LATEST FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XII, Issue 739, 7 December 1859, Page 3

LATEST FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

(Prom the 'Evening Globe/ September 19.) CONSPIEACY AGAINST THE SULTAn!;) h , We have received the following telegram from our Constantinople correspondent:— Constantinople, September 18. _ A conspiracy to assassinate the Sultan has been discovered.' Two hundred persons have been arrested here; among them Djafer Dem, Pasha of Albania, who* was apparently the chief. Some of the troops are suspected of participation. The affair originated with a. fanatical party. ■ ENGLAND, EEANCE, AND ITALY. ... Paiis, September 18. ;■

The, ' Constitutionnel,' of this evening publishes an article in large type, treating of the position of England in reference to the Italian question, of which the followingis a summary ;—"Before the war it was said that there was "no Italian question; now everything is changed. The reproach is made to us that we do not risk all in. order that the question may be entirely solved.?', £B,ut the general state of affairs did not admitof such a solution." The article then alludes to the advantages the peace of Villafranca has obtained for Italy, and makes much of the demonstrations which have taken place in Central Italy; but endeavours to ; prove that the Duchies cannot become mere provincial places, of Sardinia' (les Duehes ne peuvent pas devenir dcs simples chefs liens de la Sardaigne.) " The people in the Duchies will regret their princes and, their local independendence." The article continues by saying " that .the increase of the Piedmontese territory will excite the jealousy of Naples, and will prevent the realisation of an Italian confederation. These considerations had weight with the Emperor at Villafranca, and ought to impress the true friends of Italy, of which England is now one." The article expresses a hope that the councils of England will be joined to those of France. United on the banks of the Peiho to.chastise a common injury, may the two great Western Powers unite their diplomatic efforts to overcome the last difficulties of the Italian crisis, and to make, if necessary, such modifications to the conditions of peace as may be compatible with the interests and the honour of the parties therein engaged. Thanks to this union, the peninsula will be free from the.Alps to the Adriatic.

: Prince Eichard Metternich-arrived here to-day, and has had a conference with Count Walewski.

CIKCASSIA,

Sfe. Petersburg, September 16.

A supplement of the 'Invalide Eusse' has just been published, and states that, according to a verbal report of Lieutenant-Golonel Grabbe, a victorious assault has been made on Gunib, and five cannon had been taken by the Eussians. Schamyl was taken prisoner, and his sons and family were captured or killed. The Eussian loss did ho'fc exceed 100 men. ITALY. ...';. ' . ■

Turin, September 17,

The King leaves to-morrow for Pavia, Crema, Lodi, and Cremona, and will go on Wednesday to Monza, where hunting, parties-will beheld..,_ The Bblognese deputation will be received at Monza, on Saturday next. ; '■■... ■

(From the ' Home News,' Monday Afternoon, September 19.)

The leading diplomatic characters of Europe are flocking to Biarritz, where the Emperor Napoleon entertains the King of the Belgians. Lord Cowley has gone thither; "Counts Walewsld and Cavour are to go, and even the Duke of Malakoff seems,to be thought a necessary figure at the ominous gathering.: Prince Metternich too, has just arrived at Paris, as the bearer of a letter from the Emperor of Austria to the Emperor of the French.

An address was lately presented.to the Government of Prussia by the principal inhabitants of Stettin, considering the reform of the German confederation. Count Schwerin, to whom his Eoyal Highness, the Prince Eegent, on the proposition of the States Ministry, had referred the address for a reply, answered as follows: "That His- Eoyal Highness, the Prince Eegent was rejoiced by the feelings of fidelity and confidence expressed towards him by his subjects in the address, and likewise by their expression of devotion to Prussia and the German fatherland. He then stated the views the Prussian Government considers its duty to take in reference to the reforms of the German Confederation. He stated that the late events and experiences had created a conviction in Germany, in spite of all the different views that the independence and power of Germany, as regards her exterior relations, and the development in the interior of their material arid intellectual powers, render a strong and energetic union, and the reform of the .Federal Constitution, to obtain this end, necessary. The Government of Prussia acknowledges the justice of this public opinion; but it will not allow itself to be led away by the manifestations which that national feeling causes, nor will its own conviction of that which might at first appear to it as best, cause it to deviate from the way which is pointed out by its consideration and conscientious esteem of the rights of others, and by its regard for that which is at present possible and attainable. The same respect for right and law which characterises the ' state of affairs of Prussia in the interior, must also rule her relations with Germany and her German confederates. Germany will render to herself greater service at the present time by endeavouring to further the.common interests of Germany in such a way that practical results will ensue by the increase of the armed forces of Germany, and by strengthening Ihe certain footing on which rights are now established throughout the whole federal country, than by premature proposals for changes in the federal constitution. The Prussian Government being determined to devote its energies for the furtherance of these objects, considers itself entitled to claim confidence, that she will, when called upon, find,ways in which the interests of-Germany and Prussia will be compatible with the commands of duty and of conscience. A meeting of friends of reform of the federal constitution was held at Frankfort, on September 16th, at which 150 persons were present. The following [resolution was passed :—•" Since the formation of a national party, in Germany for the purpose of promoting the unity and liberal development of the great and common fatherland, the foundation of which has been laid at Eisenach and Hanover, has become'a reality, the undersigned do hereby establish an association to be located at Frarikfort-on-the-Maine. Tlio aim of this society shall be to labour for the patriotic objects of this party with all :availablo.lawful means; and more especially to take upon itself the moral task of making the people more, and, more conscious of the aim and means of ■the movement which is being promulgated throughout the whole of our fatherland." • A committee of

twelve lifts boon charged with- tho management of tho .association.

"Private letters from Homo," says the Paris 'correspondent of tho ' Globe,' " Jeavo' small doubt on a highly important contingency, tho choice of a now Popo before next Christmas. The symptoms that proved fatal in tho east) of the late Gregory XVI., ulcerous swellings in tho logs-and general debility, however disguised in official accounts, are filling with alarm the immediate circle of Pius IX., and political councils are held daily in his sick room, us well as medical consultations. Tho hasty summons of Cardinal Chigi from Munich is a corollary of this impending change, Chigi being the only statesman capable of taking the liberal load in tho inevitable removal of Antonelli from the helm. It is not so much tho physical break up of the Pope's constitution as the moral prostration and mental pangs which have bowed down the Sovereign of Rome. Perugia was not of much account in this result, but the hopeless .affair of tho Romagnahas acted like the loss of Calais on the heart of Mary Tudor."

TUB GERMAN QUESTION,

The ' National Gazette ' of Berlin says :—'• The Austrian Government has thought fit to express its opinion on the movement in favour of federal reform, in a circular.despatch addressed, to all the German Governments except Prussia, ; Thesubstance of this document is as follows :—Theihovement now taking place in Germany- appears every day extending, so that governments- cannot do otherwise than notice it. It is not at all astonishing'that'a" party which constantly thinks of nothing else than overturning whatever is established should be disposed to take advantage of the present situation to promote its own designs, but it is the duty of,,the Government to oppose the attempt. If any German prince should be induced to suppprt this agitation, Austria would not fail to oppose it with all the means placed at her disposal by the federal constitution, and should feel obliged to denouncesuch a manifestation as a violation of the said constitution, which has been guaranteed by European treaties, and left' under the special protection of the two great German Powers."

ITALY.

The ' Modena Gazette of the 12th gives the text of the report addressed to the assembly of Modena by MM. Malmusi and Eontanellif;on their return from St. Sauveur, having accomplished their mission to his Imperial Majesty Napoleon 111. The following is the most important passage of the report: — " The undersigned are happy to announce that as soon as the deputation arrived at St. Sauveur it was received with the greatest kindness. The august Sovereign was graciously pleased to accept the address, saying—' That no foreign force should oppose the will of this country, with a View to impose the dethroned Prince upon us, he for many reasons, being now considered impossible by all.' Our magnanimous protector, who is at the same time the protector of our common country, having deigned to reply to this address which we had presented to him, has conferred on us the honourable and pleasing duty of telling the Assembly,' that he was greatly moved at the confidence placed in him ; and that, were any difficulty still to oppose itself to the entire execution of our wishes, his protection would never fail us.' He added that he would do all in his power for the happiness of Italy in general, and for these provinces in particular."

The '.Corriere Mercantile' states from Bologna, that before the members of the National Assembly separated they were entertained at a banquet by Governor Cipriani. There were about 100 guests present, and toasts were drunk to the Emperor Napoleon 111., to Victor Emmanuel :and speedy annexation, to the governor, arid to the Assembly.

A Paris letter in the ' Independence' of Brussels says,—" It" may be remembered that a few days before the entrance of the French into Milan, the Cabinet of Vienna nominated a new archbishop to that see, and that the Pope immediately" confirmed the appointment. The Piedmontese Government, however, refused to recognise his nomination, and the Pope, on his part, refused to retract his approbation. The difficulty created by this affair is now afan end, the archbishop, from a spirit of conciliation, for which he deserves great praise, has declined to .occupy the see. It.is said that, as a recompense for this sacrifice, the Holy Eattier will make him a cardinal." '

The ' Moniteur' has published a long article, explaining the reasons which caused the Emperor to conclude peace, of which the following is a summary:—

" The Emperor of Austria has promised to grant concessions on • a large scale to Venetia, but requiring as a condition (sine qua non) the return of the Archdukes. (L'Empereur d'Autriche avaitpromis dcs larges concessions pour Venetie, mais en exigeant comme condition — sine qua non — le retour dcs Arehiducs.)

"The Emperor Napoleon accepted these conditions (L'Empereur Napoleon acce'pta). It is easy to conceive that, if after the conclusion of the peace, the destinies of Italy had been entrusted to men who had more at heart the future of their common Fatherland than little partial successes, the aim of their endeavours would have been to develope, and not to obstruct, the consequences of the Treaty of Villa Franca; and then Venetia would have been placed in the same position as Luxembourg with Holland. The Archdukes will not be re-established by foreign forces, but that portion of the Treaty of Villa Franca not having been carried out, Austria will find herself freed from all engagements taken in favour of Venetia. (Les Arehiducs ne seront pas retablis par dcs forces etrangeres, mais cette partie dv Traite de Villa Franca n'etant pas execute, l'Autriche se trouverait delivre de toutes engagements pris en faveur de la Venetie).

"' Instead of a policy of reconciliation and peace, a policy of defiance and hatred will be-seen to reappear, which will entail fresh misfortunes. (Au lieu dune politique de conciliation et de paix, on verra renaitre une politique de defiance et de haine, gui amenera de nouveaux malheurs). Much, it would appear, is expected from a Congress, which we hail with all our wishes; but we strongly doubt that the Congress would obtain better conditions for Italy. (On semble beaucoup esperer dun Congres nous l'appelons de tous nos vceux mais nous doutons fort, que le Congres, obtient de meilleurs conditions- pour- l'ltalie.) It would not be right to ask from a great ' Power important concessions without offering equitable compensations. (line serait pas juste de demander a. une grande puissance d'importantes concessions, sans lvi offrir dcs compensations equitables.) . War would be the only way to resolve the difficulty; but Italy must be aware that one Power alone makes war for an idea, and that is Prance; and France has accomplished her mission.' (' La guerre serait le seul moyen, mais l'ltalie doit savoir qu'une seule puissance en Europe fait la guerre pour une idoe, c'est la France, et la France accomplie sa tache.')"

SPAIN.

According to a letter from Madrid, a somewhat sharp discussion has taken place between Marshal O'Donnel, the Prime Minister, and Mr. Buchanan, the English envoy, relative to the military preparations of Spain against Morocco. The former having energetically answered certain observations of the latter, Mr. Buchanan asked if he had any objection to repeat them in writing; the Marshal immediately rang the bell, sent for a secretary, dictated the reply, and gave it on the spot to Mr. Buchanan. This incident, however, will not; it is thought, lead to anything. "

KELGIUM.

The bill on public Works, adopted by the Chambers in Belgium, by which a sum-of 20,000,000 francs is set apart for new fortifications at Antwerp, has just been promulgated in the Belgian ' Moniteur.' The breaking up of the camp of Bevprloo has commenced. The Ist regiment of tho lino has just returned to Brussels, and other corps are leaving for their several winter quarters.

THE PAPAL STATES.

Some recent incidents (says the ' Times' correspondent) appear to strengthen the impressionl that the Pope will make an effort to occupy the Eomagna, 3?or several nights past troops of the line have left this capital, as also gendarmes in great numhers, both infantry and cavalry; hut few troops, therefore remain in Homo. Those who have left are destined, I understand, to replace the Swiss now in

Perugia, who arc to join tlio Papal army quartered in Pesaro and the neighbourhood,.amounting in all to about 7000 0r.,8000 men', with their cannons, good .or bad. How with''such a force his Holiness contemplates the reduction of- provinces inhabited by a bravo and warlike" people, animated by the most hostile sentiments, to a government of priests, and garrisoned by volunteers who have been under discipline for many months, and many of them exposed to the hardships of war in Lombardy, I cannot say. The army of Jtomagna is here said to amount to 20,000 men, under the command of'General'Fanti, while Garibaldi has the command in chief of all the Italian army, both of the Duchies and the Jtomagna. Nor must I. omit to state, that the Eomagnoli arc punctually paid, well lodged, and well furnished with arms and cannon in great abundance and of. the very best quality. All these facts would make ifc appear to be highly improbable that the Papal Government would undertake an enterprise so little -likely to succeed. . The advocates of this Government, however, maintain the probability of a French occupation of Ancona, so as to put a larger force at the disposal of the Pope, arid the return of the Duke of Modena with Austrian troop 3 in the uniform of bis own house. Leaving, however, such speculations, which, if ever verified, will greatly compromise the Emperor of-the French, ; that which I can assure you to be positive is that 1 the Pope within the last few days, speaking with a ;person admitted to his confidence on'the critical ;. position in which he was placed, observed—" Cardi- '; nal Antonelli is to be blamed for all;'it is wished ito change the Secretary of State. I would do so, j'ebut what is to be done; none of the. Cardinals will I accept the office." This is true enough. Cardinal : della Genga, who was present, said—" He who is the cause of his misfortunes must weep .by himself; let him who placed himself and us in these difficul- ; ties think of the best way of getting out of them." :. The Pope added—"lt is wished that I should give a Constitution; I would do so, but how can I without running the" danger of seeing Eome inundated with my enemies through the deputies who would be elected in the provinces? It is desired also to give effect"to the project of Portici—that of sending five Cardinals is'legates aiutere, tlms dividing the state into five large compartments, destroying the system of centralisation, and rendering the provinces'inde"~ pendent of Eome: But how"can this be done how that a new and a large debt has been incurred? We have no means of providing for the dignity of these five Courts of the Legations, and for all the new exigencies which would be created by these institutions." The observations of the Pope were so confidential that the person addressed had the courage to remind his Holiness of the danger of preserving the Cardinal Antonelli in power, who has. fallen into such discredit both at home and abroad. "I know it, I know it," said the Pope. "He himself only now was regretting to me the injuries which the foreign press published against him in journals and in pamphlets, and I did not conceal from him that the conduct of. his brothers, notorious for their acquisition of wealth, had procured for him and preserved many enemies.' But the Cardinal continues to say that he has nothing in common with his brothers, and that were he to attempt to restrain them it would be only giving confirmation to stories which are false. I was compelled to be silent," said the Pope, " for he is blinded by the interests of his family."' Erom this discourse, which is true, it results that the Pope has himself good intentions, that he has not decided, cor is he in a way to decide, on any step, that Antonelli has rendered himself necessary, and that the clerical despotism of this unhappy Staters: likely to continue. .■•■"■

,The 'Monitore di Bologna' denies in the most, formal manner, and with justly indignant emphasis, the infamous calumnies of the priestly, and legitimist Press with regard to certain alleged acts of violence committed by the patriotic party, particularly the assault on a convent at Vemicchio, the assassination of two priests, and the murder of a Bolognese nobleman in his own house. All these stories are declared by the organ of the patriotic Government to be "impudent falsehoods;" and the clerical Press is challenged to give names and dates. So much for the veracity of the organs of his Holiness and the right divine. Now let us read what, a letter from Rome, in the ' Univers,' contains for our edification ? ; ; • Sonic persons have from evil designs endeavoured to spread the" rumour that the Holy Father is seriously ill; but your readers will learn with pleasure that the general health of the Pope is in nowise affected by the complaint' in the leg which for some time past has forced him to take repose. 'His sojourn at Castel Gondoffo, where the air is excellent, will, it is hoped soon restore him to his usual avocations. The ceremony in Ifonour of the Most Holy Virgin has just been celebrated according to ancient custom in the beautiful church of Santa Maria del Popolo, in presence of the cardinals, prelates, and magistrates now; at Eorhe. Although, small, this church is decorated with a richness and taste worthy of the pity of the faithful towards the Mother of God. Pinturicchio ornamented it with paintings full of grace and poetry; Baphael designed it in a chapel surmounted by a cupola, and placedia it a piece of sculpture by himself; Maratta, Caravaggio, and Carrachi, have in it pictures more brilliant than pious; and Bernini has placed in it some laboured pieces of sculpture by the side of the chaste productions of Sansovino. According to tradition, Pope Pascal II founded the church of St. Mary, in order to free the people from some phantoms and nocturnal visions, which were said to be produced by the corpse of Nero, who was buried, as Suetonius relates, in the hill now called Pincio. In recalling to mind the tradition, I could not help thinking •that if this ghost of the infamous Emperor no longer comes to torment the Bomans, his. spirit seems to have ' descended on the. present race of revolutionists. What, for example, has Mazzini to envy in Nero? -

The ' Univers' hardly appears to be so happy as usual in its comparison of Mazzini to Nero. The last of the Roman triumvirs has his faults, and grave ones, as a political leader, no doubt; but there is no analogy between the misguided republican patriot, and the Emperor who fiddled while Eorne was burning. We think the 'Univers' might have found a closer analogy without venturing so far to seek for it.