army obeyed the call. General Gurrea, a noted Progressista, was with Falcon. But the insurrection does not appear to have extended beyond Saragossa, and at the latest dates an overwhelming force was marching on that town from various points.

At Barcelona the troops were under a resolute General—Zapatero. There the insurrection broke out on the 18th, and continued for three days without cessation except at night. On the third day the regulars triumphed, and some of the insurgents who fled to the country were pur- sued and sabred by the cavalry. It is said the insurgents lost 1200 men. Insurrections were attempted and suppressed at Santander, San Sebastian, La Junquera, Jaw, Lagrono, and other places. The town of Gerona and

the province of Murcia are in opposition to the Government. Such is the state of the country. The policy of the new Government is described as follows in a letter from Madrid published in the journals- " 1. No bloodshed for mere political punishment. Capital punishment to be reserved for common crimes committed under the cloak of political opinions. 2. Conciliation and toleration. 3. Moderate Progressists not to be excluded from public functions. 4. The constitution to be published. 6. The Constituent Cortes to be dissolved, and ordinary Cortes convoked. 6. The National Guard to be reorganized on a reduced scale. 7. Political prosecutions brought before the Cortes against previous Governments, and certain persons connected with them, to be put a stop to. 8. Endeavours to obtain the modification of some articles of the constitution, and certain administrative principles. Lastly, the same administrative system as before to be followed.'

Meanwhile, the French Government has directed "certain regiments" to march on the Spanish frontier, and has even ordered the division at Wimereux, near Boulogne, to march for that destination. The Sieele publishes the following statement from a London corre- spondent- " We have received this instant the following information, which comes to us from a source generally well infonued. The English Government yesterday received a despatch from Mr. Otway, who in Lord llowden's ab- sence represents England at Madrid. This despatch was very important and, according to what is said tonight, it left the impression that Marshal O'Donnell's situation was less favourable than bad been supposed. In con- sequence of this despatch, orders were sent by telegraph to Lord Howden, whatever might be his state of health, to return instantly to his post, pass- iny by way of Saragossa ; and he was informed that he should there re- ceive despatches from his Government, as well as despatches from Mr. Ot- way.

St 111.-The Italian peninsula continues in an excited state. Ad- dresses to Count Cavour pour in-the latest from persons in Lombardo- Venetia. In Naples itself, a proclamation, apparently from the Mode- rate Constitutional party, has appeared on the walls, inviting the people to be calm in spite of the cruelty and injustice of the Government, and to hope for better days. Austria has quietly raised her army of occupa- tion in Lombardy to 115,000 men.

The Times correspondent at Turin reports a curious scene that took place in the Municipal Council of Bologna the other day, when the sub- ject of local charges for military accommodation came to be discussed. On the sum required for this purpose being put to the vote, Count Mar- sigli, who is a strong upholder of the Papal Government and a personal friend of Pius IX., rose and said, "he would not oppose the vote, but he would propose to the Council that they should address the Pope on the subject, and humbly request that he would take measures to remove the cause of such a burden on the town." This proposition was seconded immediately by another supporter of Government, Signor Saasuoli, and was carried unanimously.

lIrkrq.-The last English troops from the Crimea have passed Con- _ stantinople, and General Codrington is now on his way to England. The Russians finally "relieved" the English at Balaklava on the 12th. Lord Stratford de Radcliffe, the Grand Vizier, Omar Pasha, General de Martimprey, Mehemet Ketzeoly, and Mehemet Ali, were present at the dinner given by M. Thouvenel, Ambassador of Asince, in honour of Marshal Pelissier.

The Hospodar of Wallachia, Prince Stirbey, resigned the Government on the 7th to a Provisional Administration. In doing so, he said-

" A new sera begins 6 r our country from this day. A commissary of the Suzerain and the comm'ssaries of the Great Powers will assemble in Bu- charest, in order to learn the wishes and necessities of the nation, and to secure for it a durable and happy future. During this period of transition, a Provisional Administration will manage the affairs of the country until the new organization which has been guaranteed to the Principality shall be established."

It is stated at Berlin, that " since the evacuation of Kars, a certain degree of agitation has been observed among the Koords of Upper Ar- =ma. A Russian army, under the command of General Chrulefl has taken up a position along the frontier."

Some time since a Greek girl was carried off from Varna, violated, and strangled. A Pasha was suspected of having been the chief actor in the tragedy : the Pasha and his servants were arrested, and have been brought to trial ; and the trial-quite a new thing in Turkey-is now pending.

Altitrit a t5.-The Asia arrived at Liverpool on Monday, with advices from New York to the 9th.

The chief piece of intelligence is the letter of Colonel Fremont accept- ing the nomination for the Presidency. He states in general terms his acquiescence in the resolutions adopted by the Republican party, and speaks more fully on two points, foreign policy and slavery. With re- gard to the former he says-

" The assumption that we have the right to take from another nation its domains because we want them, is an abandonment of the honest character -which our country has acquired; to provoke hostilities by unjust assump- tions, would be to sacrifice the peace and character of the country, when all its interests might be more certainly secured and its objects attained by just and healing counsels, involving no loss of reputation. International embar- rassments are mainly the results of a secret diplomacy, which aims to keep from the knowledge of the people the operations of the Government. This system is inconsistent with the character of our institutions, and is itself yielding gradually to a more enlightened public opinion and to the power of a free press, which, by its broad dissemination of political intelligence, se- cures in advance to the side of justice the judgment of the civilized world. An honest, firm, and open policy in our foreign relations, would command the united support of the nation, whose deliberate opinions it would neces- sarily reflect."

As regards slavery, he points out that the object of the small but com- pact and powerful Slave party is to extend slavery across the continent reversing the principles of the Revolution, which designed to avoid giving any countenance to the existence of slavery. In the Senate, on the 9th, the Committee on 'ferritories reported the House bill for the admission of Kansas, with an amendment striking out the preamble and all after the enacting clause, and substituting therefor .the Slave State Kansas Bill, recently passed by the Senate. After some little opposition, the amendment was adopted. Ex-President Van Buren has written a long letter in support of Mr. Buebenen, which it was supposed would influence the election. A large meeting was held at the Merchants' Exchange, Philadelphia, to reciprocate the pacific feelings manifested towards the United States in England. Mr. Brookes of South Carolina has been sentenced to pay a fine of 300 dollars for the assault on Mr. Sumner.