forrign ant( Colonial.

frantr.—The Swiss question still occupies diplomacy. Little that i new on that head has been published. It is said that in reply to the pro- posals of France, England consents to adopt as basis of the conference Article 92 of the final act of Vienna, which refers to the neutralization of the districts of Chablais and Faucigny. England only accepts the proposed Conference on condition of being at liberty to make any suggestion which may appear to her most favourable for efficaciously guaranteeing the neutrality of Switzerland. The Federal Council is very active, and is said to be anxious for the speedy meeting of the Con- ference. They pertinaciously insist; in opposition to M. Thouvenel, that North Savoy was neutralized in the interest of Switzerland, and have..., published some remarkable papers derived from the records of 1815, in support of that view. A report that Frenchmen were maltreated in Switzerland turns out to be incorrect. Prince Napoleon has appeared akr Geneva.

The Morning Post correspondent at Paris, says that "the relations ofe France and Denmark are more intimate since the arrival of the new Danish Minister, who is reported to have received instructions to form' an alliance of friendship in order to secure the support of France, if nee misery, in the Schleswig-Holstein affairs as opposed to Prussia and England." The Moniteur has announced that the Superior Council of Commerce, which has been appointed to make investigations relative to the execution . of the Treaty of Commerce with England, assembled on Monday last, and will in future regularly meet three times a week.

The Moniteur has also published an Imperial decree law passed by the Legislative Chambers. for abolishing, and r other promulgatingt= cases modifying, the duties hitherto levied on cotton, wool , an articles of primary necessity used in manufactures. The import-duty on

cotton and wool imported into France in French shipping is abolished ; that imported in foreign shipping is to pay a duty of 3 francs the 100 kilogrammes. Cotton and wool imported into France by land is likewise to pay a duty of 3 francs the 100 kilogrammes. Gum imported from Senegal and India in French vessels is to be free ; from other places it is to pay 3 francs the 100 kilogrammes, and when imported in foreign ves- sels 5 francs the 100 kilogrammes. Sarsaparilla imported in French vessels from countries beyond Europe is to be free of duty ; from other places to pay 2 francs the 100 kilogrammes, and when imported in foreign vessels 4 francs the 100 kilogrammes. The same regulation applies to turmeric, saffron, and potash. Cochineal is free when imported in French vessels from countries beyond Europe ; from other countries it is subject to 10 francs the 100 kilogrammes, and when imported by land or in foreign shipping to 15 francs the 100 kilogrammes. Indigo imported in French shipping from India or from the countries in which it is grown is free of duty; from other countries it is subject to 25 francs the 100 kilogrammes, and when imported by land or in foreign shipping to 28 francs the 100 kilogrammes. The premiums at present granted on the exportation of cotton and woollen threads and cloths are abolished. They will, how- ever, continue to be paid for two months from the date of the bill on the exportation of cotton and woollen thread; for three months on the ex- portation of cotton cloths ; for four months on cloths manufactured of combed wool ; and for five months on the exportation of milled woollen cloths. The bill took effect from the 7th of May.

There will be 40,000 troops in the camp at Chalons, under the Duke of Magenta. Defensive works on an extensive scale are still carried on with great activity on the coast of Brittany and Normandy. The official returns show that the number of seamen inscribed in the maritime in- scription is 68,000.

Stalg• —King Victor Emmanuel returned to Turin on the 8th of

May, from his progress through his new dominions. He has been received everywhere with the greatest enthusiasm. At Bologna, forty priests chanted the Te Deum, but the superior clergy kept aloof. The Archbishop afterwards personally explained to the King that he intended no disrespect; he acted in obedience to orders from Rome. The rain spoiled the festivals at Bologna. The King returned to Turin by way of Modena and Parma, being greeted at the latter place by real spring weather.

Garibaldi and Robandi, protesting against the acts of fraud and vio- lence perpetrated in Nice, to procure the vote of annexation, have re- signed their seats in the Piedmontese Chamber.

It is now said that the Sardinian Government has agreed not to object to the claim of the Pope to call Neapolitan soldiers to his aid. The Pope appeals to the Roman Catholic world to subscribe for a loan of 50,000,000 francs at 5 per cent. There are no signs of the departure of the French. It is said that 1000 Iriah recruits have left Trieste for An- cona!

Little has been heard of late of the state of the insurrection in Sicily, but it is evidently not put down. There are rumours of insubordination in the King's army. The large force does not seem able to move safely far from the towns. The gaols are full. The wives and families of officials continue to quit the island. It is said, but on doubtful autho- rity, that Prince Casteleicala lately wrote thus to his Government, that :—

" The insurrection gains ground every day, and has become so powerful that my position is very difficult. I have everything to fear both from the people and the troops, and I cannot answer for being able to hold out much longer."

The most striking fact reported is that of the departure of Garibaldi with 3000 men, 20 guns, and a large fund for Sicily. The story is that he has evaded the vigilance of the Sardinian Government, and has gone to Sicily against their will and protest. But he has the money, the arms, and the sympathies of the Italian people. Some surmise that Garibaldi will land in Calabria. The Neapolitan Government have sent troops to that province. In a letter published in the journals, Garibaldi says It is the duty of all to encourage, aid, and to augment the number of i combatants against oppression. It s not the insurrectionary party in Sicily whom we are assisting, but Sicily herself, where there are enemies to contend with. It was not I who advised an insurrection in Sicily ; but from the moment that our Sicilian brethren threw themselves into the struggle I considered it my duty to assist them. Our battle-cry will be, Italy and Victor Emmanuel !"

The following is the text of a proclamation said to have been ad- dressed by Mazzini to the Sicilians :—

" Sicilians—When I, almost thirty years ago, inscribed on the banner of Young Italy the word ' Unity , when I said that a popular insurrection might expel Austria from Lombardy and overthrow the thrones of the des- pots of Florence, Rome, and Naples, practical men laughed at me for think- ng of impossible dreams, and declared as a Utopian scheme that which s now the most ardent wish of every Italian in the political unity of that peninsula. Facts have justified my assertions. The revolutions of 1848 have proved that not a throne, even when supported by foreign bayonets, could stand against the will of the people. The events which have taken place in Italy during the last twelve months clearly show that unity will be no longer a dream, but a reality, when the people who still groan in chains give a strong and fresh impulse to events, and resume a vigorous initiative. "Sicilians, be you the first. Show that you have not degenerated since the days of your ancestors. Revolution is permanent in Sicily, says old Europe.; let it be once more right, and let this time be the last. Let in- surrection spread from one end to another of your island. Fight like heroes, as you are in the habit of doing, and you will be victorious.

"The government of the Bourbons having been broken down, we will proclaim that which Central Italy has already chosen—the only one that eon be called Italian, that of the brave and gallant King. Let us, therefore, inscribe on our banners the word Annexation.'

"Before being a republican I was in favour of unity, for it appeared to Me that a republic alone could lead to it. I was mistaken. Victor Emma- nuel made Italy progress towards that object ; he will lead her to it if the people will assist him. I thus sacrifice old ideas to old principle; and with you Sicilians, and with all the other people of the Italian peninsula, who will henceforth form only one nation, with you I cry, 'Long live Victor Emmanuel, King of Italy !'

"Sicilians, the hour has struck. In the name of Italy, to arms!

"JOSEPH MAZZINI."

An eye-witness, writing from Genoa, May 6, to the Daily News, gives the only authentic statement that has yet appeared touching Garibaldi 's, expedition :— Garibaldi and two thousand two hundred volunteers embarked last night at 12 p.m. Three steamers were lying in the offing, to which they were conveyed in detachments from various points along a range of four or five miles of coast. The scene at the Fore, near Genoa, was exciting in the extreme. Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, and the semi-reserve with which the movements of the expeditionary force had been invested, nearly 5000 persons of all ranks flocked to the beach to bid the gallant ad- venturers good speed. Genoa gave 200 of her best marksmen from the Bocieta del Tiro Nazionale ; the rest were from all parts of the peninsula, as the dialects you heard on every side, in the medley of cheers and leave- taking, amply testified. As usual with Garibaldi's volunteers, they were of every grade and calling—nobles, soldiers, artists, physicians, down to pea- sants and workmen, all young and vigorous, and perfectly aware that with such a leader no child's play lies before them. A few were lads of only fifteen or sixteen. They were all in plain clothes, but their uniforms, with arms, ammunition, &c., were already on board ship. They are to wear the- scarlet tunic so identified, in the Neapolitan's imagination, with GraribaldPrs successes over them in 1849, when the mere sight of one of the red diavoli used to inspire panic."

Cutgarg.—M. Deak, Minister of Justice in 1848, has had an in- terview with General Benedek, and frankly stated his views. The Ge-

neral has gone to Vienna to consult the Emperor. The Hungarians say that they will be satisfied with nothing but the old constitution. They require :-

"I. 1. The restoration of the Constitution, and the reunion of the Banat and Voivodina with the present kingdom of Hungary ; 2. The coronation

of the Emperor at Pesth as King of Hungary; ana 3. The nomination by the monarch of a Palatine, who shall be one of three persons chosen by the nation."

A remarkable letter has been inserted in an official paper at Pesth, boldly saying that Hungary must be convinced of the sincerity of the Imperial Government before she accepts the proposed restorations.

The service for the repose of the soul of Count Szechenyi at Pesth, was a grand demonstration. The Primate of Hungary came expressly to officiate ; the catafalque was guarded by 300 students ; the church was crowded with the great and noble, and 80,000 people collected out- side. The students and the crowd went to thank the Primate. A simi- lar compliment was paid to the sons of the deceased statesman.

6111118114.—The Prussian Ministry has asked for extraordinary sup- plies for military purposes. A committee has reported in favour of the grant. In the sitting of the 5th of May, in answer to a question, M. de Schleinitz said that the Prussian Government does not coincide with the views of M. von Vincke, in reference to the Federal Diet. Prussia does not consider the organ of the German Confederation as merely existing, but as having a right to exist. In the same sitting Baron von Schleinitz stated that questions had' been addressed to him from two different quarters as to whether an alliance already existed, or would be concluded under certain emergen- cies, between Prussia and Austria. The Baron declared, in reply, that no such alliance existed.

It is reported that Count Apponyi has declined to be a member of the new Austrian Council of State.

Baron Bruck has left but little property. He had to borrow money to pay the first instalment of the purchese money of his estate in Slavonia. A telegram from Vienna says, that "in temporarily relieving the late Baron von Bruck from his functions as Minister of Finance, the Emperor had no other object than to insure the free course of justice. The idea that the Baron was directly or indirectly compromised in the affair of General Eynatten never entered the mind of his Majesty. In the in-

terim, therefore, he replaced Baron von Bruck by provisionally appoint-

ing M. von Planer to the charge of the Ministry. Now, however, that Baron von Bruck is dead, M. von Planer definitely remains as his suc- cessor. One of the principal reforms which M. von Plener, in con- junction with his Ministerial colleagues, is about to effect, consists in a proposal to reestablish the Ministry of Commerce and of Public Works, which in August, 1859, had been united with the Ministry of Finance."

IUSS1 8.—A Marseilles telegram mentions a report current in Con- stantinople to the effect "that 45,000 Russians were collected upon the Pruth. It was also reported that the Porte had assembled a corps d'armee of 30,000 men at Widdin. A change in the Ministry was still expected."

A gm.—The Count of Montemolin and his brother have been set at liberty, and have sailed for Cette, in France. The French papers have published the text of the instrument whereby these two worthies re- nounce all claim to the throne of Spain. They do not intend to make any more attempts to possess it, and they do not desire any one to at- tempt it in their name. Any one who does so will be held to be an enemy of their honour and reputation. The Legitimists deny the authen- ticity of the instrument.

Marshal O'Donnell being once more at the seat of Government, the rumours of a change of Ministry have ceased to prevail.

111 1 1.—The fuller despatches of the Bombay mail furnish some interesting information. The agent for Central India, as proxy for Lord Canning, has been received in full durbar at Indore, and has presented a splendid killut to the Maharajah. The ex-King of Bareilly, Khan Bahadoor Khan, suffered on the 24th of March the full penalty of the law for the murder of so many of our countrymen, on the very spot where he raised the Mahometan green flag of rebellion, in the presence of thousands of all classes and creeds. The gallows was erected in the main street, near the Jumma Musjid Temple. The prisoner was escorted from the gaol to the scaffold by a company of the 42d Highlanders and some military police, and the enclosure around the gallows was kept by the Highlanders. The warrant for execution was then read to the culprit, and on the mention of having sanctioned the murder of Europeans, the Khan said, "I have killed a thousand dogs, and would, if I could, kill a thousand more." He was hung with his back to the temple. Mummo Khan has been transported for life. Up to the 15th of March, the ryota in the indigo country had not been appeased. They had burnt one factory, and had been repulsed in an attack upon another with loss of life to themselves. The intelligence that a bill to enforce contracts was passing the Legislature is confirmed.

The Bombay correspondent of the Horning Peat sees foreign influence at work in Bntish India :— "The Lahore Chronicle has an article which says, that whilst the alien- ,' tion of Europe is concentrated on the movements of Louis Napoleon, the Pope, and the patriots of Central Italy, Russia has taken advantage of the moment to advance her own interests in Central Asia.' The Levant Herald also says that the Autocrat of Russia has pushed forward a corps d'armee in the direction of Bokhara.' A St. Petersburg official journal openly boasts of measures about to be carried out by the Czar for the destruction of British commerce in India. The Russians are building barracks at Ougunj; their officers are intriguing at Bokhara, which may ere long be occupied by them on the plea of protecting the Khan against the advance of Bost Mo- hamed. It is an established fact, that during the most critical period of the late rebellion, a Russian mission, composed of a chief and twelve assistants, arrived at Herat, bringing rich presents for the chief of that city. They. spread themselves over the country, and proceeded to survey all the leading roads, making no secret of the prospect of an advance of a Russian army to- wards our Eastern empire. By the occupation of Ougunj they have se- cured the navigation of the Oxus, which is of no mean significance. Dost Mahomed alone has the power over the Affghans, and during the late crisis in India he was secured to our interests ; but he is an old man, eighty years of age, and at his death each of his many sons will claim to be his successor, which may create much confusion, during which Russia might think it a good opportunity to step in."