Iortign anb
September, the Mar- shal Duke of Dalmatia is appointed Marshal-General of France; a dignity, says the Moniteur, which has been granted twice before—once in 1660 when Marshal Turenne was similarly honoured, and next in 1732 in the case of Marshal de Villars.
The Duke d'Aumale, Governor-General of Algeria, took his departure for Africa on Monday. The Dutchess is to join her husband in November.
The King gave a formal reception to the Persian Ambassador on Thurs- day, at Compiegne. The representative of the Shah was received with very great ceremony. The troops were under arms: the audience took place in the throne-room; the King stood between the Duke de Nemours and the Duke de Montpensier, and was attended by M. Guizot, the Minis- ter at War, and several other officers of state. Mehemmed All Khan ad- vanced from the entrance with three profound salaams to deliver an address in Persian from the Shah, an autograph letter, and 6 miniature portrait, together with the insignia of the Persian orders of the Sun and Lion, now conferred on King 1..onis Philippe. The Ambassador was afterwards pre- sented to the Queen and ladies of the Royal Family; being charged with the delivery of some rich presents of cashmere shawls and jewels. In the evening, the King gave a grand dinner in honour of the Ambassador.
The Constitutionnel states that the King has conferred on the Shah of Persia the grand cordon of the Legion of Honour. The Persian Ambas- sador has been appointed a member of the same order.
The vintage has commenced in the neighbourhood of Toulouse. The weather is magnificent, and the crop most abundant.
SPAIN.—The accounts from Madrid are very meagre. Narvaez still continued in the capital, and the Ministry were believed to be in a state of dissolution. The immediate cause of their difficulties is attributed to Ser- rano, who is suspected of having been bought over to the French party. As to Narvaez, there are the diametrically opposite accounts, that he was still at Madrid, and that he was on his way to Paris.
Ireasr.—On all sides, the accounts, whether from Rome, Paris, or Venice, represent the Ferrara affair to have taken a more favourable turn. Austria has condescended to negotiate and explain. In a note sent to the Cabinet of the Vatican by Count Lutzow, the Austrian Government has declared in the most formal and positive manner, that it never had any intention to interfere with the independence of the Pope. It claims the right to garrison the town of Ferrara in virtue of the treaty of Vienna; which sets forth " the right of garrison in the places of Ferrara and Com- machio." This Austria construes to mean the whole of the city encom- passed by walls. In the official Latin copy of the treaty, the word is " arx" (citadel); and it is upon this reading that the right is held to be limited to the citadel.
The Augsburg Gazette of the 24th September states, on the authority of a letter from Turin, dated the 20th, that the Pope had written autograph letters both to the Emperor and Empress, in order to induce a friendly ter- mination of the differences.
According to the Nuremberg Correspondent, the Ferrara question had been solved by the breaking out of dysentery among the troops; which had compelled the commander to discontinue the posts at the city-gates, for want of men. This statement is regarded as a very convenient cloak for the contemplated retractation. At Lucca, the Regency was carrying out the late concessions extorted from the Duke. The Civic Guard had superseded the old Urban Guard; a commission had been named to frame a law on the press, and another to take up the question of finance.
Ausrara.—There was a severe monetary crisis in Vienna on the 18th and 19th September. At the time of the general decline in the value of railroad shares in London and Paris, some months back, the Austrian Go- vernment notified that it would purchase at a fixed rate the shares of cer- tain lines of railway, and that it would make advances on the deposit of shares in them. The merchants of Vienna have since eagerly availed themselves of the facilities afforded by this accommodation in a commodity of which the price was thus maintained by the faith of the Government. To the dismay and indignation of the monetary world of Vienna, the Fi- nance Minister suddenly announced, on the 18th September, that Govern- ment withdrew from the market as purchasers of railroad stocks. In a moment, all business was at a stand; railroad shares fell instantly from 10 to 15 per cent, and the price of stock began a rapid descent. The state of things was so alarming, that a deputation of bankers, headed by Baron Rothschild, waited on the Archduke Louis and Prince Metternich, and by dint of arguments and threats obtained a repeal of the fatal decision. The deputation declared their utter inability to fulfil their contract for the pend ing instalments of the last loan, if the pledge once given by the Minister of Finance were not honourably redeemed. And, moreover, a run upon the Bank of Austria and the savings-banks was represented as inevitable. Baron Rothschild is said to have expressed his determination to sell his Five per Cent Metalliques Stock until they reached the figure of 93; at which, being a fall of 10 per cent from the contracting price, the contractors would become released from their obligations according to contract. Rea- soning of this kind had immediate effect: the Government purchases were resumed on the 19th, to the tune of 800,0001.; and all went on as before, "amidst great enthusiasm on the Bourse." There have been various spe- culations as to the object of the Government in withdrawing. The only thing known was, that the agent employed on 'Change to make the ap- palling announcement, had orders at the same time to sustain by purchases the prices of Government stock; in the expectation, it is supposed, of their becoming greatly depreciated by the ticklish state of the relations with Italy.
Letters from Hungary mention the advance of progressive ideas in that country. It is said that the Assembly of the County of Pesth has in- structed its members of the next General Assembly to demand— "l. The complete equality of all citizens before the law, the publicity of the judicial debates, and the judgment by jury in all criminal affairs, not excepting political crimes.
"2. The formation of a Court of Cessation like that of France.
"3. The abolition of forced labour, and all impositions of the like nature; to be replaced by numerical contributions. "4. The establishment of a general bank, destined to assist commerce and in dustry. " "5. The right for each village to be represented by two members in the County Assembly of which it forms part."
GEnseMer.—At Offenburg, in the Grand Dutchy of Baden, some of the most influential men of the place met, early in September, and passed re-
solutions embodying the political reforms which they considered essential. The resolutions, twelve in number, may be summed up in the following de- mands,—restoration and further development of the constitution; freedom of the press; just taxation; political, municipal, and personal freedom.
GREECE.—Colettrs death is no longer doubtful: it has been officially reported to the French Government as having taken place on the 12th September. In a despatch, of which the following is an extract, M. FIE- calory describes the progress of the malady- " After a struggle of fourteen days, the most energetic that a very strong con- stitution and a very firm soul can sustain against a deal erate disease, M. Coletti is expiring. The end of this day will probably be that of his sufferings and life. By such as shall have beheld him in his last moments, his death will be deemed a part of the glory of that good and great citizen. He had lost nothing of his mental strength and calmness. From the first moment he discoursed about his disease, and pronounced it incurable; but, although convinced of the inefficiency of all remedies, he accepted them from his friends. Every day the King has come to see him. His Majesty would demand the last advice of a man whose loss he deeply feels. Yesterday, while striving to check his tears, the King attempted to converse with him once more. M. Coletti had me called for, in order to support him as he sat in his bed; but already had his strength deserted him, and, taking the King's hand, he said, had, Sire, a great deal to tell your Majesty, but I can no longer do it; God will perhaps permit that I may have strength enough to- morrow." To you also, my friend, said M. Coletti, after the King's departure, ' I should have a great deal to say; but it is impossible. Thank yournKi and your Queen for the kindness with which they have always honoured me. Men- tion me to my friends in France. Convey my farewell to M. Guizot, M. de Broglie, and M. Eynard. Until the last moment I have followed their advice, so far as I have been able: they must be pleased with me. The King has just told me that everybody, my enemies as well as my friends, takes interest in me. This is pleasing to me; but my work is not accomplished. If I could have commenced it twelve years ago, I should now die in peace. I can speak no more—lay me down—I would fall asleep.' From that moment intervals of calmness and fits of suffocation have rapidly succeeded one another. In brief moments of delirium he is to be heard repeating the songs of his youth. Ten months ago you told me, Monsieur le Ministre, that it was not yet time for EL Coletti to join Platarcla's battalion: God has judged otherwise of it!"
INDIA awn Cs:DR.—The news from our Indian possessions brought by the last mail is unexciting. The Punjaub remained in perfect repose, and tranquillity reigned in Scinde. The only movement of any description in the Peninsula was a combined attempt by small bodies of irregular cavalry to catch the wandering Deceit chief Doongur Singh. It was said that after the rains active steps would be taken for settling affairs in the Ni- zam's dominion; and obtaining payment of the debt due to the Company.
The commercial accounts are by no means encouraging. The state of trade at Bombay is described as being " more gloomy even than before." No news of the Cleopatra steamer had arrived, and her loss seems too certain. There were 300 persons on board. Two mails from China have arrived simultaneously by this opportunity. The latest date from Hong-kong is the 25th July. The news is less di- rectly warlike than the last, but is not free from troubled aspects. The troops brought to Canton atter the attack on the Bogue forts had been withdrawn in June; but they appear to have been retained at Hong-kong. The Henan question had been the subject of much correspondence; and Sir John Davis had adopted the rather irregular course of negotiating with the people of Honan without the intervention of the authorities. The people sent him a petition couched in very civil terms, praying that he would not meddle with their lands ceded to the British by the Chinese au- thorities. It will be recollected that Sir John formerly declined to receive such a petition; but it now appears that he had waived his objection and bad accepted it. In reply, Sir John Davis even went the length of gua- ranteeing to the people that their land should not be taken from them by force. He asked them at the same time to point out places where it would be more convenient that the British should build their warehouses. The wily negotiators, however, satisfied with having got the guarantee against being disturbed in their own lands, referred Sir John to Ke-Ying for in- formation on this question.
There was some improvement in trade at Canton, and more confidence.
Bounxo.—The Singapore Free Press of the 21st July contains an ac- count of a severe action which the Nemesis steamer had on the 30th May, with a fleet of. piratical Solu prahns, off Labuan. The Nemesis, with Mr. Brooke on board, was crossing over from Anvil to Labuan: off the island of Moarra, the steamer came suddenly upon a fleet of eleven pirate-boats in fall pursuit of a trading prahu; the Nemesis gave chase; the pirates made the best of their way to the shore, and anchored in a line along the beach. As soon as the Nemesis came within range, the pirates opened fire, and the steamer returned it: after a cannonade of about two hours, at the end of which the pirates' fire had nearly ceased, boats were despatched to complete their destruction: the prahns now endeavoured to make off along the shore in both directions, leaving two prahus in possession of the boats; the Nemesis pursued those that had gone to the Eastward, and drove six prahns on shore; but as she could not capture them for want of boats, they were subsequently remanned by the Malays. The final result of the affair was, that five prahus were captured and destroyed, and eighty or a hundred of the pirates were killed: the loss on our side was one man killed and seven wounded. The four boats which escaped to the Eastward touched outside of Labuan for water on the night after the engagement; and a captive who escaped stated that these prahus were kept afloat with difficulty, being riddled with grape-shot. No tidings had been received of the other two. There were two or three hundred pirates in the jungle, whom the Sultan's people were endeavouring to hunt out. A Dutch offi- cer's medal was found in one of the 'boats, a nine-pounder, apparently of Dutch make, bags of Dutch dolts, Banks, tin beat into balls, &c.
Mr. Brooke has come by this mail to England, bringing with him the treaty which he had concluded with the Sultan of Borneo.
NEW Zaalawn.—There are accounts from the Cook's Straits settle- ments to the 7th April. The settlers at Wellington had resumed their operations without fear of the Natives, who appeared to be at last convinced that their true polioy is peace. Rangihaeata was still at large, but quiet. The Governor, who had visited the settlements in the Inflexible steamer, had arranged for the purchase of land at Taranaki, in the Porirna district, and at Wairau, on terms which, though giving the Maoris the taste of a considerable sum of money in hand, provided for an amount of deferred payments as guarantee for quiet possession.
The New Zealand Spectator (a journal published at Wellington) gives a very interesting account of improvements carried on by the Natives at Otaki and Waikanae, as illustrating their progress and capacities for civili- zation. Before 1839, the Ngatirankawas were as barbarous as any tribes, and heathens: towards the end of that year the Reverend 0. Hadfield Came to reside amongst them; they are now Christians, and fairly civilized. At Waikanae there are 250 acres and at Otaki 200 acres of wheat this year. The whole of the ground was prepared by spade husbandry; the previous crop having been potatoes. The people thrash and grind their own corn in hand-mills, dress the flour in sieves, make their own bread, and sell the residue of their produce to the settlers. Finding the use of hand-mills tedious, they have taken steps to erect a water-mill at Otaki; and a Native joint stock company has been formed to accomplish this ob- jectI— The money (3001.) to be raised in thirty shares of 101. each; 41. to be paid down, and the rest in two instalments, the first in January 1848, and the last in January 1849: each shareholder to be entitled to have forty bushels ground annually in the mill; all other wheat to be ground at the rate of 6d. a bushel. Accounts are to be kept, and annually made up, half of any surplus being divided among the shareholders, and the other half to form a reserve fund. Zechariah Te Beings was appointed treasurer; and the committee of management was to
consist of five persons—" Zechariah Te Reinga, Thompson ICatu, Henry Martyu Te Wiwi, Abraham Te Rum, and some Pakeha not yet named."
"At Waikanae, the Natives have sixteen horses and one cow; at Otaki they have nine horses, two cows, and ten goats; besides these, there are several cattle at the latter place belonging to settlers. At both places there is a great desire among them to increase the amount of theirstock. Schools have been established at both places by the Bishop of New Zealand, in which the Natives are instructed by the resident missionary in the English language, writing, and arithmetic. M Otaki the average number of pupils is seventy, of different ages, from four years to fifteen years old. At Waikanae there are not quite so many. There are seven barns, either built or in progress, the average size being thirty feet by twelve: these are of wood, and one of them will be shingled."
" The Otaki Natives have resolved to abandon the pals, and to build on a more eligible site, about a mile and a quarter from their present locality, and nearer to their cultivations, a village laid out after a regular plan, with streets on the prin- ciple of an English village, and a square reserved at the end of the principal street, on which the Native village church will raise its spire. The houses will eventually be all built of wood; but it is intended at first to build some of the houses of raupo; the Natives, from their present numerous employments, not being able to spare time to saw a sufficient quantity of timber. We believe Mr. Collinson has kindly offered to assist them in the disposition and arrangement of the plan of the village. An engagement has been entered into with a person in Wellington to supply them with bricks for their chimnies at a stipulated stun, the Natives agreeing to cut the wood for burning them."
" Let us take an individual of the rising generation, on whom civilization has made an impression, as a typo of his class, and compare him with one of the old school. Perhaps a more striking contrast is not to be found than in Rauperaha and his son. The old man, with a .great deal of natural sagacity— cunning to a proverb, and deeply implicated in every deed of blood that has darkened the history of this part of the island in his generation—has all the vices and qualities which belong to the savage. But his son—his only son, the last of his race, (the others having fallen in the different wars in which their parent has been engaged,) destined to continue his father's name and suc- ceed to his authority—has profited by the lessons and examples of civiliza- tion. Both he and his wife are always dressed after the European fashion; his house is composed of wood, built on the Native construction, but with wooden floors, doors, and glazed windows ; and is furnished with chairs and tables, and a bed. As he is about to remove with the rest of the tribe to the new village, he has not thought it worth while to incur further expense or trouble in altering his present dwelling. He always uses at his meals plates and knives and forks; the table is covered with a white tablecloth, and both he and his wife sit at table in the European manner, on chairs. They are always glad to see and hospitably entertain any settlers travelling along the coast. On Chnstorts-day, Thompson gave a dinner to the people of his tribe. His table could only -ecommodate sixteen at a time; but in the course of the day about-' sixty park e 1/4 of his hospitality. The entertainment consisted of soup, fish, pork, and plum-p Ailing. Both men and women sat down together—a thing totally unpreceder.-.1 in Maori customs. Every guest was dressed in the European fashion, ail l sat down to dinner on chairs, using plates and knives and forks at' their meal. To the first sixteen Thompson produced—it was all his cellar could boast of—a bottle of American cider."
UNITED STATES AND MEXIC0.—By the arrival of the Caledonia steamer, which left Boston on the 16th September, there are advices from New York to the 14th, and most important intelligence from the seat of war to the 22d August. After his protracted inactivity, General Scott left Puebla on the 7th August, with his whole force, and advanced on the capital. Santa Anna had concentrated, his chief strength at El Penon and Mexicalcingo, where he had raised very strong fortifications: but, after a reconnoissance, on the 14th August, General Scott de- cided upon a line of advance by which these formidable positions would be com- pletely turned. Instead of pursuing the high road from La Puebla to Mexico, he turned round Lake Chaco and gained the great Southern road to the capital. In this change of position and si le-march, the American army had its flank com- pletely sheltered by the lake '+, round whose banks it marched to St. Augustine. Here, on the 18th, it came is n an inferior division of the Mexicans, under Gene- ral Valencia, posted in the s .!age of St. Angel. General Worth established him- self in the Hacienda of Bun r .; where he could see the enemy at work upon their batteries. The Mexicans o, .ned a brisk fire upon the advancing force, but did not maintain it. However, hey resumed their cannonade on the 19th, and with such good will that the Americans were compelled to shelter themselves behind' the buildings. The whole of the day was spent in vain attempts to dislodge Va- lencia from his position; and night closed in without effecting this all-important object.
General Scott had retired to San Augustin about eight o'clock, in the midst of a hard rain; and Generals Twiggs and Pillow came in about eleven o'clock, com- pletely exhausted, not having anticipated the strength of the works of the enemy. It was thought that the batteries could be taken at a dash, and that the troops would all be comfortably quartered at San Angel for the night. Instead of this, a large portion of them were compelled to bivouack, without blankets, in the midst of a pitiless storm.
By a tremendous effort on the following morning, the American troops did, however, carry the batteries; the enemy being completed routed, with the loss of 700 killed, 15 pieces of artillery taken, and 1,500 prisoners. While the main body of the army pushed on to Mexico, General Worth was ordered to fall back on San Antonio, with directions to torn and capture that work. This was effected after two hours of desperate fight- ing. The Mexican force is numbered at 15,000, while the Americans had only 6,000. The total loss of the latter was about 1,000 men; among them, 5 Colonels, 3 Majors, 22 Captains, 51 Lieutenants, and 1 Adjutant. The' Mexican loss is estimated at 5,000 killed; among the frilled and wounded are said to have been thirteen Generals. A truce, proposed by General Scott, was agreed to, with a view to negotiations for peace: meanwhile, the forces and works on both aides to remain exactly in statu quo. From this it is inferred that General Scott considered his victories had cost him too dear to hazard any more- fighting.
Santa Anna's conduct is viewed with suspicion: he is said to have retired rather prematurely.
Nothing was known of Paredes since his landing.
Rio DE LA PLATA.—The contents of the papers brought to Liverpool by the last mail throw some light upon Lord Howden's motives in raising the blockade. Up to the 15th July, affairs had advanced rather favour- ably; and, pending a reference to Europe of matters in negotiation, General Oribe was induced by the foreign Envoys to grant a suspension of hostili- tie; with a guarantee from General Oribe for the persons and property of all Oriental; excepting General Rivera, who will be permitted to leave the country, with a pension for life. Lord Howden was satisfied with the con- duct of Oribe; but finding the Government at Monte Video would not agree to suspend the war, he at once withdrew the intervention of England, and ordered the Commodore to raise the blockade of Buenos Ayres and the, neighbouring coasts. Lord Howden's concessions to Buenos Ayres had so exasperated a section of the Monte Videans, that, on the 16th July, as he was leaving the war-ship Raleigh, in order to take official leave of the
Provisional Government, a signal was made by Mr. Consul Hood, from the barracks, in these words- " The French Minister and the Monte Videan Ministers earnestly entreat the English Envoy not to come on shore, as his life is threatened by the foreigners." Advicea from Rio Janeiro to the 7th August mention that Lord How- den had arrived, and had been received at the Brazilian Court as the re- presentative of Great Britain.
September, the Mar- shal Duke of Dalmatia is appointed Marshal-General of France; a dignity, says the Moniteur, which has been granted twice before—once in 1660 when Marshal Turenne was similarly honoured, and next in 1732 in the case of Marshal de Villars.
The Duke d'Aumale, Governor-General of Algeria, took his departure for Africa on Monday. The Dutchess is to join her husband in November.
The King gave a formal reception to the Persian Ambassador on Thurs- day, at Compiegne. The representative of the Shah was received with very great ceremony. The troops were under arms: the audience took place in the throne-room; the King stood between the Duke de Nemours and the Duke de Montpensier, and was attended by M. Guizot, the Minis- ter at War, and several other officers of state. Mehemmed All Khan ad- vanced from the entrance with three profound salaams to deliver an address in Persian from the Shah, an autograph letter, and 6 miniature portrait, together with the insignia of the Persian orders of the Sun and Lion, now conferred on King 1..onis Philippe. The Ambassador was afterwards pre- sented to the Queen and ladies of the Royal Family; being charged with the delivery of some rich presents of cashmere shawls and jewels. In the evening, the King gave a grand dinner in honour of the Ambassador.
The Constitutionnel states that the King has conferred on the Shah of Persia the grand cordon of the Legion of Honour. The Persian Ambas- sador has been appointed a member of the same order.
The vintage has commenced in the neighbourhood of Toulouse. The weather is magnificent, and the crop most abundant.
SPAIN.—The accounts from Madrid are very meagre. Narvaez still continued in the capital, and the Ministry were believed to be in a state of dissolution. The immediate cause of their difficulties is attributed to Ser- rano, who is suspected of having been bought over to the French party. As to Narvaez, there are the diametrically opposite accounts, that he was still at Madrid, and that he was on his way to Paris.
Ireasr.—On all sides, the accounts, whether from Rome, Paris, or Venice, represent the Ferrara affair to have taken a more favourable turn. Austria has condescended to negotiate and explain. In a note sent to the Cabinet of the Vatican by Count Lutzow, the Austrian Government has declared in the most formal and positive manner, that it never had any intention to interfere with the independence of the Pope. It claims the right to garrison the town of Ferrara in virtue of the treaty of Vienna; which sets forth " the right of garrison in the places of Ferrara and Com- machio." This Austria construes to mean the whole of the city encom- passed by walls. In the official Latin copy of the treaty, the word is " arx" (citadel); and it is upon this reading that the right is held to be limited to the citadel.
The Augsburg Gazette of the 24th September states, on the authority of a letter from Turin, dated the 20th, that the Pope had written autograph letters both to the Emperor and Empress, in order to induce a friendly ter- mination of the differences.
According to the Nuremberg Correspondent, the Ferrara question had been solved by the breaking out of dysentery among the troops; which had compelled the commander to discontinue the posts at the city-gates, for want of men. This statement is regarded as a very convenient cloak for the contemplated retractation. At Lucca, the Regency was carrying out the late concessions extorted from the Duke. The Civic Guard had superseded the old Urban Guard; a commission had been named to frame a law on the press, and another to take up the question of finance.
Ausrara.—There was a severe monetary crisis in Vienna on the 18th and 19th September. At the time of the general decline in the value of railroad shares in London and Paris, some months back, the Austrian Go- vernment notified that it would purchase at a fixed rate the shares of cer- tain lines of railway, and that it would make advances on the deposit of shares in them. The merchants of Vienna have since eagerly availed themselves of the facilities afforded by this accommodation in a commodity of which the price was thus maintained by the faith of the Government. To the dismay and indignation of the monetary world of Vienna, the Fi- nance Minister suddenly announced, on the 18th September, that Govern- ment withdrew from the market as purchasers of railroad stocks. In a moment, all business was at a stand; railroad shares fell instantly from 10 to 15 per cent, and the price of stock began a rapid descent. The state of things was so alarming, that a deputation of bankers, headed by Baron Rothschild, waited on the Archduke Louis and Prince Metternich, and by dint of arguments and threats obtained a repeal of the fatal decision. The deputation declared their utter inability to fulfil their contract for the pend ing instalments of the last loan, if the pledge once given by the Minister of Finance were not honourably redeemed. And, moreover, a run upon the Bank of Austria and the savings-banks was represented as inevitable. Baron Rothschild is said to have expressed his determination to sell his Five per Cent Metalliques Stock until they reached the figure of 93; at which, being a fall of 10 per cent from the contracting price, the contractors would become released from their obligations according to contract. Rea- soning of this kind had immediate effect: the Government purchases were resumed on the 19th, to the tune of 800,0001.; and all went on as before, "amidst great enthusiasm on the Bourse." There have been various spe- culations as to the object of the Government in withdrawing. The only thing known was, that the agent employed on 'Change to make the ap- palling announcement, had orders at the same time to sustain by purchases the prices of Government stock; in the expectation, it is supposed, of their becoming greatly depreciated by the ticklish state of the relations with Italy.
Letters from Hungary mention the advance of progressive ideas in that country. It is said that the Assembly of the County of Pesth has in- structed its members of the next General Assembly to demand— "l. The complete equality of all citizens before the law, the publicity of the judicial debates, and the judgment by jury in all criminal affairs, not excepting political crimes.
"2. The formation of a Court of Cessation like that of France.
"3. The abolition of forced labour, and all impositions of the like nature; to be replaced by numerical contributions. "4. The establishment of a general bank, destined to assist commerce and in dustry. " "5. The right for each village to be represented by two members in the County Assembly of which it forms part."
GEnseMer.—At Offenburg, in the Grand Dutchy of Baden, some of the most influential men of the place met, early in September, and passed re-
solutions embodying the political reforms which they considered essential. The resolutions, twelve in number, may be summed up in the following de- mands,—restoration and further development of the constitution; freedom of the press; just taxation; political, municipal, and personal freedom.
GREECE.—Colettrs death is no longer doubtful: it has been officially reported to the French Government as having taken place on the 12th September. In a despatch, of which the following is an extract, M. FIE- calory describes the progress of the malady- " After a struggle of fourteen days, the most energetic that a very strong con- stitution and a very firm soul can sustain against a deal erate disease, M. Coletti is expiring. The end of this day will probably be that of his sufferings and life. By such as shall have beheld him in his last moments, his death will be deemed a part of the glory of that good and great citizen. He had lost nothing of his mental strength and calmness. From the first moment he discoursed about his disease, and pronounced it incurable; but, although convinced of the inefficiency of all remedies, he accepted them from his friends. Every day the King has come to see him. His Majesty would demand the last advice of a man whose loss he deeply feels. Yesterday, while striving to check his tears, the King attempted to converse with him once more. M. Coletti had me called for, in order to support him as he sat in his bed; but already had his strength deserted him, and, taking the King's hand, he said, had, Sire, a great deal to tell your Majesty, but I can no longer do it; God will perhaps permit that I may have strength enough to- morrow." To you also, my friend, said M. Coletti, after the King's departure, ' I should have a great deal to say; but it is impossible. Thank yournKi and your Queen for the kindness with which they have always honoured me. Men- tion me to my friends in France. Convey my farewell to M. Guizot, M. de Broglie, and M. Eynard. Until the last moment I have followed their advice, so far as I have been able: they must be pleased with me. The King has just told me that everybody, my enemies as well as my friends, takes interest in me. This is pleasing to me; but my work is not accomplished. If I could have commenced it twelve years ago, I should now die in peace. I can speak no more—lay me down—I would fall asleep.' From that moment intervals of calmness and fits of suffocation have rapidly succeeded one another. In brief moments of delirium he is to be heard repeating the songs of his youth. Ten months ago you told me, Monsieur le Ministre, that it was not yet time for EL Coletti to join Platarcla's battalion: God has judged otherwise of it!"
INDIA awn Cs:DR.—The news from our Indian possessions brought by the last mail is unexciting. The Punjaub remained in perfect repose, and tranquillity reigned in Scinde. The only movement of any description in the Peninsula was a combined attempt by small bodies of irregular cavalry to catch the wandering Deceit chief Doongur Singh. It was said that after the rains active steps would be taken for settling affairs in the Ni- zam's dominion; and obtaining payment of the debt due to the Company.
The commercial accounts are by no means encouraging. The state of trade at Bombay is described as being " more gloomy even than before." No news of the Cleopatra steamer had arrived, and her loss seems too certain. There were 300 persons on board. Two mails from China have arrived simultaneously by this opportunity. The latest date from Hong-kong is the 25th July. The news is less di- rectly warlike than the last, but is not free from troubled aspects. The troops brought to Canton atter the attack on the Bogue forts had been withdrawn in June; but they appear to have been retained at Hong-kong. The Henan question had been the subject of much correspondence; and Sir John Davis had adopted the rather irregular course of negotiating with the people of Honan without the intervention of the authorities. The people sent him a petition couched in very civil terms, praying that he would not meddle with their lands ceded to the British by the Chinese au- thorities. It will be recollected that Sir John formerly declined to receive such a petition; but it now appears that he had waived his objection and bad accepted it. In reply, Sir John Davis even went the length of gua- ranteeing to the people that their land should not be taken from them by force. He asked them at the same time to point out places where it would be more convenient that the British should build their warehouses. The wily negotiators, however, satisfied with having got the guarantee against being disturbed in their own lands, referred Sir John to Ke-Ying for in- formation on this question.
There was some improvement in trade at Canton, and more confidence.
Bounxo.—The Singapore Free Press of the 21st July contains an ac- count of a severe action which the Nemesis steamer had on the 30th May, with a fleet of. piratical Solu prahns, off Labuan. The Nemesis, with Mr. Brooke on board, was crossing over from Anvil to Labuan: off the island of Moarra, the steamer came suddenly upon a fleet of eleven pirate-boats in fall pursuit of a trading prahu; the Nemesis gave chase; the pirates made the best of their way to the shore, and anchored in a line along the beach. As soon as the Nemesis came within range, the pirates opened fire, and the steamer returned it: after a cannonade of about two hours, at the end of which the pirates' fire had nearly ceased, boats were despatched to complete their destruction: the prahns now endeavoured to make off along the shore in both directions, leaving two prahus in possession of the boats; the Nemesis pursued those that had gone to the Eastward, and drove six prahns on shore; but as she could not capture them for want of boats, they were subsequently remanned by the Malays. The final result of the affair was, that five prahus were captured and destroyed, and eighty or a hundred of the pirates were killed: the loss on our side was one man killed and seven wounded. The four boats which escaped to the Eastward touched outside of Labuan for water on the night after the engagement; and a captive who escaped stated that these prahus were kept afloat with difficulty, being riddled with grape-shot. No tidings had been received of the other two. There were two or three hundred pirates in the jungle, whom the Sultan's people were endeavouring to hunt out. A Dutch offi- cer's medal was found in one of the 'boats, a nine-pounder, apparently of Dutch make, bags of Dutch dolts, Banks, tin beat into balls, &c.
Mr. Brooke has come by this mail to England, bringing with him the treaty which he had concluded with the Sultan of Borneo.
NEW Zaalawn.—There are accounts from the Cook's Straits settle- ments to the 7th April. The settlers at Wellington had resumed their operations without fear of the Natives, who appeared to be at last convinced that their true polioy is peace. Rangihaeata was still at large, but quiet. The Governor, who had visited the settlements in the Inflexible steamer, had arranged for the purchase of land at Taranaki, in the Porirna district, and at Wairau, on terms which, though giving the Maoris the taste of a considerable sum of money in hand, provided for an amount of deferred payments as guarantee for quiet possession.
The New Zealand Spectator (a journal published at Wellington) gives a very interesting account of improvements carried on by the Natives at Otaki and Waikanae, as illustrating their progress and capacities for civili- zation. Before 1839, the Ngatirankawas were as barbarous as any tribes, and heathens: towards the end of that year the Reverend 0. Hadfield Came to reside amongst them; they are now Christians, and fairly civilized. At Waikanae there are 250 acres and at Otaki 200 acres of wheat this year. The whole of the ground was prepared by spade husbandry; the previous crop having been potatoes. The people thrash and grind their own corn in hand-mills, dress the flour in sieves, make their own bread, and sell the residue of their produce to the settlers. Finding the use of hand-mills tedious, they have taken steps to erect a water-mill at Otaki; and a Native joint stock company has been formed to accomplish this ob- jectI— The money (3001.) to be raised in thirty shares of 101. each; 41. to be paid down, and the rest in two instalments, the first in January 1848, and the last in January 1849: each shareholder to be entitled to have forty bushels ground annually in the mill; all other wheat to be ground at the rate of 6d. a bushel. Accounts are to be kept, and annually made up, half of any surplus being divided among the shareholders, and the other half to form a reserve fund. Zechariah Te Beings was appointed treasurer; and the committee of management was to
consist of five persons—" Zechariah Te Reinga, Thompson ICatu, Henry Martyu Te Wiwi, Abraham Te Rum, and some Pakeha not yet named."
"At Waikanae, the Natives have sixteen horses and one cow; at Otaki they have nine horses, two cows, and ten goats; besides these, there are several cattle at the latter place belonging to settlers. At both places there is a great desire among them to increase the amount of theirstock. Schools have been established at both places by the Bishop of New Zealand, in which the Natives are instructed by the resident missionary in the English language, writing, and arithmetic. M Otaki the average number of pupils is seventy, of different ages, from four years to fifteen years old. At Waikanae there are not quite so many. There are seven barns, either built or in progress, the average size being thirty feet by twelve: these are of wood, and one of them will be shingled."
" The Otaki Natives have resolved to abandon the pals, and to build on a more eligible site, about a mile and a quarter from their present locality, and nearer to their cultivations, a village laid out after a regular plan, with streets on the prin- ciple of an English village, and a square reserved at the end of the principal street, on which the Native village church will raise its spire. The houses will eventually be all built of wood; but it is intended at first to build some of the houses of raupo; the Natives, from their present numerous employments, not being able to spare time to saw a sufficient quantity of timber. We believe Mr. Collinson has kindly offered to assist them in the disposition and arrangement of the plan of the village. An engagement has been entered into with a person in Wellington to supply them with bricks for their chimnies at a stipulated stun, the Natives agreeing to cut the wood for burning them."
" Let us take an individual of the rising generation, on whom civilization has made an impression, as a typo of his class, and compare him with one of the old school. Perhaps a more striking contrast is not to be found than in Rauperaha and his son. The old man, with a .great deal of natural sagacity— cunning to a proverb, and deeply implicated in every deed of blood that has darkened the history of this part of the island in his generation—has all the vices and qualities which belong to the savage. But his son—his only son, the last of his race, (the others having fallen in the different wars in which their parent has been engaged,) destined to continue his father's name and suc- ceed to his authority—has profited by the lessons and examples of civiliza- tion. Both he and his wife are always dressed after the European fashion; his house is composed of wood, built on the Native construction, but with wooden floors, doors, and glazed windows ; and is furnished with chairs and tables, and a bed. As he is about to remove with the rest of the tribe to the new village, he has not thought it worth while to incur further expense or trouble in altering his present dwelling. He always uses at his meals plates and knives and forks; the table is covered with a white tablecloth, and both he and his wife sit at table in the European manner, on chairs. They are always glad to see and hospitably entertain any settlers travelling along the coast. On Chnstorts-day, Thompson gave a dinner to the people of his tribe. His table could only -ecommodate sixteen at a time; but in the course of the day about-' sixty park e 1/4 of his hospitality. The entertainment consisted of soup, fish, pork, and plum-p Ailing. Both men and women sat down together—a thing totally unpreceder.-.1 in Maori customs. Every guest was dressed in the European fashion, ail l sat down to dinner on chairs, using plates and knives and forks at' their meal. To the first sixteen Thompson produced—it was all his cellar could boast of—a bottle of American cider."
UNITED STATES AND MEXIC0.—By the arrival of the Caledonia steamer, which left Boston on the 16th September, there are advices from New York to the 14th, and most important intelligence from the seat of war to the 22d August. After his protracted inactivity, General Scott left Puebla on the 7th August, with his whole force, and advanced on the capital. Santa Anna had concentrated, his chief strength at El Penon and Mexicalcingo, where he had raised very strong fortifications: but, after a reconnoissance, on the 14th August, General Scott de- cided upon a line of advance by which these formidable positions would be com- pletely turned. Instead of pursuing the high road from La Puebla to Mexico, he turned round Lake Chaco and gained the great Southern road to the capital. In this change of position and si le-march, the American army had its flank com- pletely sheltered by the lake '+, round whose banks it marched to St. Augustine. Here, on the 18th, it came is n an inferior division of the Mexicans, under Gene- ral Valencia, posted in the s .!age of St. Angel. General Worth established him- self in the Hacienda of Bun r .; where he could see the enemy at work upon their batteries. The Mexicans o, .ned a brisk fire upon the advancing force, but did not maintain it. However, hey resumed their cannonade on the 19th, and with such good will that the Americans were compelled to shelter themselves behind' the buildings. The whole of the day was spent in vain attempts to dislodge Va- lencia from his position; and night closed in without effecting this all-important object.
General Scott had retired to San Augustin about eight o'clock, in the midst of a hard rain; and Generals Twiggs and Pillow came in about eleven o'clock, com- pletely exhausted, not having anticipated the strength of the works of the enemy. It was thought that the batteries could be taken at a dash, and that the troops would all be comfortably quartered at San Angel for the night. Instead of this, a large portion of them were compelled to bivouack, without blankets, in the midst of a pitiless storm.
By a tremendous effort on the following morning, the American troops did, however, carry the batteries; the enemy being completed routed, with the loss of 700 killed, 15 pieces of artillery taken, and 1,500 prisoners. While the main body of the army pushed on to Mexico, General Worth was ordered to fall back on San Antonio, with directions to torn and capture that work. This was effected after two hours of desperate fight- ing. The Mexican force is numbered at 15,000, while the Americans had only 6,000. The total loss of the latter was about 1,000 men; among them, 5 Colonels, 3 Majors, 22 Captains, 51 Lieutenants, and 1 Adjutant. The' Mexican loss is estimated at 5,000 killed; among the frilled and wounded are said to have been thirteen Generals. A truce, proposed by General Scott, was agreed to, with a view to negotiations for peace: meanwhile, the forces and works on both aides to remain exactly in statu quo. From this it is inferred that General Scott considered his victories had cost him too dear to hazard any more- fighting.
Santa Anna's conduct is viewed with suspicion: he is said to have retired rather prematurely.
Nothing was known of Paredes since his landing.
Rio DE LA PLATA.—The contents of the papers brought to Liverpool by the last mail throw some light upon Lord Howden's motives in raising the blockade. Up to the 15th July, affairs had advanced rather favour- ably; and, pending a reference to Europe of matters in negotiation, General Oribe was induced by the foreign Envoys to grant a suspension of hostili- tie; with a guarantee from General Oribe for the persons and property of all Oriental; excepting General Rivera, who will be permitted to leave the country, with a pension for life. Lord Howden was satisfied with the con- duct of Oribe; but finding the Government at Monte Video would not agree to suspend the war, he at once withdrew the intervention of England, and ordered the Commodore to raise the blockade of Buenos Ayres and the, neighbouring coasts. Lord Howden's concessions to Buenos Ayres had so exasperated a section of the Monte Videans, that, on the 16th July, as he was leaving the war-ship Raleigh, in order to take official leave of the
Provisional Government, a signal was made by Mr. Consul Hood, from the barracks, in these words- " The French Minister and the Monte Videan Ministers earnestly entreat the English Envoy not to come on shore, as his life is threatened by the foreigners." Advicea from Rio Janeiro to the 7th August mention that Lord How- den had arrived, and had been received at the Brazilian Court as the re- presentative of Great Britain.
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