EUROPE AND AMERICA.

West Coast Times, Issue 367, 26 November 1866, Page 2

EUROPE AND AMERICA.

(l-'ROX THE LOSDOtf COBKEgrOXDEST OT THE AV.OVS.) PRUSSIAN RKCONSTRUCTION. The Prussian troops returning to Berlin have made their triumphal entry into tho capital. For two whole days the city abandoned itself to festivities. Cannon taken from the enemy lined one portion of the streets, addresses and laurel wreaths were presented to the King, and there were all the usual formalities and decorations of such an occasion, combined with an enthusiasm that befitted the greatness of the victories achieved. A grand service of thanksgiving was held in the largest of the public squares, at which the court, the foreign ambassadors, the members of the Diet, and a crowd of distinguished personages attended ; wounded soldiers occupied benches before the altar, and detachments from the dilferent regiments were present. " Such moments," says the King in proclamation thanking * the magistrates of Berlin for the reception accorded, " bind together still more firmly that which was united before, for they place in an even clearer light that object we pursue unanimously, perseveringly, and in a self-sacri-ficing spirit, namely, the welfare of the Fatherland." An amnesty for political oilences has been announced and numerous promotions awarded und orders distributed. Count Bismaik, who has been seriously ill, so much so that rumours of a threatening kind have been floating about in spite of the remonstrances of his physicians, rode with the troops, and has been raised to the rank of general, aud appointed commander of the Landwehr regiment. Meanwhile, we have the statistics of the loss sustained by the army in its recent combats. LOSSES IK THE WAB. The total loss of the Prussians during the campaign is stated to be 21,989, of whom 2816 are reported killed, 6lhß severely wounded, 10,131 wounded, and 2925 mi6t,iiig. Of Austrians, on the other hand, the men who were killed, or who died of their wounds, are numbered at 10,000, and the wounded who still survive at about 25,440, of whom nearly half remain in the Prussian hospitals. By the terms of peace, on our side were i - cleascd 523 Austrian officers, and 35,036 rank aud file, to which will presently be added 13,000 more, as soon as their wounds admit of their removal. On the other side, Austria gave up seven Prussian officers and 450 noncommissioned officers and men. Thus, the proportion of Austrian to Prussian prisoners is rather more than eighty-three to one, aud the total Austrian loss is estimated at 90,000.

TilE TREATY Or PEACE. The ratifications of the treaty cf peace wcro exchanged on the 1 ist day of August, and the terms are substantially the same as the preliminaries signed at Nikol&burg in July. It is noticeable that, by one provision, the northern parts of Schleswig are to be restored to Denmark, if the people declare their wish so to bo re-united by a free vote. With all the minor States involved in the conflict peace has also been formally concluded, excepting with Saxonj', where there has been feome difficulty. The Prussian Government, while allowing lo Saxony her territotial rights, has insisted on the absolute control of the Saxon army, thus reducing the kingdom to a nominal power ; and it is now said to require the surrender' of the fortress of Konigstein as a condition of definitive negotiations. It has been supposed that the pld King will abdicate lather than reign thus shorn of his sovereignty. , Eveut3 move quickly under Count Bismark's superintendence, and delays cannot long avert the decision he may decree. The Prussian Parliament has wisely abstained from lengthened discussion on the Annexation Bill, which has passed the Lower Chambers by an overwhelming majority. But it is doubtful if German unity can be bounded by thg Main. Thife have been demonstrations in favor of union with Prussia in Baden, Wurtemburg, and even in Bavaria. It is characteristic of the under-current that, although in Bavaria the Upper House of Parliament indignantly rejected the suggestions, the Lower House, in giving assent to the treaty of peace, recommended the closest union for all military purposes with the North German Confederacy. A SPEECH BY BISMABK. Count Bi3iuaik, in an important speech^ has told the Berlin Chamber of Deputies that the task of Prussia is not finished. "Look at the attitudes of the various Governments," said the Prime Minister, " towards the institutions which we have to create. Amongst some it is quite satisfactory. Others show repugnance, but it is certain that you will scarcely find iv Europe a power which receives with favor the constitution of this new Germau union, which is not endeavoring to participate iv the formation of this organisation were it only for the purpose of procuring for one of the most powerful confederates like Saxony the possibility of playing the same part which she did heretofore. '•'• The Prussian Chambers have passed the Act of Indemnity, and agreed to vote the expenses of the war. THE COST OF TUE V AjV. The cost of the war to frussia is estimated at about seventeen millions sterling, of which nearly half will be repaid by the states and countries she has overrun. The committee of the Prussian Assembly have not been so complaisant with regard to the Loan Bill of the Government. The Finance Minister wants to issue 60,000 thalers (L 9,000,000) in treasury notes ; and the committee recommend that bonds should be issued for only one-half the amount required by hini^ and wishes td make these redeemable in one year. The Government declines this proposal, and should the full Chamber adopt the recommendation, there are rumors that the Parliament, although just elected, will be again dissolved. It seems so impolitic thus immediately to renew the conflict between the people and the Crown, that [ incline to discredit the report. rower or vrwce. The Emperor Napoleon has meanwhile again vindicated his sagacity by the issue of a diplomatic circular— one of the most remarkable papers which have yet issued from his Foreign Office— in which, with great skill and breadth of thought, he conceals the loss of influence which France has sustained, expounds anew his policy, and justifies it to the wounded pride of his countrymen. The Auxere speech, and the significant intimations in his famous letter, addressed to M. Drouyn de Lhuys — whose recent retirement from office excited much speculation — are alike conveniently ignored ; and as he easts again the horoscope of Europe, new views rise before him, and the future assumes a reassuring aspect, in which the aspirations of France may fiud legitimate rest. IJI reviewing the advantages which France has gained by the war, the Emperor places prominently the fact that " the coalition of the three Northern Courts "is broken up. " The new principle that governs Europe is freedom of alliances. All the great powers are restored to the plenitude of their independence, to the proper development of their destinies. Prussia enlarged, free henceforth in all solidarity, assures the independence of Germany. France should take no umbrage at that. Proud of her admirable unity, of her indestructible nationality, she ought nob to oppose or to reject the work of assimilation which has just been accomplished, nor to subordinate to jealous feelings' the priuciple of nationality which she represents and professes in respect of peoples. The national sentiment of Germany being satisfied, her uneasiness is dissipated, her enmities disappear. By imitating France, she has taken a step iouwas us and not from us. 1 ' Lurther, he argues that " a Europe more strongly constituted, rendered more homogeneous by more precise territorial divisions, is a guarantee for the peace of the continent, and is neither a danger nor an injury to our nation." In memorable words he declares that " the greatness of our country does not depend upon the weakening of neighboring peoples, and that he sees no balance of power save in the satisfied wishes of the powers of Europe." " This nation," he says, will shortly reckon more than 40,000,000 of inhabitants ; Germany, 37,000,000, of which 29,000,000 are in the Northern Confederation, and ; 8,000,000 in the Southern Confederation ; Au&tria, 35,000,000 ; Italy, 26,000,000 ; Spain, 18,000,000. What is there in this distribution of European forces which can disquiet us?" France can only desire those territorial aggrandisements which will not affect her coherent power. In , conclusion, the Emperor, while regarding the horizon as " cleared from all menacing eventualities," intimates that the great lesson of the war is the necessity of perfecting without delay, the military organisation of France. This circular has produced a deep impression, and is generally accepted as satisfactory. MOVEMENTS IN ITALY. The Italians are still smarting under a souse of wounded piidc. The letter of the Emperor Napoleon to Victor Emanuel on the cession of Venetia has, from its tone of patronage, given almost universal offence. The declaration of the Imperial purpose " to restore Venice to itself, so that Italy should be free from the Alps to the Adriatic — repeating tbe old familiar phrase —so manifestly implies a gift, rather than a conquest, that it is not compensated by the following statement, that " mistress of her own destinies, Venetia will soon be able to express her will by universal suffrage.*' The irritation

of tho extreme party has been most strongly suppressed by Mazzini, who most bitterly reproaches his countrymen for their acquiesence in these arrangements, ami refuses to avail himself of the permission to return to an Italy so basely constituted. Meanwhile negotiations, although not yet completed, are proceeding more satisfactorily. General Menaltrea has had difficult work at Vienna. The Prussian Government, however, has acted loyally towards its southern ally ; and by its pressure facilitated the conclusion that at one time seemed doubtful. Austria appears to have insisted that Italy should not only take upon herself the LombardoVenetian debt, but also a proportionate share of all the debts incurred by the Empire, of which the population of Venetia formed a part ; but this demand has been met with a compromise, by which the Italians consent to pay a round sum of L 73,000. As regards the frontier of the Trent district it has been agreed that Italy shall have Riva, and all the northern shore of the Lake of Garda, but she will lose ground on the mountain passes above Bergamo, Brescia, and Vicenza. THE SICILIAN KfSOKBECTION. From these discussions attention has been diverted by an interlude of " insurrection 1 ' in Sicily. The brigands came down in great force from the mountains, and mustering by night some 2000 htrong entered the town of Palermo. In their first onset they were able to secure some important positions in the narrowest and most crowded wards of the city. Seizing the suburbs through which the road to Messina runs, the} 7 succeeded in isolating the town, so that it could only be com tnunicated with by sea. The Royal troops held their ground, and as soon as the intelligence reached Florence fourteen battalions were despatched to their assistance, bur accounts from the scene of disturbance are still imperfect, but we hear that the brigands have again retreated, and that a considerable number have been made prisoners. They are said to have raised a cry for the restoration of monasteries, and the whole affair looks like a reactionary plot, hatched by the priests, who have come too late into the field. Sic ; ly is a land of monasteries; Palermo alone still contains thirty- one within her walls, besides twenty -four nunneries; and their open-handed charities have secured them a certain measure of favor with the vagi ant classes. The island, also, has of recent years suffered from tue gathering within its borders of Garibaldian adventurers, whose presence has tended to disturb the country, and weaken the force of the authority. Another element of discord was introduced bj the new law of conscription, from which the people had uuder the old ret/ime enjoyed a long immunity ; when it was enforced hundreds of idle youths sought to evade it. and taking refuge amongst the woods and hills, along with escaped criminals, resorted to brigandage for a subsistence. The suppression of the monastic bodies may have Drought them new allies, and has, at least, afforded a pretext for violence ; but the movement is not woithy the name of insurrection, which has been give to it; and must speedily collapse. The national guard at Messina and other towns, have offered their services for its suppression ; and several cities of Sicily have voted addresses of loyalty to the King. TIIE EASTERN QUESTION. Just as the sky is brightening over "Western Europe ominous looking clouds are gathering in the East. No sooner are the Italian question and the German question getting comfortably settled than the everlasting Eastern question is again becoming troublesome. While the treaties of 1815 are torn to tatters with the consent or the connivance of most of the great powers, it is. not likely that Russia will long endure the galling restrictions imposed upon her by the ten-year-old treaty of Paris. Indeed, there are several significant signs that Russia, emboldened by the example of Prussia, is preparing to snap these diplomatic withes, and try her venture cure more on the banks of the Bosphorus. Great movements of Russian troops are taking place in Poland. 40,000 men are to be reviewed by the Grand Duke Nicholas, and after the inspection will be directed en masse towards the East, where they will take up their war quarters. Enormous quantities of coal are being accumulated for the use of the fleet in the Black Sea, and there is a talk of a cruise in the Bosphorus, to be made by the Russian nay}'. A writer in the '•Patiie" asserts that, in spite of treaty provisions, this fleet, built under the rose, will enter the Mediterranean. The pretext will be that of going to meet a war squadron which America proposes to send into those waters. This tallies well with ether facts and rumors. A short time since some American officers crossed the Atlantic to congratulate Czar on his escape from the dagger of the assassin. These republican representatives have been feted and lionised by the high officers of the autocrat, and the two parties have for weeks past been swearing eternal fiiendship in almost every city of the empire ; and all this has been done with so much ostentation and affectation of undying regard that the attention of Europe has been unavoidably attracted. There was evidently a meaning to those demonstrations, and several Russian organs have kindly undertaken to expound it to all whom it may concern. The alliance between the great republic and the great despotism is spoken of with enthusiasm as natural, congenial and enduring, there being no conflicting iuterebts to generate alienation or dissension. As a mere sentiment no one of course conld complain of such a I'ftppi'ocliincnt, however, the incongruity of' this close friendship might surprise him. But we are distinctly given to understand that this alliance is to bo a practical matter. Although the Yankees insiht on the non-intrusion of Europeans in American affairs, yet it appears that Americans are not to be debarred from interfering in European politics. It is understood that, should the Eastern question come up in earnest, the United States' fleet will be found in the Mediterranean on the side of the agressor. An application has already Leen made by the Washington authorities for the sale or cession of an island and harbor in the Mediterranean for the use of American ships, a ; demand which has been very properly rejected by the French and English Governments. The alliance referred to, if really embodied an Act, is a menace to England. INSURRECTION IN CANDIA. There is every appearance that the Eastern question kits come up iv earnest. The Turkish empire is in the throes of dissolution. The subject races are rising in all quarters, and the Sultan and his advisers are at their wits-end. The most formidable trouble at the present time is the revolt of the Cretans. At first disregarded, this rebellion has grown to alarming proportions. Besides numerous skirmishes between the natives and the Turkish troops, a great battie has been fought, in which it was said that 60,000 or 70,000 were engaged" on the two sides. Accord-

insi to the last accounts,- tho Islanders achieved a decided victory over the Sultan's troops. The engagement took plae'e at Salino. Three thousand Egyptians were placed hnrs <h* combat, and the Pasha in command, with the remainder of tho forces, capitulated. The Cretans enpturcd a considerable quantity of munitions of war, several flags, and four guns. Telegrams this morning inform us that another combat has since, taken place near Mileka, in which the insurgents were defeated. Four districts are reported to have offered to submit to the Turkish authorities. The Imperial fovces in the island now amount to 00,000 men. bhould this success be confirmed, as soon as the tidings are disseminated there will be outbreaks in almost every part of the Ottoman empire. Already the fire is kindling. Through Thessaly and Epirtis, and in the mountains of Albania, so threatening a spirit prevails that the Turkish Govern ment has reinforced the garrisons in those districts, and has sent its ablest soldier, Omah Pasha, to Bosnii, to check any manifestations! among the Slavs. In the Lebanon, too, the olu feud between the Maronites has broken out with all its former bitterness, and the Government has got entangled with the quarrel. This distracting pre-occupation with his rebellious subjects has compel'ed the Sultan to compromise matters with the new ruler of the Danubian Principalities. He has surrendered nearly all his rights as suzerain to keep Prince Charles quiet. The neutrality of Montenegro has been purchased with ports and towns. Mean- j while, the young King of Greece is disposed to be troublesome. Visions of a Greek kingdom of glowing splendour float before his eyes. His ambitious thoughts have broken forth into rash words. He < claims to be " not King of Greece only, but of all the Hellenes." In the midst of this embroilment the " aick man*' knows not where to look for effective help or real sympathy. England and France will scarcely risk another war to keep the Turk in Europe; Russia is known to be the instigator of sedition and revolt among the Christian populations of Turkey ; and the Cretans have actually issued an appeal to President Johnson— of all potentates— to save " the native land of Jupiter and Minos " from its oppressors. [ HOMi: AND THE POPS. j AYhether those f<vo names will long I continue to be associated admits of considerable doubt. The Convention of September lo has come into partial force, and the future residence of the Holy Father is at present a subject of private negotiation and public discussion. Malta appears to be the favorite spot towards which expectation points; An envoy from the Vatican is on a visit to" England with a letter to our Queen, and diplomacy is unusually busy at Rome. Strange should the Pope take refuge among heretics ! There is nei d of haste, for two regime!: ts of French soldiers have already quitted the Holy City, and the evacuation is to be complete by the 9th of December. After that fiate, the Antibes Legion, consisting of about 12-30 volunteers, will be the only foreign force allowed for the defence of the Vatican. MEXICO. The fate of Mexico is still in suspense. One day Maximilian's abdication is mentioned as certain ; on another, a new scheme of military organisation is announced, and the names of the nominated generals and Ministers are proclaimed : a few days later the world is told that the French Government refuses to sanction the acceptance of the several posts. Thus are we puzzled. SOIiTH AMERICA. Paraguay, and her war with the Allies, headed by Brazil, has recently entirely passed out of European notice. But we have recently been startled nut of our indifference by news of an action in which the allied army was defeated with a loss of 280 officers, 800 men, and a considerable quantity of war material. The action commenced on the 16th of July, and, after a pause of one day, recommenced on the 18th. This is almost on the European scale, and shows that even semibarbarian empires and republics can threaten us with rivalry in our grand old civilised art of wholesale slaughteiing. The origin of the quarrel is forgotten b}' most of us. Uruguaj', under its late President Augirre, had a dispute with Brazil, which espoused the cause of Geane Flores. an aspirant to the chief magistracy, Paraguay supported Aguirre ; but whe-n the Brazilians, in February, 18G5, violently deposed the latter and set up Flores, Uruguay entered into a league with Brazil and the Argentine Confederation against Paraguay. The odds have certainly been heavy, but Paraguay at present seems to have the best of it. TENIANISM. Since the discovery of some combustibles and warlike stores in a house at Liverpool, in the early part of the month, we have heard nothing of Feuianism. That plague, it may be hoped, is well nigh stamped out at home. In America, however, the conspirators are still plotting, threatening, and demonstrating. The Canadian authorities are uneasy and vigilant, and the Imperial Government have very properly strengthened their hands, by sending out military i enforcements. There were already in C;tnada two brigades of artillery and eleven batallions of infantry. To this force. hr>ve now been added another brigade of artillerj', a regiment of cavalry, and three batallions of infantry, making altogether a force of 10,000 men. Even Mr Gohlwiu Smith has not protcbted against this succour rendered to the bi'ave, self-reliant colonists, in anticipation of an invasion incurred solely iv consequence of their connexion with the British Empire.

AVhat Next? — Amongst other ingenious contrivances, the " Scientific American ' mentions that, " a scientific way of lighting pipes and cigars lias been recently introduced in Paris under the name of poudre defeu. It consists of pyrophorous, which is preserved, in a small tin case with narrow orifice. "When a little of this black powder is poured out on the end of a cigar or on the tobacco iv a pipe etem, and then gently breathed upon, it becomes incandescent, and is in a condition to liglit said pipo or cigar."