STATE OF EUROPE. [From the "Morning Herald." April 12]

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 554, 6 August 1851, Page 4

STATE OF EUROPE. [From t he "Morning Herald." April 12]

Bl J.GIVM. Bnvssris, Arim 9.— A petition has lately been presented to the Clumber relative to mercantile affairs, vbich will be of geneial inteicst to Germany. It appears that England is endeavouung in nn indirect way, to induce Belgium to give up the differential duty system, and thereby, aa far as possible, to constitute Antwerp English haibour. Immediately after the introduction of the new free trade bill into England, by which Belgian as well as other foieign goods would be admitted into England free of duty, a^Belgiai ship fiom the Ilavannah, with a cargo of sugar, arrived at Bustol, and by an order from London wa3 compelled to pay a duty of 20 per cent. The consequence was, that the English mci chants desired their agents in the colonies and other countiies not to ship their cargoes in Belgian vessels. This produced so great an effect, that while the mercantile maiitime trade of every other country with England had mci eased since Januaiy, 1850, that of Belgium had declined. The loss to Belgium is expected to extend still further upon Belgian produce, in consequence ol the repi isdls to -n bich the English government is empowered. Immediately after the instance above given of the reimposition of 20 per cent, customs' duty, the Belgian government remonstrated and stated that, by the Navigation Act of 1849, this duty had been abolished ; but neither Lord Palmeraton nor Mr. Labouchero would see it in this light. These various facts induce the supposition that England wishes to force Belgium to the abolition of the difFerenti.il duties. During the last few years the blockade of the noitliern ports has been injurious to the British maritime trade, and on this account it is desirous to have free ingress into Goimany by way of Antwerp, and for this purpose to effect the abolition of the differential duties. Such, at any rate, is the view taken of the question at Antwerp, and the morchants, &c, of that city hare accordingly petitioned the Ciainbers and the government to take the question in band, before Belgium shall be compelled thereto.— Belgium Paper.

Hoi.LIND. The I-lAcur, April 10.— The King bas convoked the members of the First Chamber to meet on the 24th April. The British government, through its ambassador at the Hague, has presented a gold medal to Captain Yon der Eb, of the brig St. George d'Elmina, for his philan tbropic and noble conduct to the crew of the British ship Norma, which vras wrecked on the west coast of Africa. — Dutch Papers, April 10.

France. Paris, Thursday Evening.— So many disappointments have occurred regarding the ministry, that until the matter be beyond doubt by an official intimation in the Momieur, all rumours however well founded, will be received with hesitation. It is, therefore, unnecessary, to repeat the stories which are flying about, the more particularly as they are contradictory. No ministry has as yot been definitely formed, but it is believed in some quarters that the principal difficulties hitherto in the way have been got over, and that before long a Cabinet will be completed. Tbe Duke and Duchess d'Aumale and the Prince de Joinville arrived on Tuesday at the chateau of Laeken, and yesterday tbey left Brussels for Naples. PAnia Bourse, Thursday, April 10. — The maiket remains in the same dull and inanimate state ; it may really be said to be " sick from hope deferred," with regard to tbe information of a ministry, and anything like speculation is at a stand-still.

The Lcva^ Mail. We Lave received by the Levant Mail Athena journals to the 28thultimoinclusively. They do notconfirm the news received by Triestie of the dissolution of tbe Chamber of Representatives, in consequence of a severe chock received by the ministry in the discussion on the elections ; but we find, by the report of the proceedings in the Chamber that the ministry had received more than one check, and that a dissolution was probable. As the news from Triestie gave no date for the dissolution, we cannot conclude from the journals that it has not taken place. We have had an exhibition of the articles intended for London. It took place in the extensn c buildings in the extensive buildings of the Board of Commerce. The Sultan, his Ministers, the Foreign Ambassadors, and the mercantile body, were invited by the commission to inspect the articles before their embarkment. There is nothing remarkable in the show, being, w ith few exceptions, such things as we daily soe at the bnznnv, but to an English eye the collection will be both pleasing and strange. There is a very large selection of &ilk stuffs, but the manufacture is rude and devoid of beauty. The Government silk factory, however, has turned out some beautiful specimens. The cloths are fine, but the prices are high. There are some most splendid specimens of sword-blades and fire-arms manufactured at Uskup. These will indeed excite cuiiosity. The embroidered stuffs, are rich and choice, especially those with gold laces. The carpeting of Melemen and Coniah is very good. I observed but (evr specimens of furs, cutlery, and pottery. Objects of painting and sculpture there are none; but on the contrary the products of the soil are numerous and of great interrest, and will be much noticed. The number of specimens is 4870, and the value about £50,000. The required space is about 5000 feet but on account of the carpeting it is probable that the commission will require additional wall space. All the ariicles will bo cmharked and ready for the steamer which leaves the 2nd of April. A number of young Turks belonging to the higher clais received permission fiom the Porte to visit the exhibition and spend a few months in London.