Fnrftgu uu eninuirtl.

"Tatur.—The Emperor and Empress continue at Biarritz. They seem to spend their time very much like ordinary people out for a holiday —in excursions, sight-seeing, and amusement. On Sunday the 21st they were present at another bull-fight, which took place this time at Bayonne. Crowds of persons came from all the neighbouring towns on both sides of the frontier. " The Empress Eugenie presented herself as a Spanish woman generally does when she attends a corrida.' She was dressed in black, with a black mantilla—a French bonnet would have been a sole- cism—and one small red flower in her hair. Her beauty and her grace, which her costume so well set off, excited admiration, and her presence was hailed by repeated bursts of applause." The "sport" was better than at St. Esprit ; and the Emperor seems likely to be successful in es- tablishing this "civilizing agent" in his dominions.

House-rent and house-room have been for some time at a premium in Paris. Hundreds, some say thousands, have been driven beyond the barriers unable to pay the rents demanded. The official Moniteur has deigned to take notice of this state of things, and to supply some statis- tics intended to restore confidence among the operatives. flie Emperor, according to his journal, wished to know whether rents had risen in con- sequence of the famous " improvementa " ordered by his Majesty, and whether the " equilibrium " would soon be restored. The Moniteur states the result of an inquiry directed to satisfy the Emperor. The houses demolished in the last five years were 1565, at a cost of 126,211,559 francs. The houses built during the same period amounted to 6552, at a cost of 712,000,000 francs. The Moniteur attributes the rise of rent partly to the increase of the population-121,071, or one- tenth in five years. But it argues, that the increased number of houses will soon reduce rent, and that in the mean time the workmen have re- ceived compensation in the shape of constant employment and high wages. With a view to stimulate the building of workmen's lodgings, considerable advances have been and will continue to be made. At pre- sent the official report gives 364 lodgings for single men, 1171 sets of rooms for families ; amounting in all to 1775 lodgings, 948 of which are now tenanted, and 827 arc in progress. It was stated in part of our impression last week, that the alarm re- specting the "mixed schools" in the Pas do Calais, excited by an Anti- Protestant pastoral issued by the Bishop of Arras, had caused the Minister of Public Works to assure the Protestants that liberty of conscience shall always be respected, and that their children will find a sincere protection on the part of the state in the exercise of their religious creeds. The Bishop of Arras has issued another pastoral, regretting "the publicity" given to his former effusion, and modifying it by explanation. The Countess de Chambord, it is said, is likely to become the mother to a " legitimate " heir to the throne of France.

X rig i um.—The International Free-trade Congress assembled at Brus- sels on Monday, in the Gothic Hall of the Wad de Ville. The Belgian

Government does not participate in this movement, as it did in that of the Philanthropists ; it confines itself to a "simple attitude of observa- tion." The countries represented were Sweden, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Sardinia, Tuscany, Spain, England, and the towns of Hamburg and Montevideo ; and there was a delegate even from Russia and Vienna. The English delegates were Mr. Charles Hol- land, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Liverpool ; Mr. Francis Boult, Liverpool Financial Reform Association ; Mr. Wickham M.P., dele-

gate of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce ; Mr. Oliveira • Mr. E. Chadwick ; Mr. W. Ewart M.P. ; Mr. Winkworth ; Mr. C. M.P.illhusen, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Newcastle ; Mr. S. Plimsoll, Yorkshire Coalowners ; Mr. Swan, Chamber of Commerce, Leeds ; Mr. Burn, Manchester; Mr. Henry Bohn, London ; Mr. F. 0. Ward ; Mr. Scholefield M.P. from Birmingham.

M. Corr Vandermaeren, President of the Belgian Free-trade Associa- tion, took the chair at the outset, to open the sitting, and explain its ob- jects. They had met, he said, to follow out the labours of the Society of Economists who met in that hall on the 16th September 1847, and who, after three days' deliberation, affirmed the principles of Free-trade. Since that day there have been many changes. Sardinia, Holland, France, Russia, Sweden, Norway, the Roman States, Naples, Spain, Portugal, and Germany, have all carried out modifications of more or less importance in their different tariffs. Numerous improvements have also been introduced into the customs-legislation of Belgium. All du- ties on alimentary commodities entering that country have been abolished; and those differential duties which injuriously affected merchandise im- ported under a foreign flag have with very few exceptions been either re- pealed or suspended. They were met to do their utmost towards the real- ization of the maxims laid down in 1847. For this purpose, their attention would be strictly confined to two questions—" 1. What are the obstacles, artificial or natural, which impede the extension of commercial relations with thc oountry which you represent ? 2. What are the practical means proposed or that may be proposed in each country to remove or lessen the obstacles which thus impede its commercial relations with foreign nations?"

Having opened the session, M. Vandermaeren gave place to M. Charles do Brouokere, who had presided over the Congress of 1847. Ho then called upon the delegates, according to a prearranged order, to address the Congress. The time allowed for each was a quarter of an hour : but the rule was not strictly adhered to ; while some spoke for less, others spoke for more than fifteen minutes. M. Clink Sterk, of Holland, ex- pounded the liberal views and projects of the Dutch Government—the abolition of the sliding-scale, the reduction of import-duties, the modi- fication of the navigation-laws. Whereupon M. Mathyssens, of Ant- werp, reminded the Congress, that Holland still maintains a monopoly of trade with Java and her Indian colonies - and that she obstinately adheres to the " barbarous principle of frontier duties." M. Reep- maetker, of Rotterdam, rejoined, that the commercial system of Holland would bear a favourable comparison with all other Continental countries. Mr. Winkworth expounded British views ; argued stoutly against pro- tection ; and set forth the figures that represent the progress of trade in England since 1846. M. Herz, of Hamburg, testified that the relaxation of fiscal restrictions has led to a flourishing commerce ; but there are still petty customs-regulations to abolish, and petty passing-dues on the Elbe. Sefior Figualora, from Spain, described the benefits that have fol- lowed the abolition of interprovincial tariffs in his country ; and pointed out that the customs revenue has doubled since the protective tariff was modified in 1849.

A letter from Mr. Cobden, although not read to the Congress, fi- gures among its published records. Mr. Cobden tells them, that they must attribute the comparative fewness of Englishmen at the meeting to the absence of antagonism, and to confidence in our successful example. He describes how the agricultural and shipping interests have benefited by the change ; and he supplies a table of figures with a commentary to show the progress of our export trade since 1845.

In 1846 £57,700,000 In 1852 £78,000,000 1887 58,800,000 1853 98,800,000 1848 52,800,000 1854 97,000,000 1849 63,500,000 1855 95,500,000 1850 71,300,000 1856 (seven months)... 64,000,000 1851 74,400,000

" You will find that the above table exhibits a steady yearly progress, interrupted only by the revolutions of 1848 and the war of 1854-1865. But observe the upward rebound of the present year of peace, in the first seven months of which our exports have reached 64,000,0001. sterling ; being at the rate of 110,000,0001. for the whole year, or nearly double the amount of 1846. No other instance of so large and rapid an increase of foreign trade can be cited in the annals of the world. I anticipate that this year our ex- ports will exceed those of France, Austria, Russia, and Spain together,— the four largest states of Europe, containing an aggregate of four times our population ; and that they will amount to double those of the 'United States, whose distinctive party banners seem to bear every conceivable device ex- cepting that of commercial freedom. I have sometimes met with the ob- jection in foreign countries, that the general extension of Free-trade prin- ciples would only give an undue advantage to England. But ought not thisjealousy to be rather awakened by the gigantic preponderance of wealth and power which the exclusive adoption of the Free-trade policy is conferring on her ? I know that the philanthropists assembled at Brusaels, not content with this proof of our material prosperity, will extend their investigations to the region of moral statistics, and inquire into the progress of edueation, crime, pauperism, &c. Let me stipulate before- heard, that free trade be not held responsible for the misuse of the wealth which it confers upon a nation. To confess the truth, we have not made the beet posaible use of our prosperity. We have spent nearly 100,000,0001. is

adding one more to the list of Sydney Smith's foolish,just, and necessary wars' ; and I am afraid we are now wasting more in warlike preparation than ever we did at any former period of peace ; nor can it be denied, that never in my experience were we as a nation giving so little attention to domestic reforms as at present. It need not surprise us, then, if the improvement of the population has not kept pace with the increase of our material wealth. But this only tends to prove that the moral fruits of our principles cannot be gathered by one nation alone. It is only when Free-trade shall have be- come the international code of the civilized world that its highest blessings will be realized, in the purer spirit of forbearance and justice which will characterize the intercourse of nations. And how is this consummation, se dear to the heart of every genuine Free-trader, to be attained ? "

Mr. Cobden further writes, that a few years ago, when studying the Free-trade cause in nearly allthe countries of Europe, he found that Pro- tectionist ideas still flourished, but that Governments were awakening to a consciousness that a Protectionist policy is incompatible with the prosperity of the public revenue. And he adds—" I confess that my chief hope rests on the poverty of the Continental Governments. The continual augmenta- tion of their military establishments will compel them to enter upon a re- form of their tariffs, as the only mode of enabling their peoples to support the constant increase of expenditure."

When the Congress rose on Monday, M. de Brouckere entertained the members at an evening party. The second day's meeting was also the anniversary of the revolution of 1830, and the members were enabled to share in the usual festivities. They did not, however, neglect business. Meeting at mid-day on Tuesday, the members continued to explain the reforms of the last ten years. Signor Scialoja, from Piedmont, testified to the advantages which had followed the modification of the Sardinian tariff—equal revenue, and an improved condition of the working classes. Count Arrivabene, from Tuscany, claimed for his country the honour of being the first to proclaim freedom of commerce. M. Gamier and M. Wolowski told the Congress how much prOgress the principles of free trade are making in France. M. Molinari of Brussels, contended that the slight experiments of Belgium in the direction of free trade, although stoutly resisted by the vested interests, warranted the Government in boldly pursuing the same course. The other speakers were M. Pascal Duprat, of Paris, M. Vanderbruck, a Belgian agriculturalist, and M. Mullendorff, a Belgian manufacturer, Mr. Oliveira whoexplained his views on the wine-duties, and Mt. Henry Bohn—who set forth advan- tages of an international lioole--post.

In the sitting on Wednesday, 'the Congress arrived at several con- clusions. It was unanimously resolved that an International Free-trade League, having its head-quarters in Pneland, should be founded; that what remains of the "Colonial system" ought to be abolished; that all' duties on rivers running from one country into another, and straits se- parating them, should be abolished ; that the passport system should be modified, and the compulsory visas for various nations be abolished;, that declarations on the importation and exportation of merchandise should be simplified, and made uniform for all nations ; and that the delegates pledge themselves to use their influence to get the elements of political economy introduced as part of popular education in their re- spective countries, and to recommend the preparation of teachers for this purpose.

ill 1 11,—Since the statement was published describing the course which the Western Powers intend to pursue towards Naples the corre- spondents of the daily journals have furnished some further information. It has been stated that the combined fleet, consisting of two French line- of-battle ships and four frigates, and a similar number of British ships, are to rendezvous at. Ajaccio in Corsica. It is further stated, that Aus- tria, informed of the intentions of France and England to communicate with King Ferdinand from the decks of their men-of-war alone, has given the King to understand that he must bear the consequences of his conduct, and look for no assistance from Vienna. But, says the Augs- burg Gazelle, the Viennese Cabinet " has not renounced all hope of a pacific solution." As yet, the French Minister has not been withdrawn from Naples.

A telegraphic despatch. from Vienna states that " Sardinia takes part in the expedition to Naples for the protection of Sardinian residents and their property there."

The trial of Mignonna and others was renewed at Naples on the 15th. The court was crowded. The evidence for the prosecution proved to be so damaging to the interests of the Government, that the trials were again. suspended. Illegal punishment of the prisoners, by excessive flogging, was proved by the commandant of the bagni of Procida him.- self ; who said that he received his orders direct from the King !

The Milan journals deny that Marshal Radetzky promised to visit Turin in the spring. They say that he only expressed to the officers of his staff, and to the Minister, his opinion that a campaign in Piedmont was not improbable. Leghorn has sent 1500 francs, and Carrara 635 francs, as their sub- scription towards the purchase of 100 guns for Alessandrial

The Italian journals have published the remonstrance of Count Cavour to the Tuscan Government respecting the Genoese schoolmaster so un- ceremoniously expelled from Tuscany, although he had been admitted by a passport signed by the Tuscan agent at Genoa and visod by the Tuscan agent at Leghorn. Count Cavour of course admits the right of the Tuscan Government to refuse to the subjects of any other state an entry into its dominions. What he complains of is, that Sardinian sub- jects, " provided with the proper permission from the competent Tuscan authorities in the Sardinian territory, are either refused or turned out of the Grand Duchy, without their having given a legitimate cause of complaint by their conduct"

It appears that the Chevalier Baldasseroni, instead of justifying the conduct of his Government in expelling D'Aste„ made several complaints of the conduct of the Sardinian Government, to the Sardinian Charge d'Affaires. He expressed dissatisfaction that the King should permit # his subjects to subscribe for guns to be mounted on the fortress of Ales- sandria ; that he should tolerate the Mazzinian subscription for 10,000 muskets to be given to the first body of Italians rising for independence ; and, when reminded that the subscription for muskets has been stopped, he expressed fears lest the mild laws of Sardinia should not be adequate to the punishment of the offenders. " We regret," writes Count Cavour, that "the spontaneous and univer- sal cooperation of the whole people to secure one of the bulwarks of the inde- pendence of Piedmont—and we may say also of Italy—should provoke re- marks which are not friendly from =Italian Government, But.not on that

account can we grant to the Tuscan, any more than to other Governments, the right of demanding explanations relative to an act which does not con- cern it, and which injures no one, least of all Tuscany, which has nothing to do with the frontiers, for the defence of which the fortifications of Alessan- aria are destined." He further states that the King's Government believe their laws. sufficient for internal safety, as well as the .performance of inter- national duties • and he tells Chevalier Baldasseroni, that "the Govern- ment of the King is not disposed to sacrifice to the demands of others, founded on exaggerated fears, those liberties which the citizens of its state entTuscan Minister had also threatened to appeal to the public opin- ion of Europe. Should that intention be adhered to, Count Cavour di- rects the Sardinian Charge d'Affaires at Florence, " to inform the President of the Tuscan Ministry, that the Govern- ment of his Majesty—strong in their rights, conscious of having loyally ful- filled all their duties, and :mindful of wrongs unredressed—do not fear an examination of their acts, which are usually done in broad day'. ; and that "the opinion of the Cabinets and of the people of Europe is ajudge whose competency will never be contravened by the men who have the honour to sit in the councils of the King of Sardinia."

It is said that a number of the disbanded soldiers of the British Italian Legion have been arrested, by order of the Austrian authorities, on their entering Lombardy. They were sent to the fortress of Mantua, and are to be tried by court-martial for having entered a foreign sex-vice without the permission of their Government. Similar arrests have taken place in Parma and Tuscany. The English Ministers at those Courts have protested.

11S-in.—The reactionaries have triumphed so far as to obtain a sus- pension of the law authorizing the sale of ecclesiastical property. The story is, that Senor Cantero, Minister of Finance, broached the subject in the Council of Ministers on the 9th. He submitted a proposition which the Council adopted, and which virtually recognized the law of mortmain as passed by the Constituent Cortes. Neither the Queen nor Senor Rios Roses were at the Council ; and Roses summoned a meeting for the 11th, when Cantero's resolution was rescinded. Cantero instantly resigned ; O'Donnell, against whose opinion the Council had acted, proffered his resignation also ; but the Queen refused to accept it, and he remained in office. At a meeting of the Council on the 18th, it was formally re- solved that the sale of Church property should be suspended. The Queen has taken a direct part in effecting this change of policy. The new Mi- nister of Finance is Senor Salaverria, Director of the Colonies. Mean- while, the prohibition that kept Marshal Narvaez from Spain has been removed ; and his return to Madrid is looked upon as imminent.

In decreeing the reestasblishment of the Constitution of 1845, the Queen appended to the decree certain modifications to that instrument. These additional articles provide that offences of the press shall be sub- mitted to a jury, "save in exceptional cases" • that the Senate shall be composed of 140 Senators nominated for life, to be increased at the Queen's pleasure ; that " a special law " shall decide on the qualification of Deputies ; that the Cortes shall sit four months, inclOing proroga- tions ; that when both Chambers cannot agree on the bud&t, the budget of the preceding year shall be in force ; that there shall be a Council of State; that a law shall determine the power of the Crown with respect to the removal of Judges ' - and that the Crown shall nominate Alcaldes in cities having 40,000 souls.

TO Ii.IL—The marriage of the Princess Louisa, daughter of the Prince and niece of the King of Prussia, to the Grand Duke of Baden, was celebrated at Berlin on Saturday last. All the quaint and compli- cated ceremonies eustomary on. such occasions were duly observed. Although they were elaborately described when the Prince Frederick Oarl of Prussia married the Princess Anna Maria of Dessau, in Novem- ber 1854, our morning journals fill several columns in describing them over again. They might be kept in stereotype for every future marriage in the Royal Family of Prussia.

aussia.—The newspaper correspondents at Moscow continue to sup- ply long letters describing the balls, reviews, and other entertainments, that followed the coronation. At one of the reviews, 40,000 soldiers defended and 60,000 attacked Moscow. The weather was to the last degree unfavourable, and the troops—all bedecked in finery for exhibi- tion—were wet to the akin. The protracted gayeties of the coronation had fatigued everybody, including the Emperor. But amidst this lassitude, says the Daily News correspondent, writing on the 15th, " the British Ambassador keeps steadily on the even tenor of his hospitable way., and greatly dines, or merrily dances, or courteously receives, with that unflinching pluck and bottom which are the proud characteristics of his race and nation. I think I mentioned in a former letter the antici- pations of the St. Petersburg English, that at Moscow Lord Granville would overtake his French competitor in the festive race, and in the long run maintain for the roast beef of Old England' its traditional supremacy : and they have not been disappointed. The Count de Morn y has been dis- tanced in the race, fairly dined and danced down ; and to Lord and Lady Granville is now universally conceded the palm for dinners, for balls, for receptions, and, best of all, for unflagging graciousness and courtesy of demeanour. I do not say, this in any ungenerous spirit of depreciation towards the French Embassy, who have well and splendidly, repre- sented both the wealth and proverbial taste of their great country ; but then, the hotel de Monty is bachelor's hall, while at the British Embassy the wives and daughters of England offer a material guarantee' to the wives and mothers of Russia, and consequently, the latter find themselves as much at home there as in their own domestic circles. This, I can assure you, is no exaggeration. The provincial nobility of Russia—the great boyarda of the rich and fertile South—are primitive, almost patriarchal, in their ha- bits ; their homes are their empires ; and the warmth of affection exhibited by the different members of a family for each other is quite touching and refreshing to the English strangers. The old princesses cluster their fair daughters about them as the hen gathereth her chickens under her wing' ; and the latter, while educated to the highest pitch of modern refinement, speaking freely the four languages,' and being well acquainted with Zug- hah literature-.--in which, I am proud to say, they take unaffected delight— dancing, singing, and playing with ladylike grace and skill—have all the freshness and modesty of deportment that foreigners so much admire in our island girls. It is not to be wondered at, then, that ladies such as I have attempted to describe find themselves emphatically at home' with Lady Granville, and Lady Stafford, Lady Emily Peel and Lady Margaret Leveaon Gower—that they should grace the receptions, and go gladly and freely to the balls."

For once, the special correspondent of the Times sees some superiority in one of his countrymen. "If M. de Morny was able by judicious arrange- ment and early preparation to eclipse Lord Granville at St. Petersburg, one may say without being quite odious, that the English Ambassador, on the more appropriate champ de bataille of Moscow, has achieved a victory over the Ambassador of France. The English dinners have been admirable, the hospitality large ; and, if those who could not get invitations are not satis- fied, assuredly those who did have been abundantly pleased." The Nord states that "the principal network of railways in Russia has been conceded to a company composed of capitalists of various countries ; among whom the chief are the Paris Credit Mobilier, and MM. Hot- tinguer, Baring, Hope, and Stieglitz. The concession is granted for eighty-five years, and a minimum interest of 6 per cent is guaranteed to the shareholdersby the Russian Government. The lines must be com- pleted in ten years. In consequence of this decision, MM. Isaac Pereire and Thuraneyesen, on the part of the Credit Mobilier, have left for Russia."

((lir k q.—The main questions of interest at Constantinople are still the reorganization of the Principalities, the affair of the Isle of Ser- pents, and the determination of the frontier. Some curious and conflict- ing statements on those questions are made in the journals.

" The squadron of Admiral Lyons has received orders by telegraph to re-

main [at Constantinople] in consequence of the dispute relative to Bo a and the Isle of Serpents. The French ships also are to arrive 8 y.

The Austrian troops, for the same reasons, will remain in the " England and Austria support Turkey in the affair relative to the Isle of Serpents and Bolgrad. On this question France will pursue a more re- served policy. An English squadron is to remain in the Black Sea until the solution of the diplomatic differences." It is also stated that the Sultan desires to be rid of the Austrians ; and that the Commission cannot open until they are gone. Colonel Simmons has been raised to the rank of Pasha.

guittif t5.—The North American arrived at Liverpool on

Thursday, bringing advices from New York to the 12th instant. The principal intelligence is, that the Fremont candidates have been elected in Maine by a majority of 15,000, and in Vermont of 20,000. This is regarded as an indication of the unanimity of the North ; and it is anticipated that the example of Maine and Vermont will tell even upon the doubtful States of Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and Penn- sylvania.

Immediately after the Army Bill had passed, Mr. Marcy and Mr. Jefferson Davis instructed the civil and military authorities in Kansas to suppress all who are " in rebellion against the Territorial Government "; "to suppress insurrection against the Government of Kansas .% and for that purpose, not only to call out the Militia of Kansas, but to draw upon[ Illinois and Kentucky for such a number of Militia " as may be necessary." In the first instance, two regiments aro to be taken from each State, "to suppress insurrectionary combinations against the constituted Government of Kansas." Such are the official plans. General Atchison, commanding the volunteer Slavery forces, has proclaimed General Lane as a bandit. " The desperate position of the Free State emigrants," says the Times correspondent, "is exciting the North to assist them. It seems probable that extra sessions of the Legislatures of more than one of the Northern States will be called for the purpose of voting money and aid for the re- lief and defence of the defeated party." Many persons are asking where is Kansas ? Kansas lies in the region of Western territory. At its Southern base is Texas ; along the greater part of its Eastern frontier lies Missouri ; West and North stretch the unsettled Nebraska country. The only Free State touching on the frontiers of Kansas is Iowa. Formerly the road of the emigrant to Kan- sas lay through Missouri ; latterly that has been barred by the Border IRoa.

Ruffians. A new route has now been organized by Wisconsin and.

According to the Journal of Commerce of New York, "the fitting-out of slavers at that port still continues, notwithstanding all the efforts made on the part of Government officers to prevent it. We have the best authority for stating that a vessel of this description left our port last Saturday ; and, though the circumstance was well known, there were not facts so conclusive as to justify her detention."

tuft alita et i S.—The Liverpool Albion publishes the conditions of the settlement of the Central American question, extracted from a de- spatch of the Minister from Honduras to his Government.

1. The restitution of the sovereign rights of Honduras over the islands of Ruatan, Bonnacca, &c. ; and declaring them free territory,' governed by its proper municipality. " 2. Acknowledges the territorial limits of Honduras marked in the map by the Honourable G. Squier—say, from the river Wans u SegLivia to the river Negro.

"A tribunal of reference, composed of one citizen of Honduras and one British, and if necessary, an impartial third of any nation, will fix the boundary, indemnify the Mosquito hullers for the losses which they suffer, and adjust all claims whatsoever."