LONDON LETTER IN OTAGO TIMES.

Evening Post, Issue 78, 10 May 1865, Page 2

LONDON LETTER IN OTAGO TIMES.

The feeling at Washington respecting! existing treaties with England excites regret and alarm —the Reciprocity Treaty with Canada is to be cancelled; the Extradition Law neßociated by Lord Ashburton is to ti rminate, and the system of maritime neu trnlization on the Canadian Lakes, which Units the force of tither country to four small war ships, is to be abrogated. Now, whether there is or not some hidden hostility in these resolutions it behoves us to be guarded, and Earl Russell has intimated that England will prepare for all eventualities We have had breakers a-luad throughout this deplorable business, and as it is patent that, with all our circumspection, we have not succeeded in avoiding the rocks, sooner or later we may have to pay the penalty. Russian news is mostly unreliable, but we gather that constitutionalism vainly struggles to mike head-way —the ancient nobility assembled in Moscow recently, and addressed tie Czar for the establishment of two Parliament houses ; for their pains they were duly snubbed, told to mind their business, and not interfere with their betters; but if Alexander is wise as his wonddrful namesake of old, he may profitably 1 sten toremon' sf ranee, diminish tne responsibilities of the Crown, and increase the securities of his dynasty. With regard to Poland, however, there can be no mistake ; the cruelties of Mouravieff and De Berg are satiated, and nationality is gone for ever—it only remains to incorporote the country into the Russian c npire, and Poland may, for all useful purposes, be erased from the map of Europe. In Italy, priesthood undergoeth martyrdom. The excommunicated King Victor has nothing o hope or fear from Pius IX, or any other Pope ol' Rome, so he forbids publication from the pulpit of his Holiness's very objectionable sentiments, and punishes all who disobey. Indeed, the Encyclic is far from beina: doomed to oblivion ; even Spain enters the lists ngainst it. and civilization assarts its sway in Catholic Europe over the monstrous doctrines enunciated. Priestcraft has had a long run ; and now that despair prompts the Pope and his cardinals to insult the age, they can have but themselves to thank for the total destruction of their power by the triumphant march of that intelligence which they declare their wish to smother. They, however, begin to fancy that they have gone a s'ep too far. A prosecution of the clergy by tlio third Bonaparte would be a fearful s an ?al ; and already has the Papal nuncio en ten humble pie at the Tuileries ; but the Emperor is not very exacting after all, and if the offenders will condescend to reasonable pomises of amendment, they will this time easily coax over the eldest son of the church, who i* so grievously insulted, and he will forthwith give the cue to mon frero Victor. Tlio last-named gentleman entered Florence on the 6th instant, and formally inaugurated the new capital ; thus ratifying one part of ihe Convention ; and within two years from that day the garrison U to quit Rome, and thereby carry out another portion of the programme. But long before two years elapse, complications may arise ; and although so peaceably and quietly docs the Contention begin its work, the ending of it is for future historians. Immense property in Naples termed Crown lands having been relinquished by the King to benefit the country, is buii.g sold, and will realise enormous sum*. A portion, however, i< claimod by Joachim Murat's descendants, and, failing other means, a law-suit will result. It thus appears that French influence is still alive in the new kingdom, and nothing short of cash payment will satisfly this fresh claim on Itatian gratitude and generosity. The blazing Mountains of iEtna and Vesuvius are both in their grandeur, but of the most innocent kind and thousands flock to the beautiful sight. Some weeks have now elapsed since the eruption? burst forth, and as symptoms of diminishing are reported' and no damge yet done 1865 may pass away without being chronicled amongst the periodical disasters of volcanic Italy.