CONTINENTAL NEWS.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 358, 29 March 1861, Page 2

CONTINENTAL NEWS.

Naples. The siege of Gaeta. Francis 11. having refused the proposals of surrender, and the armistice having expired on the 19th, Admiral Barbir Detinan with the remainder of the French fleet left the waters of Gaeta on that day, and were replaced by Admiral Fersano and the Italian squadron, fourteen in number, on the 20tb.

The Sardinian admiral at once declared the blockade of Gaeta, and announced that he would allow the inhabitants a few hours' time to leave the city. All the foreign vessels have left the port. Francis 11. intends keeping the fortress some weeks yet, with the idea that Garibaldi will resume hostilities against Austria about Easter, and that then the invasion of Lombardy by the Austrians will force Ciaidini to raise, the siege, when his Majesty will be left master of the situation. The shells of the Piedmontese will probably decide the affair before then. There are some sanguine spirits who are sure that Gaeta will surrender by a fortnight at the least, and there are others who believe it will hold out for ten months to come, and Italy will not remain united for that time under the hand of Cavour. Garibaldi, in answer to a letter from Victor Emmanuel, is said to declare that he will not act without the King's full consent; recommending the reconciliation of parties, and expressed himself ready to act in political union with Count Cavour.

Sardinia is straining every nerve to increase her land and sea forces in the theatre of war in the South.

A treaty between Prussia and Austria, and Russia, is said to have been made, guaranteeing to Austria the possession of Venetia.