We have the sequel of several interesting affairs abroad.
In the French Chamber of Deputies, M. Duvergier de Hauranne has proposed a very moderate measure, slightly to enlarge and amend both the constituencies and the Chamber ; but as Minis- ters staked their existence on its defeat, the plan was rejected. It is remembered that M. Guizot declared, at Lisieux, that the Conservatives are the real bestowers of reforms ; but it now ap- pears that by reforms he means the few routine affairs which pass during a session as a matter of course.
A panic has been created by the semi-official paper, the Journal des Debate; which, advocating free trade, argued that it would be necessary to extend the free admission of food to 1848. This was taken very seriously by the public, as foreboding a worse scarcity than any one had feared. The same journal very gravely rebukes the London press for the reports about Queen Isabella of Spain ; and insinuates the joint but rather incompatible charges of fraud in fabricating those reports and of credulity in believing them. There is no reason why they should be disbelieved : the Court of Madrid enjoys no immaculate reputation ; and the statesmen who are now accused of coercing the Queen have shown that they do not consider such a crime impossible in Spain, since they preferred it against Sebor Olozaga. The solemn air of implicit credence in the purity of the Spanish Court and Government, which the French writer puts on, will convince nobody. It certainly supplies no proof to coun- teract the continued reports from Madrid.
Portugal is not torn by contending factions, for the said factions retain no rending power. Both are inactive ; the insurgents trying to raise money by forced discounts; Saldanha telling the Queen to sell her jewels and send him the proceeds. Both par- ties seem to be coquetting with Spain, in hopes of an intervention on their own side.
Om we gropireted, there is reason to suppose that the new Roman lawelf censoldhip is licit so gross an inconsistency as it was said to Ass. It ism improvement, where perhaps abolition would be belt, but stff1 an improvement. " Diecretion is the better part of valour,"--a part in which-Italian patriots have been so deplorably deficient as uniformly to defeat their own enterprises. It in no degree derogates from the greatness of Pius if he joins to reso- lution that other essential requisite. It is said that a man who meant to assassinate him has been detected : and the mere pre- valence of these reports shows how full of danger and delicacyis the task in which Pius perseveres with so farsighted a prudence. He is slowly fitting the Italians to secure more than the Sovereign of Rome can of his own motion bestow. We say this without reference to the merits of the particular question, respecting which we have no sufficient information, but upon a broad survey of the Pontiff's career. We suspect that the "gentlemen con- nected with the press" have committed themselves to a course which all must regret, because they have been actuated by some petulant and overweening sense of self-importance.
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