FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 803, 13 April 1853, Page 4

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

France. Paris, December 9. This day week witnessed the accomplishment of one of the most extraordinary events of modern times — the formal re-establishment sod proclamation of the Napoleonic Empire, with Monsieur Charles Louis Napoleon 111. On that Jay " bis Majesty (bless the mirk !) took his place among the crowned heads of Europe, and began reigning with absolute power over 35,000,000 subjects, and one of the finest territories in the world. He did so, and we are told in obedience to the national will, expressed by nearly eight million votes : and he will no doubt continue to do so until kicked out by a new revolution. That Europe does not entertain any great confidence in the maintenance of peace for a long time to come, is evident from the fact that Russia, Prussia, Austria, and even England herself, are making great military preparations. It is evident also, on the principle of coming events casting their shadows before, from the manner in which French people talk of an approaching war, I have more than once alluded to the rumours that were current of war being inevitable : well, it this moment these rumours are more than ever general, and appear to come from well informed sources. It is even said that the war will commence with an attempt to invade England, and that all the details have just been drawn up in a Council of Ministers. It may be remembered that the threegreat continental monarchies, Russia, Prussia, and Austria, entered into a treaty, or to speik more correctly, came to an understanding, in the month of May last, not to recognise Louis Napoleon in the event of hisjclaiming to be the beir of his uncle ; as such a claim would, tbey considered, be too flagrant a violation of the treaties which not only deposed the uncle from the throne of France, but declared that none of bis family should ever be allowed to ascend its throne again. Now, Louis Napoleon does claim to be the heir of his uncle, and has actually assumed the title of Napoleon 111. because his uncle was Napoleon 1., and his uncle's son was for the brief space of two or three days nominally Napoleon 11., in the Senatus Consultum by which he was elected Emperor — as also in the official documents, and in the official Moniteur. He has also issued a decree enacting that henceforth money shall be coined in the name of Napoleon 111. Thus then be to all intents and purposes arrogates the title of the tbird Napoleon. But it appears from announcements in Parliament by our Government that he has declared positively to it that he does not claim to be Emperor as heir of his uncle, but solely as the elect of the French people. It follows that what be does and says at Paris, is in direct contradiction to what he causes to be said at London ; (hot here be assumes a designation, which there he disavows. Bound by his representations, our Government, of course, has recognised him as Emperor : indeed, it would have done so, as a matter of course, if he had boldly called himself Napoleon HI., or Napoleon I. But it remains to be seen whether Austria, Prussia, and Russia, will be equally complying. Up to this moment they had not sent in their recognition of him, and considerable uneasiness is felt on that account. Austria, however, will no doubt for fear of consequences shut her eyes to the fact of one and the same man being Napoleon 111. heir of Napoleon 11., at Pkris, bnt not Napoleon 111. and not an heir at all — but a private gentleman elected on bis own account to the imperial dignity — at Vienna. Prussia perhaps will do the same thing. But it is considered very un- i likely that Russia will consent to be duped in the same way. The Czar is hcheval on monarchical principles, and on the respect due to treaties. Now, if Russia withholds her recognition, that is, breaks off diplomatic relations with France, it is very likely that the other two powers who look up to ber with some humility as the'r protectress, will sooner or later on some pretext or other follow her example : — and then who can tell how long the sword will remr.in sheathed ? The foreign Governments which have thus far acknowledged the new Empire, are Great Britain, the two Sicilies and Belgium. The ambassador of the two Sicilies did so with much unseemly haste — on the very day after the Proclamation by the Empire ; that is to say, before it was at all possible for him j to have received instructions from his Government by telegraph. This is ascribed to fear lest Bonaparte should receive the claims of bis cousin ■Murat to the throne of Naples." It had been expected that the new Empire would have been accompanied by some extensive measures of administrative and political importance. But none have yet appeared. The new Imperator has, however, not been unmindful of his accomplices in the atrocious coup d' 4tat. Count de Morny, his bastard brother, who acted as Minister of the Interior in the affair, has been promoted to the rank of knight Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, and General Magnan and Saint Arnaud, who superintended and executed the measures at Paris, and General Castellane who would have massacred at Lyons if the population had risen, have been created Marshals. But all these appointments are in direct violation of the law. The statutes of the Legion of Honour enact that every member must pass a certain time in the inferior grades before being raised to the highest- De Morny has not done that. The regulations of the French army and a positive law, declare that no General can be made a Marshal, who has not actually commanded an army in the field against a foreign enemy ; the three Generals promoted have not done that ; and the principal portion of their services is having murdered the citizens who, in December last, expressed their indignation at seeing the laws trampled under foot. But what, after all, is law and right to his Majesty Bonaparte ? Possessed as be is of absolute power, be would be foolish not to exercise it ; especially as th^e craven French are not only indisposed to blame him for so doing, but ever applaud him. P.S. There was a heavy fall in the funds yesterday, as there had been the day before, and a further fall is expected. Considering the anxiety which the Government feels to keep up prices, and the heavy expenses it incurs lor the purpose—this fact is not without gravity. Nothing up to this moment is knowo as to the recognition of the new Government by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Increased alarm is felt lest they should refuse tc acknowledge the title of Napoleon 111. O r rather to content themselves with the explanatioc respecting it which has been tendered by our Go* vernment. AH tbe talk last evening and this morning is about an article in a semi«offiua newspaper, and said to have been written. (I be-

lieve truly) by Napolean himself, demonstrating his historical right to be called (III.) from the fact that a Napoleon 11. actually reigned. December 17. — On Saturday, at 12 o'clock, the Senate met. M. Mesnard, the first Vice President, took the chair. The discussion opened on the Senates Consultum, relative to the civil list; but previous to the discussion, M. de Casabianca, ex- Minister of State, read the report which he had been ordered to draw up by (he committee. The document was not long ; but, short as it was, it drew forth the loudest marks of approbation. The question was then put from the chair, whether the report should be printed or not, and whether or not the discussion should be deferred to another day. It was decided that the discussion should begin at once. The Bill was then read clause by clause, and put to the vote by the President. Eigbiy senators took part in the vole on the p eject, and placed is many white balls in the urn. There ore in all ninety-two senators. The civil list of the Emperor was fixed at 25,000,000 francs. One senator was desirous of increasing the dota- 1 tion of the ex-King Jerome, tnd of bis son Prince Napoleon, to 2,000,000 francs ; but his wishes were thrown aside, end the original sum of 1,500,000 francs was maintained. Though put j down at 25,000,000 francs, the Imperial dota- j tion is to comprise the crown jewels and move i ables, the palaces and forests, the museums and factories of Sevres, Gobelins, and Beauvais. The ! revenues arising from the forests will add 3,000,000 francs a year to the civil list, and swell it to 28,000,000 francs. Under the first Empire, the furniture of the paltces was valued &t 40,000,000 francs ; but when the revolution of 1 830 broke out, it was reduced to 18,000,000 frtnes. The injuries done by the mob mtde a further reduction, and the royal goods and chattels were not woith more than 9,000,000 francs. His Imperial Majesty Napoleon 111., when President of the Republic, thought proper to confiscate the property of Louis Philippe, because the old King was guilty of bad faith. Louis Philippe's civil list was 13,000,000 francs only, and out of that sum he kept all the royal palaces in repair. Now the present Emperor cannot rraint&in the dignity of the Crown under a dotation of less than 28,000,000 francs, and, such being the fact, is it not quite manifest th«t Louis Philippe must have applied some part of his private fortune to make up the deficit of 15,000,000 francs? These sycophants of senators should not have been blinded by their zeal ; because, by allowing their judgment to be over ruled by their subserviency, they vindicate the personal honour and rectitude of the late King ; they stultify the acts of their own Emperor, and throw the charge implied by the decrees of confiscation of the Orleans property in the face of their imperial master. Such is the effrontery with which the most solemn acts of the empire are heralded to the community. Within the last two or three days, another audacious sign of what the Emperor desires has been presented to the consideration of all good Frenchmen. Jerome Bonaparte is no longer styled Marsbal Jerome, nor Prince Jerome — nay — nor even ex-King Jerome, but plain " King Jerome." Precisely in the same fashion Louis Napoleon Bonaptrte began his manoeuvres. First of all he was the President ; cnon he became the "Prince" President; then " His Imperial Highness the Prince President ;" and, at last, his strength having increased, he dubbed himself Emperor. In good time, Jerome Bonaparte will take to himself the title and privileges of King of Westphalia. There is, also, Prince Lucien Murat. He has been following the example of bis betters. Not only has he put in • claim of 20,000,000f. against the Neapolitan Government, but in the course of the present week, while speaking to a friend, be said, "Now that the Empire h«s been re-established, I don't see any reason why I should not be restored to the throne of my ancestors." The Emperor has backed his bill, and no doubt the money will be paid. Indeed 2,000,000 francs have been already handed over on account. Is there any reason why bis Imperial Majesty should not back his application for the Neapolitan sceptre. The Senate is still sitting, but unable to come to any definite conclusion as to the project of law relative to the modification of the Constitution. The Marquis d'Audifferet is most resolute in his opposition to the views and wishes of the Emperor. He inveighs with a valiant spirit against the vote on the Budget of the ministers, and insists on the necessity of accepting or rejecting financial questions with the utmost care. He will not have the rights of the Legislative Corps sacrificed. The Emperor had expressed hi« surprise at this opposition, and has admitted the embarrassment which it has caused him. — His Majesty had arranged to go to Compeigne, but he has resolved not to leave Parii before the Senate has yielded. Certain members of the senatorial body, who are devoted to the interests of his Imperial Majesty have been summoned to the metropolis. Marshall Castellan, who is at Lyons, has been sent 'or.

Italt. Our Roman correspondent, writing on the Bth December, describes the formalities of the proclamation of Napoleon 111. in Rome, on that morning, and the impression produced in the Papal court by it. The priests kept aloof from all rejoicing — the army was cold — Monsignor Amici was in disgrace on account of Poliii's eicape from prison. Hungarian soldiers were ' extensively shot at Ancona, for revolutionary demonstrations and desertion. On the 7th instant M. Tozzoli, a priest and professor in the Episco- ' pal Seminary, aged 39; M. Scarrellini, a butcher, aged 30 ; M. Canal, of no profession, aged 28 ; Dr. Zamhelli, a portrait painter, aged 28 ; and Dr. Poraa, apbysuiau, 29, Italian, who had been convicted of belonging to the revolutionary committees of Venice and Mantua, were hanged at Mantua. The editor of the Sferza, of Milan, has received notice that tbe appearance of any more arguments against the punishment of death will lead to the suppression of bis paper. Tbe Bishop of Turin has suspended a divinis a priest named Barrieo, who had moved in the municipal council the resolution in virtue of which the mortal remains of the late Abbe Gioberti were removed to Italy. On the same day (says the Gazetta del Popolo) the King sent Barreio the decoration of SS. Maurice and Lazarus.

Belgium. The French Emperor has abrogated the vindictive decree which enhanced the duties on Belgian coal. This announcement was made in the Belgian representative chamber on the 9th instant, by the Minister of Foreign Affair?. The minister Mated, that he had that day leceived a, idler from

the Duke de Bassano, the tenor of which was, that his Majesty the Emperor of the French, desiring to give a pledge of his desire to maintain friendly relations with the King of the Belgians and with Belgian), had decided that, on and after January 15ib, the additional duty levied upon Belgian coals and iron would cease to be levied, tn the same sitting of the chamber, the Minister introduced a Bill, in sanction of a convention signed that day at Brussels, between the French and Belgian Governments, of which the provisions were as follows: — " The ratification of the political and commercial convention of August 22, which was appointed for the 10th of this month, is adjourned. On the 15th of January, the convention of December 13, 1851, shall come again into vigour, and so remain until the negotiations for a definite treaty of commerce now proceeding, ond which are to be continued, shall have been concluded. The article allowing 12 ppr cent, for uaste on French salt imported iuto Belgium, is excepted from this arrangement, and the allowance is in future to be only 7 per cent."

Spain. Oo the Btb instant, a circular was Issued from the Minister of the Interior, to the effect that certain political meetings, having the character of electoral juntas, had been held in Madrid without the authority and supervision of the Government ; that these meetings, if permitted to be convened, would produce a state of excitement tending to the derangement of the ordinary course of affairs, and would exercise a moral force over the will of the electors ; therefore, the Queen, with the advice of her Council of Ministers, had ordered that in no part of the kingdom such meetings shall be permitted without the consent of the governors of the respective provinces. The object of this circular was to put an end to the assembling of the Moderate and Progresista parties. The members of these two political parties were desirous of forming themselves, preparatory to the approaching elections, into one electoral committee. The circular had its effect, for the Opposition could not obtain leave to meetDo what Senor Murillo will, the Cabinet will not last till March ; for, not only is the Opposition united, active, and determined, but the public mind is much excited. The young Queen bogins to see her errors, and to fear that ber popularity is declining. That she does not retain the good will of her subjects is obvious enough, and any man given to observation may mark the indication of unpopularity radiating from all parties, from Moderados and Progresistas of every possible hue. On the 7th instant the following decree made its appearance in the Gazette : — " In conformity with the proposal of my Council of Ministers, I hereby accept the resignation which Don Francisco Martinez de la Rosa has made of the charge of Vice- President of the Const jo Real. " Given at the Palace, 3rd Dec, 1852. " Is signed by the Royal hand. ; " Juan Bravo Murillo, " President of the Council of Ministers." Senor Bravo Murillo appears to be determined, therefore, to retain power by any means, howsoever ill-advised. General Narvaez has fallen under the displeasure of the President of the Council, and the gallant veteran has been commanded to proceed to Vienna for the purpose of studying the military archives of Austria and making in official report of them. Not more than forty-two hours were granted him to prepare for his journey. This polite extiadition of General Narvaez augurs confidence in the aimy ; hut Senor Murillo is not justified in putting his trust in the fidelity of the troops. If he persists in Vis illegal measures to revive the abuses of an absolute monarchy, the regiments will take the helm of state in their own hands, and arrange the present matter as they have arranged other matters. The people will not stir themselves in favour of, or against, Senor Murillo ; the revolution, if revolution there is to be, will be coufined to the court a d the camp. Neither will other countries intercede, for the condition of the Spanish Monarchy, whether influenced by good or opposed by ill, cannot, in any way, affect the political balance of Europe. For 100 years the national spirit has been trampled on alternately by domestic absolutism and foreign conquest. Civil war and anarchy have weakened and degraded the Government. At the present moment her colonies are discontented and ready to throw off the yoke of servitude ; her internal administration is corruptly carried on ; ber commercial integrity is gone ; her trade deteriorates day by day ; ber finances are without arrangement ; and, in short, she is utterly contemned by every state in Europe, though her resources are boundless, and her territories inferior only in their extent to those of England.