intrign fat

,fraurr.—The Emperor Napoleon made the entry of the Imperial Guard into Paris, on its return from the Crimea, the occasion for a speech of considerable interest at this moment. Saturday was fixed for the event, and great preparations had been made in the streets through which the soldiers were to pass. The National Guard were drawn up along the line ; flags hung from the windows ; spectators assembled in thousands for the show. In the balcony of the office of the Minister of Justice, Place Vendome, seats, richly decorated, had been prepared for the Empress and Prince Jerome • and the square, like the streets, was gay with man?: is. The troops entering Paris, were the Twentieth,

Fiftieth, -ninth, and Ninety-seventh Regiments of the Line, some of whom had ought through the whole campaign ; the Chasseurs, the Zouaves, two regiments of Voltigeurs, the Artillery, the Grenadiers, and the Gendarmerie of the Imperial Guard. The rendezvous was the Place de la Bastile. Accompanied by Prince Napoleon, the Emperor left the Tuileries at half-past eleven, and rode by the Place VendOme and the Boulevards to the Place de la Bastile, cheered in every direction. He was received by Marshal Magnan ; and after a short pause, with a loud clear voice he delivered the following speech to the troops. " Soldiers—I meet you as of old the Roman Senate met their victorious legions at the gates of Rome. I am here to tell you that you have deserved well of your country.

"I feel deeply that, mixed with the joy of again seeing you, is sorrow for those that are no more, and the profound regret that I myself was unable to lead you to battle.

" Soldiers of the Guard, as well as soldiers of the Line, be welcome ! You represent all that army of the East whose courage and perseverance have renewed the lustre of our eagles and regained for France that rank which is her due. The nation, attentive to all that is being accomplished in the East, receives you with the more pride as she measures your efforts by the obstinate resistance of the enemy.

"Though the war be not finished, I have recalled you, because it is just to relieve in turn those regiments that suffer most. All alike can thus go and partake in their share of glory ; and the country. that maintains 600,000 soldiers is interested in that there may be now in • France a nume- rous and veteran army ready to show itself where circumstances may de- mand.

" Preserve, religiously, _the habits of war ; strengthen yourselves in the experience you have acquired ; be ready to answer, if it be necessary, at my call; this day forget the hard trials of a soldier. Thank God for having spard you, and march proudly amid your comrades and fellow citizens, whose aceliimations await you.'

This was of course ra turou.sly applauded, especially the sentences to- wards the close. The io. peror next rode off to the Place Vendome ; and there, on horseback, he awaited the passing of the soldiers before the Empress. In marching order, with war-worn aimect and shot-torn colours, and preceded by the wounded who could walk, they tramped steadily by ; the crowd shouting, the Emperor saluting each company, and the Empress waving her handkerchief and chipping her hands. The pageant lasted till three o'clock.

This imposing ceremonial had something more in it than the usual run of Louis Napoleon's displays—the presence and hearty sympathy of the Parisians. "The crowd," we are told, "was immense--quite as much so as on the occasion of Queen Victoria's visit. The' keople were every- where in the lateral streets of the Boulevards ; the Wilidows and balco- nies were crammed with Spectators, and groups climbed to the very roofs of the houses. Seen from the 'Windows' there was scarce an inch of ground vacant; and as the hour advanced every eye was strained in the direction of the Rue de la Paix, by which the Emperor was to pass, on the way to the Bastile. As the column passed along, several of the peo- ple rushed in between the ranks to grasp the hand of some old friend, and whisper a word of welcome: The Zouaves came in for a great share of the enthusiasm. The cortege was closed by 'a crowd of men in blouses, who marched in military order, and followed the column to the Place VendOme."

21115511:—A diplomatic circular has been issued by Russia, dated St. Petersburg, December 22, announcing that the Emperor iswilling to consent to the third point of the four guarantees drawn.up :at the Con- ferenties of Vienna, if regulated in the following manner, " The principle of the closing of the Straits of the- Dardanelles is main- tained. No war-flag Shaine admitted into the-Black Sea except that of the forces which Russia and Turkey may judge it necessary to, maintain there, by mutual agreement The uniormt of these fortes shell' be fixed by a direct arrangement between Russia and Turkey, without the ostensible participa-

tion of the other Powers." . .

. Some mystification has been:caused by this annoiniceinent—the work of Le Nord. It has been alleged that these are counter-propositions in- tended•to Meet' those- transmitted- to St., Petersburg,by Count Esterhazy : but it has been-shown that' they are of a clate anterior to the reception of the so-called Austrian ultimatum by the Russian GoVernment.

In promulgating' this Russian interpretation of the third point, the . . .

Nord adds what it describes, is " the reproductionof thedespa " which accompanied them.Thia despatch is important. • •

.

"The Imperial Cabinet first states that the momentary interruption of general hope' that antage would be taken of it for the establishment of hostilities in consesiance of the . bad weather has necessiwilI•aretteed the peace, and declares t ti- wee not the hist to share the sentiment and to devote a just solicitude to it. It owIttiliankly,„that the desire expressed by the Emperor of the French, at a Mibliasolemnity, iii-TiV6ite of a prompt and durable peace, was at the same time, 'and still' is, the dearest wish of the Emperor Alexander. The elevated policy which has been bequeathed to this Sovereign by his predecessors, makes it his duty to "make use of the:power which God has placed in his hands only for 'the good of mankind, and consequently. to de- sire peace' not only in the interests of his own subjects, but in those also of the whole of Europe. The Emperor Alexander has not waited for the pre- sent moment to endeavour to attain that object. On his accession to the throne he gave his full and entire consent to the bases admitted by his au- gust father.

"These bases, however, admit of different interpretations. The Emperor, without hesitataon, gave them the most liberal interpretation (leur donna N plus larges developpmenta).. Ai a proof thereof, he. can, quote the frank and loyal Concurrence which he lent to the modifications to be introduced into the political system of the East,. and:to the collective guarantee which was to assure its independence. He even went so far as to sacrifice his an- cient and glorious traditions. He finally proved the sincerity of his resolu-

tiona by the manner with which he adopted the changes proposed for the Principalities of the Danube and for the navigation of that river.

" If the conferences were broken off on the subject of the third point, the responsibility thereof does not fall upon the Imperial Cabinet ; for when the Austrian Cabinet brought forward the solution which appeared to it most acceptable, it was the Russian Plenipotentiary who declared it susceptible of becoming the starting-point (point de depart) for an arrangement, and it was the Ministers of the adverse party who rejected it in consequence of in- ternal dissensions, which had arisen.

" In the course of the grave events which ensued, while torrents of blood flowed, and the two belligerent parties were imposing immense sacrifices on themselves, however much the heart of his Imperial Majesty was affected thereby, he was obliged to remain silent as long as his enemies appeared resolved to substitute the right of might to the spirit of justice and of con- ciliation, which for nearly half a century had presided over the destinies of Europe.

" But as soon as information reached the Government of his Majesty which assured him that his enemies were disposed to take up again (reprendre en sous-ceuvre) the negotiations of peace on the basis of the four points, such as they had been defined in the Conferences, the Imperial Cabinet did not hesitate to come forward frankly to meet those peaceful dispositions, and fo seek frankly a possible solution for the third point in the order of ideas which had appeared in turn satisfactory to all parties."

The Imperial Cabinet declares, in conclusion, " that this resolution of the Emperor will give a new pledge of the sentiments of conciliation by which

i

he is animated, and of the sacrifices he is ready to make for the peace of the, world. He puts his trust in the impartial judgment of the Powers which have remained strangers to the struggle, and calmly and confidently awaits the decision of his enemies. "

The Journal des _Mats of Thursday contained an article by M. de Sacy, on the arrival of Count Esterhazy at St. Petersburg, and the pos- sible answer of Russia to the Austrian communication. Count Ester- hazy, it appears, arrived at St. Petersburg on the 24th, and on the 27th had an interview with Count Nesselrode, at which he delivered to him the communication from the Court of Vienna. " M. de Nesselrode listened to the propositions of Count Esterhazy without showing any emotion, and did not interrupt the Austrian Minister; simply saying, `I will take the orders of the Emperor.' " Letters from Berlin state, that, according to his instructions, Count Esterhazy will wait eight days, that is until the 4th of January, for the Russian reply. If that is not delivered by the 4th, Count Esterhazy will send to Count Nesselrode a note re- minding him of his communication of the 27th December, and urging him to declare the resolution of the Emperor Alexander, giving a fresh interval of ten days for the reply to this second communication. If the Russian Government persist in not replying, Count Esterhazy will, on the 15th of January, quit St. Petersburg and return to Vienna, with all the Staff of the Austrian Legation. But the Berlin writers are persuaded that Russia will send a reply before the 16th, and perhaps before the 4th of January.

It is now stated that the mission of Baron Seebach to St. Petersburg is to convey to M. Nesselrode an expression of the willingness of the Western Powers to consent to the negotiation of a separate treaty between Russia and Turkey, on condition that the Black Sea be neutralized, and that war-ships be rigorously excluded. But this report does not obtain credit.

The latest news from St. Petersburg mainly consists of accounts of renewed preparations for -war. The Emperor has commanded Count Peroffsky, Minister of Appanages, to issue a fresh proclamation to the peasants of the Crown domains, Ailing on them to raise a second corps of sharpshooters, to bear the name of the Imperial family, and defend "holy Russia" against the enemies of the orthodox faith. The Ministry of War has advertised for tenders for the supply of 139 complete mortar- carriages, and fittings for an immense number of others.. All are to be delivered early in the spring ; 5280 hundredweight of ordnance to be de- livered at Archangel. The Arsenal at St. Peters-burg is ready to contract for the delivery of 200,000 pounds of Russian lead. The Government has ordered a commutation of the robat, (compulsory services of the pea- sants on the lords' demesne, payments in kind, &c.,) terminable in three years. We also learn from St. Petersburg that an imperial ukase orders a new coinage of copper to the amount of three millions of silver roubles, to be commenced as soon as the issue previously ordered shall have been completed. In conformity with a new ukase, the noncommissioned offi- cers of the navy, who in consequence of their wounds, can no longer serve on board the fleet, will be employed in the batteries destined to de- fend the coasts of the Baltic in the approaching campaign.

By another ukase dated the 21st December, Prince Menschikoff is appointed Military Governor-General of Cronstadt, with all the rights and powers appertaining to a General-in-chief in time of war.

A letter from (Mew, published in the Austrian Gazette, states that on the 20th December "the fourteenth and sixteenth infantry divisions

were on their march Sebastopol. No lives were lost, but some of the men's noses, ears, and cheeks were frozen. The march of troops to- wards Bessarabia continually increases ; but there can be no question of an evacuation of the Crimea, as militia, guards, and reserves, take the place of the battalions which leave that peninsula."

- It is further stated, that the conduct of the Mussuhnan population on the banks of the Volga gives some uneasiness to the Russian Govern- ment. Many Mussulnians have been arrested and sent to Siberia. There is considerable excitement in Finland ; and it appears probable that such is really the case' as the Russian Government has refused to permit any of the Finnish families to go- tu !Sweden to pass the winter. The Em- peror Alexander 11. has ordered a special Court to be formed at Kieff for trying captured Poles and Hungarians. The former are to be punished according to the military law of the country, but the latter are to be de- livered over to the Austrian authorities ! So many Polish and Hun- garian prisoners are taken—in irons—to Kieff, that no fewer than four judges and ten secretaries are continually employed.

$wrirrn.—A Stockholm correspondent of a Danish paper states that great military activity has followed upon the conclusion of the treaty between England and France and Norway and Sweden. "I can say distinctly," he writes, "that in the manufactories which have received orders for military fittings out there never reigned such activity as now ; the chefs of all regiments have received orders to get everything in readi- ness : these orders are designated as secret, but from the nature of the case cannot be kept so. Officers who have applied of late for furlough have had it intimated to them privately that under the present circum- stances such requests cannot be complied with. In Stockholm there is but one opinion—that Sweden's participation in the war is imminent." Other writers, while they do not contradict this last statement, say that the Swedes are surprised that the "treaty contains so little," but that all voices express pretty much the same selfish hope that Sweden and Norway may enjoy the benefit of the guarantee, and may not be required to give up their neutrality and take any part in the war.

errutaini.—The Prussian diplomatist Colonel Manteuffel, seems to have been engaged in flitting from court to court apropos of Count Es- terhazy's mission to St. Petersburg. On the last day of 1855, the Colo- nel left Berlin for Dresden ; which he reached the same day. After dining with the King, he set out for Vienna the same evening. He is said to be the bearer of an autograph letter from the King of Prussia to the Emperor of Austria, in reply to a similar communication from the Emperor, requesting the King to support the Austrian proposals at St. Petersburg. As yet, Prussia has not determined to support those pro- posals. Colonel Manteuffel will, it is said, visit Munich before his re- turn home.

Prince Gortschakoff gave a grand banquet at Vienna on the 28th De- cember, in honour of the Baron do Hess, who has now reached the fiftieth year of his entry into the army. Among the general officers who were pre- sent at this dinner, were Counts Wratislaw, Nugent, Schlick, Grunner, Wimpffen, Wabnoden, Haugwitz ; Baron Augustin, Baron Kellner, and others.

M Mb g.—The citizens of Hamburg have been roused by the arrest of Mr. Campe, of the firm of Hoffman and Campe, publishers. The of- fence is giving assistance to Dr. Vehse, author of a work called the " Secret History of the German Courts," in the compilation of that book. Vehse is now in custody in Prussia, and the evidence against the Hamburg publishers came to light during the author's examination. The Govern- ments of Mecklenburg and Prussia demanded that Campo should ap- pear as a witness, and give up the name of the person from whom he obtained information. Campe refused; and he was thereupon arrested by the Hamburg Government, and threatened with a fine of ten dollars for every day during which he should refuse to give up the information. When his arrest became known, the citizens held a monster meeting and petitioned the Senate for his instant release. Campe requested that a day might be fixed for his trial ; the Senate referred him to the head of the Police. This official replied, that Campe should be released from durance vile on depositing the sum of 10,000 marks bane° ; but that the former fine imposed, of 10 dollars for every day's delay till he complied with the order for producing the evidence required, would be rigidly enforced. After consulting with his legal adviser, Mr. Campe preferred to remain in prison rather than accept his liberty on these conditions, which might also prejudice his position, if, as he wishes, the trial should

• come on before the ordinary local tribunals.

Cif crusts.—Aceounts from the Allied camp come down to the 21st December, and relate entirely to what may be called the domestic economy and social life of the camp. No incidents of a military kind had occurred. From the correspondence of the daily journals, we com- pile an account of the state of our army. Winter in reality'had arrived.

On Tuesday the 11th December, after a short spell of dry weather, the floodgates of heaven were again opened; and such a torrent of rain burst over the camp as few men in it had ever slunk from since they set foot in the Crimea. Down it came, not in drops, but in continuous streams, penetrating everything in the shape of human dwelling-place throughout the camp, except the best-roofed of the huts, and even leaking through such of those as were not additionally sheeted overhead with felt or tar- paulin. Terrible were the forebodings as to the state of the ground on the morrow; when, lo ! on Wednesday morning appeared as severe a frost as the presiding genie at the North Pole could himself have turned out of hand. The weather-sides of the tents were literally so many sheets of flexible ice, as if the torrent had been suddenly pulled up' and the freezing process at once set in. About breakfast-time a slight snow- shower began ; and, after an hour, when it ceased, the eye fell on as hoar and Arctic-looking a gathering oilittle frosted pyramids as the most ima- ginative of scene-painters could conceive. In the clear sharp air, too, the somewhat distant ridges of the Mackenzie range appeared to have come nearer, so clear in outline was every barren peak along its undu- lating summit. The couple of tiny flagstaffs which surmount the ene- my's field-works along the surface of the high plateau beyond the Teher- nays, were plainly visible to the naked eye ; and, with the aid of a good glass, shivering wretches could be seen around their base, moving about in their many-fashioned sartorial protections against the biting cold. since then, the frost has continued, the average height of the thermo- meter during the last three days being 21 degrees; or 9 degrees below freezing-point." The frost continued up to the 21st, when the mail was Sent off.

For this state of things, equal to the cold of Canada, the troops were not badly prepared. One half were hutted, and everybody had abun- dance of clothing. "The French," says one letter, "have only the same clothing as they had last year. We are prodigies of excess in water- proofs, furs, boots, seal-skin coats and caps. Motley is our only wear,' and there is the greatest difficulty in telling officers from men in hard weather. The only difference I know is the colour of the boots, always supposing that the officer has not a seal-skin coat. Coats of this kind are issued to officers at 31. 58. a pies.); but the contractors have formed most exaggerated notions of the effects of war on the frvme of the British soldier: and have made the coats so small that there is no chance of a good-sized man getting a garment 'to fit him. The French officer is pro- vided with a cloth cloak and hood, like the soldiers; but he is at once distinguished ftom the private by the stripes on his cap and on his cuff. We indulge in every possible form of head-gear, coat, and booting." But as regards boots many complaints are made. " Some are said to be -very badly fastened together, and already-the soles have in many in- fences become separated from the upper parts of the boot. These boots are worn outside the trousers : they reach up to the knee, and are of very capacious size. Thedarge size is intended to enable the soldier to wear several pairs of socks, and gives many advantages for winter use over boots of more contracted dimensions ; but it seems to be in most instances carried to excess."

One of the inevitable consequences of such severe cold is frost-bite. During the night of the 19th, many soldiers were frost-bitten; but they

were mainly the victims of their own negligence. Some were lying out intoxicated; others had carelessly secured their tents ; a few suffered during target-practice and fatigue-duties. Only one had died, and he was a drunkard. Our Allies do not escape. "The French suffer a great deal from cold. The other night, two French soldiers went into one of our guard-rooms in Sebastopol and asked for some coffee, and to be allowed to warm themselves by the fire. Our men gave them -some coffee and biscuit, and they sat down by the fire. One of them took Off his shoes (he had no stockings) and began rubbing his feet, which were frostbitten. In about ten minutes he got up, but staggered, and fell dead, to the great horror of the English soldiers. The other was taken care of, and was all right in the morning." Our men are in capital health and spirits; as their amusements testify. The officers have a sort of Cider Cellar Club in Sebastopol; "papa hunts" are indulged in when practicable; billiards where tables can be got; splendid shooting on the Tchernaya, when the Russians permit— but the sport is dangerous ; and skating, for the few who have skates, on the reservoir formed by the accumulated waters of the acqueduct. There are also theatrical representations. Sledge-driving is both useful, as a means of getting over the ground, and exciting. An instructive sort of sham warfare had come in with the snow. It was introduced by the Seventh Fusiliers. " One wing of the regiment had to assault and take a hastily thrown up redoubt from the other wing. Rifle-pits and barri- cades were made on the occasion; and a great deal, of amusement was caused by the plucky manner in which one of the besiegers' pita, formed of snow and barrels, was destroyed by a sortie from the garrison. At last, after some hard fighting on both sides, the work was carried by as- sault." Similar challenges took place in various regiments ; one com- pany attacking another, and so forth, and in many cases casualties were occasioned by wounds in the face.

Our roads hold out tolerably well; but the French roads had failed, and required large repairs. The railway was in admirable order. The health of the army was very satisfactory, in spite of the incalculable cli- mate, up to the latest returns—the 10th December; but that does not include the frosty period. Dr. Hall's returns show that, during the week ending the 3d December 1059 were admitted to the hospitals, and 37 died; and that during the week ending the 10th 1093 were admitted, and 38 died. Fever, pulmonary affections, and diarrhoea, are the pre- vailing diseases. There were 7 cases of cholera and 6 deaths ; 41 cases of ophthalmia, and no death. The Land Transport corps furnished the heaviest sick-list.

The failure of the Land Transport Corps was beyond all doubt. No fewer than 1500 mules and horses had died. Many were sick, suffering from sore backs and diseases of the lungs. Colonel Wetherell, the Di- rector-General, was doing his utmost to restore the efficiency of the corps. Fortunately, the large depths on the plateau have diminished the labour which the failure has imposed on the troops. " In some divisions the officers' private bat-horses were employed for purposes of public trans- port; and this is a subject of discontent. The officers of the Land Transport say, however, that the stabling of all the animals will soon be completed, and that after a short rest the department will be in full opera- tion again."

A correspondent of a clerical weekly contemporary, writing from Balaklava, makes some suggestive remarks on the troops. He says that " the apathy, ignorance, and incapacity for common kinds of labour of our soldiers in general, are very much complained of by the more intelli- gent and earnest of our officers. They have got the idea into their heads that they ought to do nothing but fight; and therefore they do every- thing else in a grudging spirit." And he goes on to suggest, that "it would be an act of mercy to themselves to make them know that it is an important part of their duty to build their own winter-quarters, and to open up proper thoroughfares through their camps. Their own health and comfort, while they are in the army, would be vastly benefited by the facilities they would acquire in this sort of labour, and that unpleasant feeling of dependence on others which they must have would be got quit of. More than this—when they should leave the army, they would not be unfit, as most discharged soldiers are, for manual work; but would carry into private life habits of industry which would not only preserve them from the vices of intemperance and indolence, but would add ma- terially to their income, and thus raise them in the scale of society."

Turktg.—A letter from Erzeroum, dated December 11, confirms, from a description of an eye-witness, the reports of the deplorable condi- tion of Kars previously to the capitulation It was painful to stir out of doors. Wretched creatures were lying about in all directions, groan- ing piteously—watching the Russian proyision-waggons, which, as if to add to their misery, passed almost all day within their ken. Towns- people and soldiers alike suffered all the horrors of famine. The former crowded round the General as he rode out of his quarters, and prayed him with all the eloquence of despair to seek some means of putting an end to their misery. Women forced their way into his very rooms, and, throwing their starving children at his feet, implored him rather to kill them at once than let them perish thus piecemeal for want of sustenance. The hospitals were crowded with sick ; on the Thursday before the sur- render eighty men died in one day. Many went mad or became idiots from sheer hunger and hard work. Those who preserved a remnant of health, half-starved as they were, and scarcely clothed, were obliged to mount sentry almost every night up to the ankles in snow. Since the battle of the 29th there had been no animal food to issue to the troops. Horses had indeed been killed in the General's stables secretly by night, but the meat was sent to the hospitals for the sick. A pittance of bread or flour made into weak broth was all that the working soldiers had to subsist upon. Discipline was almost at an end. The soldiers had at one time all but worshiped General Williams: after the action, in particular, they gathered round their gallant leader, only too happy, after the East- ern fashion, to touch the hem of his garment in token of their submission and respect. Now these same men refused to salute him, turned their eyes i away when they saw him approach. Still, to the last, he hardened his heart n hope. Omar Pasha had written to him, on his arrival at Batoum, to hold out only another month, and he Would be with him. The Muchir here, too, Selim Pasha, who had been sent from Constanti- nople to take the command, forwarded him a similar despatch, informing bin, that he was at the head of a large and well-disciplined force, all ad- mirably' equipped and eager for the fight, and that he would lose no time in marching to his relief. Thus deceived, the General determined to

hold out as long as a mouthful of food remained ; and, in fact, the last biscuit was issued out of store on the very day of the capitulation." Nothing is said of Captain Thompson's reported visit to Erzeroum, and we conclude that the story was unfounded.

The Czar has sent the following letter to General Mouravieff.

" The resolute persistence, the exemplary courage, and the warlike cir- cumspection which have marked your entire conduct in Asiatic Turkey, have now been crowned with full success. The dominating fortress of Asia Minor, the fortress of Kars, has surrendered, with its entire garrison, artil- lery, and great depots of arms and ammunition. The Anatolian army of 30,000 men exists no more; its commander-in-chief is our prisoner. I thank you heartily for this so glorious feat,. which has invested the arms of Russia with new renown. I also commission you to express my heartfelt thanks to the army under your command, for the steadfastness and courage which have overcome the stiffnecked resistance of the enemy. In testimony of your high merit, I nominate you Knight of the Order of St. George of the Second Class ; a rank to which you have proved yourself incontestably en- titled ; and remain, with Imperial grace, your wellwisher,

" AL'S:BANDER."

The Invalide Ruse* publishes a proclamation by General Mouravieff, calling the entire population of Imeretia, Guriel, and Mingrelia, to wage a war of extermination against the enemies of the Cross. It is this mea- sure which is supposed to have induced Omar Pasha's retreat.

PIPE IE.—Baron Prokesch-Osten, the Austrian Internuneio at the Porte, touched at Athens on his way to Constantinople, and tarried at the court of King Otho two days. During his stay, the Baron was con- stantly closeted with the King ; and he also dined with M. Persiany, the Russian Charge d'Affaires, where he met the Prussian and Bavarian Mi- nisters, while he altogether abstained from even calling upon either the English or French Representatives. This undisguised course of pro- ceeding is considered significant of the policy of Austria.

Brigandage seems to flourish in regenerate Greece. At Megrim, bri- gands shut up the Mayor's flock in a stable, and threatened to burn them, because the Mayor would act as their Commissioner. Another band invaded Thebes, but were partially repelled by the troops there. The monks of the convent of Agia Pelazia were seized and put to the torture ; two young men of good family were seized in Locrida, and a ransom demanded ; the village of Hypata was pillaged, and the chief in- habitant made prisoner ; travellers from Athens to Marcopaulos were stopped at four hours' journey from the capital, and plundered; at Tatoi, three hours journey from Athens, the gendarmes were seized and mu- tilated.

f Si U.—A short time ago, Don Enrique de Bourbon, the brother of the King of Spain, wrote a "dutiful" letter to Queen Isabella, stating that he had never spoken ill of her Majesty, and that he had always looked up to her with respect as the Queen of Spain. This, it appears, was an overt step towards a reconciliation of Don Enrique with the Court, from which he has been estranged since the stormy times of 1848. By the advice of her Ministers, Queen Isabella has issued a decree re- storing "to Don Enrique de Bourbon, Duke of Seville, the honours and consideration of an Infante of Spain."

The Duke of Sotomayor has killed himself. He was sixty years of age, and " a complete martyr to the gout." He had returned from Paris to Madrid at the close of November, much broken in health, and af- doted with nervousness. As he had expressed a fear that in a moment of delusion he might take away his life, precautions had been taken to remove deadly weapons from his reach; and a servant was set to watch him. On the morning of the 26th December, the servant left the room, and told the Duchess that the Duke was asleep and snoring. The Duchess went to the room; heard the noise which the servant thought was snoring; caused the shutters to be opened, and found the Duke dying from a pistol-shot. The Duke of Sotomayor had filled some of the highest diplomatic and ministerial offices under the Spanish Govern- ment, and was once Spanish Minister at the Court of London.

Si a Piedmontese Parliament is now in vacation. The Oppo- sition journals indicate that the attack upon the Ministry, when the ses- sion is resumed, will be directed, against the vulnerable points of the financial status; much dissatisfaction being felt at the unequal incidence of taxation. The Opposition demand an income-tax, as a substitute for the taxes on trades, professions, and household furniture. The Turin correspondent of the Times reports that England is expected to lend an- other million to Sardinia in and of the war expenses.

Baron Brenier, the French Minister, has arrived at Naples, and has had his first interview with the King. It was unsatisfactory. He asked the King to grant him an interview on matters of importance. The King, referring the envoy to the Director of Foreign Affairs, bowed him out. But his Majesty himself is the real Director for Foreign Affairs, and it is not thought likely that Baron Brenier will submit his matters of importance to Signor Carafe, who is only a registrar of the King's will. His Majesty has raised several high functionaries, including Del Casette, to the rank of Field-Marshal ; and is about to add 18,000 men to his army. Meanwhile, he has been tampering with the silver coin ; the mint price of which he has further reduced by nearly two per cent, —that is, 1000 five-franc pieces will now only purchase 880 dollars in- stead of nearly 1000.

Mafia a tat €1i ea.—The fuller despatches of the overland mail bear out the importance of the events indicated in the telegraphic sum-

The religious war in Oude had terminated for the present in the death of the Mussulman leader, Ameen Ali. He had assembled some 3000 fol- lowers, and lay encamped at Daryabad, a village midway between Luck- now and the Hindoo temple which it was the object of the Moslems to destroy. The King's troops, 12,000 in number, were encamped between Ameer All and the temple. Ten days thebelligerents watched each other ; the insurgents waiting for reinforcements, the King's troops with- out instructions. Meanwhile, the Lieutenant of the district occupied by Ameer Ali supplied the rebels with food ; and the Durbar at Luclmow, sympathizing with the Moslems, yet dreading British interference, issued contradictory orders, sometimes favourable to Ameer Ali, sometimes di- recting his instant capture and death. At length, fearing that Colonel Outram would take up the business, the King's Government directed Captain Barlow to disperse the insurgents and seize their leader. "The Order was more easily issued than obeyed," says the Calcutta correspond-, eat of the Times. "The Mussulmans in the King's service were known to be disaffected, and it was believed would at the first shot go over to the enemy. The artillerymen were still more deeply implicated, and it was probable that the order to advance would be answered by universal mutiny. Fortunately% Captain Barlow understood his position and his men. Slowly and quietly the Hindoos of his regiment were separated from their comrades. A few guns were intrusted to Hindoo gunners. Tho Mussulman gunners were despatched on different errands, and at last Cap- tain Barlow had about five companies on whom he could rely. The sup- plies of food granted by treachery were peremptorily stopped ; and at last, on the 7th of November, the Moulavie, Ameer Ali, urged on by the cries of his men, terminated the situation. By a forced march he gained a point in advance of Captain Barlow, and streamed along the road to the great temple. Leaving all the Mussulmans behind them, Captain Barlow and his picked corps started in pursuit. They overtook the Ma- homedana some seven miles in advance, and the engagement commenced with a shower of grape. Ameer All fell wounded at the first discharge; but his Pathans, mad with fanaticism, charged, sword in hand, straight up to the muzzles of the guns. While the day was still doubtful, they were attacked from behind. The Hindoo Zeinindars, all along the road, had assembled their retainers, and appeared at the critical moment in overwhelming force. The Pathans saw the day was lost; but they had come for death in the cause of Islam, and they died, fighting shoulder to shoulder, round the guns. The King's Mussulman troops, enraged at the manner in which they had been checkmated by Captain Barlow, drew their swords on their Hindoo comrades, and the tumult was only suppressed by an order dispersing the regiments to different and distant stations. One incident of the engagement illustrates the passionate zeal of the two parties even better than the death of the Pathans. One Mus- sulman gunner accompanied Captain Barlow. Though all alone, he re- fused to fire on his co-religionists, and was sabred on the spot. About 200 Hindoos and 300 Pathans perished on the field." After the battle the fallen Mussulmans were buried in one ditch, styled the " Martyrs' Grave." As may be conceived, the result of the battle had caused a great excitement at Lucknow ; the sentries at the Vizier's gate had been cut down ; and an outbreak was feared. In order to be ready for all emergencies, or to carry out at the proper opportunity extreme measures, the Indian Government had assembled at Cawnpore 16,000 troops, in- cluding several European regiments.

The only change in the affairs of the Sontal district is the proclama- tion of martial law. Troops were still on the march to the disturbed country; and in one direction at least the Sontals were still active.

The report that Herat has been captured by the Persians is believed in Bombay and Calcutta. Herat is on the 'Western boundary of Aff- ghanistan, and from its position, in front of the only route from the North-west to the frontiers of British India, practicable for a large army, it is regarded as the key of Northern India. At the commence- ment of the present century, Herat and its territory formed part of the dominions of Zeeman Shah, the ruler of Affghanistan. There were, however, two rival families in the state,—that of the. King, a member of the tribe of Suddozye ; and that of Futteh Khan and his twenty brothers, of whom Dost Mahomed was the youngest. The family of Futteh Khan triumphed over their rivals, and partitioned Affghanistan among themselves, except Herat---this remained in the hands of the brother of Zeeman Shah. In 1837, while Yar Mahomed was Vizier, the Persians appeared before Herat ; but, in consequence of the exertions of Lieu- tenant Pottinger, of the Bombay Artillery, the town was able to resist a ten months' siege. When the reigning chief died, Yar Mahomed became chief' and at his death transmitted his power to Mahomed Said, his SOIL. Mahomed Said, it is reported, lived in an almost constant state of intoxica- tion, and permitted his personal followers to tyrannize over the people. In this strait, the Heratees petitioned the Shah of Persia to dethrone their chief and annex Herat. The Shah consented. Yussuf, a prince of the Suddozye family, was directed to concert measures with the Per- sian resident, for surprising Herat. The latter agreed to introduce Yussuf with 4000 horse into the town. He rode out one day; and re- turning after dark, brought back with him Yussuf and his men. When the gates were opened for the envoy, Yussuf 's followers rushed in, massa- cred the guard, and seized the citadel and treasury. Mahomed Said was imprisoned, and Yussuf proclaimed himself chief as the vassal of Persia.

The Indian Legislature has come into collision with the Board of Con- trol. The latter, it appears, ordered the former to repeal certain clauses of an act of their own, and to pass others in conformity with instruc- tions from home. The Council has refused to obey the mandate of Mr. Vernon Smith ; Mr. Peacock, the spokesman for the Legislature, de- claring that if such orders can be issued no honourable man would con- tinue to hold the appointment of Member of Council. Sunday the 2d December was observed as a day of thanksgiving in the English churches. The Hindoos, Mahomedans and Parsees, also assembled in their temples, and duly observed the day. One of the Par- sees delivered a lecture on the blessings of British rule ; which he con- trasted with the yoke the people would have to endure were the Russians lords of India.

The conduct of the United States Consul at Hongkong has raised the question, have the authorities of Great Britain a right to take cognizance of offences committed on board American ships in British possession? The Consul, supported by the United States naval commander on the station, denied British jurisdiction; and in defiance of our authority, he committed an offence. He was forthwith arrested, tried in the M' ong- kong Police Court, found guilty, and remitted to the criminal sessions.

St3if5.—Yet another mail-steamer from America without the President's message. The America arrived at Liverpool on Mon- day, with advises from New York to the 18th. There had been sixty- four ballots for the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. Banks had obtained 105 votes—seven short of the necessary number.

The President had issued a proclamation stating that all who, singly, or in troops, aid Walker and his fellow buccaneers in Nicaragua, will cease to be under the protection of the Government of the United States. This is somewhat late in the day. Another proclamation announces that Newfoundland, having complied with the conditions of the Elgin treaty, is henceforth entitled to all the privileges secured by that instrument. The state of matters in Kansas was anything but pleasant. Governor Shannon had called the inhabitants to arms, and 3000 were in the field to preserve law and order. The Missourians were also mustering, armed with rifles and accompanied by cannon. They had crossed the border on the 4th December. It was expected that a battle would ensue.

$115111111i .—Bacent whims from Australia show that Sir. Henry Young has contrived to get into hot water with the Legislative Council of Tasmania. Public charges of peculation were openly made for such a length of time against the officers of the Convict Department, that Sir Henry. found himself obliged to institute an inquiry. But it was a secret inquiry; and although it resulted in a censure of the officials, it gave no satisfaCtion to the Council. They appointed a Select Committee to investigate the charge ; and the Committee summoned Dr. Hampton, Controller, and a Mr. Benson, surgeon, as witnesses. Both refused to obey the summons ; and the Speaker issued a warrant for their appre- hension. Hampton barricaded his house, and filled it with convict con- stables ; but, finding that an overpowering force could be commanded by the Council without any aid from the Government, lie gave himself up, but still declined to attend. The Speaker was served with a writ of habeas corpus.to bring up the body of Dr. Hampton before the Supreme Court : he applied for instructions to the House ; but, before any further proceedings could be taken, the Governor went down to the House and prorogued it until the 30th of October. So the case stands the Council assert their power to enforce their own process by commitment for con- tempt ; the Executive denies that power. When the Council should meet again, they were expected to resume proceedings ; and it was anti- cipated that the opinion of the Supreme Court would be taken, and that the matter would be carried ultimately to the Privy Council. It is felt that the right of inquiry without power to summon witnesses is a mockery.