FRANCE,

Southland Times, Issue 609, 24 December 1866, Page 3

FRANCE,

Disquieting rumors prevail as to the Emperor's health, and on the 10th of October the Bourse was seriously depressed in consequence. One account hints that His Majesty's mind is affected. Serious apprehensions as to the state of his health are gaining ground. Other accounts conflict with the foregoing statement. The Duke Peisigny has addressed a in era oral to the Emperor to adopt a new policy, and recommends the issue of a loan of a milliard of francs for works of peace. This peaceful milliard, however, would include one hundred mi.lions for the conversion of muskets ; the rest to be devoted to the conversion of the Mexican loan into Government stock, assisting sufferers from the inundations, giving work to laborers, and especially providing for unforseen events. General Tleury recommends this scheme to the Emperor. There are rumors of Ministerial changes in France. They include the retirement of M. Fould and Marshal Eandon. A commitre has been appointed to study the reorganisation of the French army. The French squadron is preparing for sea, to bring back the troops from Borne. The Italian Government has been officially informed that the French troops are to leave Eome on the 15 th of December. The Cabiner of Florence is requested at the same time to take steps to prevent 1 any invasion of the Papal territory, now committed to the care of Victor Emmanuel. The ex-King of Naples, Francis 11., who has been staying at Home since his dethronement, has finally dissolved his Ministry, and leaves at the same time as the French army of occupation.