In general aspect the situation of certain important states has
somewhat changed since our last survey ; Prussia from her position as one of the Five Powers, Denmark and Sweden from their geo- graphieal position, attracting peculiar interest. Respecting Aus- tria, the very latest accounts represent that power as daily entering with more completeness and cordiality into the alliance. Specific facts illustrate this closer relation in a manner more emphatic even than professions : the courier conveying the latest despatches from London, who might perhaps have been refused admission into the Russian dominions on the strength of an English passport, travels with an Austrian passport ; and the Austrian Government has permitted the masters of Austrian merchantmen to charter their ships for the conveyance of French troops and materiel to the East.
The chief doubt now turns upon Prussia, whose King—after his wont—has shown signs of vacillation. It is affirmed, with some probability, that the Prussian Government has refused an applica- tion on the part of Russia to exclude the combined fleets of France and England from Passion harbours in the Baltic, and from ob- taining Prussian supplies ; a demand made on the score of old treaties, but rejected by Prussia. On the other hand, the Prussian Government appears to abide by a more passive and even equivo- cal neutrality. "For the present," says the Preussische Correspond- en:, " neutrality, and for the future mediation." What can that mean
Another report represents Sweden and Denmark as having re- ceived demands from Russia that they should abandon their neu- trality, and side with her, under threat of compulsion. Like most reports of the week, this remains under considerable obscurity, and the reply 'of Denmark is not yet stated. Sweden, it is said, has absolutely refused compliance, and is prepared with a fleet to sus- tain her independence, until such time as the arrival of the com- bined fleets shall give Russia enough work to do in the Baltic. Amongst the many barbed state papers which are flying about before the war, is one from Sir Henry Ward, warning the Greek insurgents that England will be against them, and the Greek Go- vernment that it will be held responsible for the acts of its sub- jects. The paper is regarded as one of Sir Henry's indiscretions ; and it may be so, but in fact and in effect what it sets forth is true.
In France there is not more to report than the progress in the growth of public feeling and in the preparations of the Govern- ment. The empressement with which the Legislative Body voted the proposed loan of 250,000,000 francs, and the carrying it up to the Emperor, imply a reviving ardour in French feeling at the prospect of a chivalrous enterprise. The Government meets with no obstruction in its plans ; the preparations for the transit of troops are carried on with activity ; and it is now said that the French force in Turkey will probably amount to ninety or a hun- dred thousand men.
