fortigu iini tolnnial.

putt—The lifoniteur of Thursday reports what took place at the Tuileries, when Prince Metternich presented his credentials to the Em- peror on Wednesday. The Prince said-

" Sire—The Emperor, my master, in deigning to appoint me his Am- bassador to your Imperial Majesty, particularly impressed upon me to con- vince you of the value he attaches to your personal friendship.

"Nothing could be more agreeable to my august master than to see com- pleted and consolidated more and more the relations of good understanding and intimacy with which the general interests of Europe are so closely con- nected.

"Happy and proud, on my part, should my careful endeavours tend to contribute to the maintenance of the most perfect intelligence between the two Governments, I beg of your Majesty to continue to show towards me that gracious goodwill of which you have already deigned to give me such precious proofs. "Trusting that your Majesty will respond to this hope, and continue to Show me the same kindness and confidence, I have the honour to present my credentials."

The Emperor replied- " I have the firm hope that the relations which have been so happily re- established between the Emperor of Austria and myself cannot but become more friendly by an attentive examination of the interests of the two coun- tries. Since I have seen the Emperor I attach a great value to his personal friendship. A sincere agreement between us will be facilitated, I doubt it not, by the choice he has made of a representative whose conciliatory spirit is well known, and who has as many claims to my confidence and to my esteem."

The Moniteur says that on Wednesday the Prince Jerome Napoleon was again attacked with inflammation of the lungs. His state was very :pave and causes serious apprehensions. The Emperor and the Empress have visited him.

The Prince of Orange, fresh from Vienna, where, it is said, he sought a bride, has been received by the Emperor Napoleon.

The Pays says that the Congress is now constituted in principle, and speaks of the unanimous adhesion of the Powers. This confirms re- ports that Naples and Rome, long delaying, have conic in at last.

The French Council of State is understood to be preparing a measure to reduce the tariff on articles of prime necessity. It is reported that Marshal Randon, Minister of War, has tendered his resignation.

La France Central°, published at Blois, has received a second warning, because it had the courage to protest against the first. This first warn- ing was given for an offence which the editor of the paper had not com- mitted!

1113triti Hat ilungarq.—The agitation in Hungary continues. The Protestants of Kcesmark held a meeting to reject the unsatisfactory concessions. The Government has determined, it is said, to prosecute 140 men who were present. The editor of the Pesti Rapt° was sum- moned and ordered to tell who supplied him with a report of the meeting which he published. Ile refused, and was sent to prison for a month. The Lutherans of Pesth, in defiance of authority, met and adopted a peti- tion praying the Emperor to suspend his patent, to do away with the impediments to the meeting of the " seignioral and district convents," and to stop the proceedings which had been instituted by the authorities against the members of the Evangelical Church "for having fulfilled their religious duties." After a twelve hours' debate the Seniorat of Neutra, the principal town of the Hungarian county of the same name, resolved to accept the patent of September 1st. Similar resolutions have been taken in two other places, but on the whole the Hungarian Pro- testants, whether Magyars, Slaves, or Germans, hold firmly together. Count Rechberg has so far condescended to take flout* of public opinion as to send a circular to Austrian agents abroad vindicating his proceed- ings in Hungary, which he calls liberal. The abducted Greek Bishop of Munkacs has come to light again; but he refuses to say who carried him off and what was done to him. The Paris correspondent of the limes furnishes the following statement to that journal. It is in a letter from Pesth, dated December 7. "A piece of news so extraordinary has reached the high political circles of this city that it is not without hesitation I venture to communicate it, and yet these circles have excellent means of obtaining the earliest and best information. The news is, that the Emperor of Austria contemplates abdi- cating the crown in favour of his son, a child born the 21st of August, 1858, and appointing as Regent his brother, the Archduke Maximilian, formerly Governor of Lombardo-Venetia. The reason assigned for the projected abdication is that the Emperor sees with dismay that Austria is going to wrack and ruin, and shrinks from the risk of figuring personally in history as the last of the Hapsburgs.' On the other hand, being an obstinate and wrongheaded young man, he will not consent to make the important con- cessions to the different parts of his empire, and especially to Hungary, by which alone the dangers now impending over Austria could, perhaps, for a time be averted. There is yet another reason, and that is, freed from the cares of government, his Majesty could devote himself with ardour to the two pursuits which form the passion of his life and the object of his highest ambition—the slaughter of game and the tailoring of the army."

The Imperial Law Gazette of Vienna publishes a decree ordering the payment of the interest on the National Loan falling due on and after the let January next, to be effected in silver, as formerly.

The Ilre.sden Journal gives the following analysis of Count Rechberg's despatch, which accompanied] the Austrian invitation to the Congress— "The Zurich treaty of peace, which the Congress is to crown, modifies some essential regulations in the treaties of Vienna, and it is for this reason that Austria has particularly insisted on the convocation to the Congress of all the Powers that signed the act of 1816. 4- The justice of this demand has been also acknowledged by France, and it may be hoped that the other Governments will see the matter from the same point of view. If it appears indispensable to admit also the Plenipo- tentiaries of Some, Sardinia, and the Two Sicilies, the respect due to the rights of the princes equally imposes the duty of not discussing subjects affecting questions vital to sovereigns without hearing their representatives. It would he necessary, then, to summon also the representatives of Tus- cany, Panne, and Modena, the instant these countries have returned to a normal situation, which will guarantee their complete independence.

"The prosperity of Italy can only be founded durably when that country shall be protected against the incessant attacks directed by the revolu- tionary spirit against the edifice of social and religious order. For this end institutions will be required which shall strengthen the thrones, and at the same time secure the happiness of the peoples. "The re6stablishment of the princes expelled by factions appears the first object to be attained, as likewise the simultaneous re6stablishment of the Pope's authority over the insurgent provinces. Afterwards a confederation devised after the model of the Germanic Confederation, might be founded, the organization of which would be a matter of internal arrangement by the Italian Powers.

"Identical principles would animate all the Powers which have at heart the protection of order against threatening dangers ; on the other hand, it would be desirable to discard from the deliberations of the Congress all sub- jects not bearing on the interests which have just been mooted. An in- definite extension of the attributes of the Congress might easily give rise to complications. "The invitation, properly speaking, is identical with that of France. Only, at the part where the representatives of Austria are invited to come to an understanding with the Powers to whom they are accredited, as to the time and place of holding the Congress, it Bays, that the cabinet of Vienna would be happy to see the preference given to Paris, which, from its central position, would be the most suitable place for the Congress."

The following is given by the Times as an extract of a private letter dated the 7th of December, from an Englishman at Munich- " The day before yesterday some unfortunate wounded Austrian soldiers came through here on their way home from the hospitals at Inuspruck. They had all been severely wounded, and were unfit for further service. The paternal Austrian Government, therefore, thought it no longer necessary to take any care of them, and a more pitiable, heartrending sight, I have ne- ver seen. They were evidently half-starved, and took greedily whatever the goodnaturecl Munichers gave them. They were scantily covered with the tattered remnants of their summer uniforms, and some of them had merely straw shoes, and no stockings ; and thiswith the temperature at ten degrees below freezing point. It was sickening to think of the suffering of these unfortunate creatures, travelling in third-class carriages in such se- vere weather without sufficient protection against the cold. There was but one feeling among the people here—that of execration against a Government which could behave with such cruel ingratitude to men who had shed their blood and lost their limbs for the sake of their country.

"On the other hand, those who had been prisoners in France cannot speak enthusiastically enough of the French, and of the generous way in which they have been treated. They all agree that the most agreeable time of their soldier life was that of their detention in France. A number of them had French gold about them, and all were completely clothed. A general opinion prevails in Germany that a revolution will, within two or three years at the utmost, break out in Austria, for the discontent is too great or things to last long in their present state."

511114.—Very little news has been received this week from Italy; none of the further progress of the Buoncempagni Government. The University of Pisa was opened on the 3d. At a banquet in celebration thereof Professor Matteucci made a speech in praise of the Emperor Napoleon, and proposed the health of that potentate. The Provisional Government of Florence has, by allowing a discount, collected in ad- vance the land-tax for 1860, amounting to between six and seven millions of francs.

The Pope has been deep in consultation with his Cardinals on the state of his dominions. The ecclesiastics of Naples are preaching up a sort of Holy War against Protestantism, Napoleon, and Victor Emmanuel.

IUMBIL—The new Ministry of M. Rottwitt has met with great opposition in the Diet. The answer to the address is virtually a vote of no confidence. The majority prefer M. Von Hall.

6111tkPIL—The following rather singular project has lately been pre- sented to the Chamber of Nobles of the Swedish Diet. Baron Creutz 're- posed that, from the age of fifteen, young girls should be allowed to answer of their accord, yes or no, to any suitor for their hand. M. Montgomery op- posed the project, declaring that at the age of fifteen love, though strong, was too blind; and that the age of twenty-five was indispensable to be able to see clearly on so important a question. Baron Alstroemer treated such an objection as madness, and proposed to the chamber to decide who was in the right, Baron Creutz or the Apostle Paul. The Baron replied that the words of the Apostle applied to paternal authority, which was very severe among the Jews and the Romans, and could not now be in- voked when manners and customs had so much changed. Baron Alstroemer said that if the Chamber were to adopt theprojeot Mormonism would become general. Baron Creutz replied warmly that it was ridi•. onlous to talk of Mormonism, that his project was a serious one, and cal- culated to have a salutary effect on manners and ideas. The project was referred to a committee.

II HULL—The Spaniards have now three corps d'armee at Ceuta. As soon as the weather permitted the navy to take part, offensive opera- tions were to begin.

Ceuta is situated at the eastern end of a small peninsula. The har- bour or creek near the town is not a good landing-place, but it serves. The neck of the peninsula is fortified; and the Spanish position is on the crest of a ridge in advance. On this ridge the Spaniard's have thrown up field-works, and have encamped in their rear. A deep valley sepa- rates them from the higher ground held by the Moore. The Moreseoes resisted the Spanish advance from Serallo to El Otero. They have come boldly up and fought with the men of Spain hand to hand ; but although they have captured a flag, and even penetrated the lines by fu- rious charges, they have not been able to drive the Spaniards from the height. Demonstrations have been made by Zabel& and Prim on the road to Tetuan; they have been resisted by the Moors, who assail the flanks of the columns. In the last attacks on the redoubts, December 94 the Moors are broadly stated to have lost 300 killed and 1000 wounded. The Smenish loss is guessed to have been 40 billed and 300 wounded. But this is the number always mentioned in the Madrid telegrams. General O'Donnell has issued orders enforcing the precautions neces- sary to be observed by the troops on the march and in the field. He desires them not to lose sight of the fact that "the Moors make no prisoners ; that every individual taken by them is first tortured, then put to death without pity, and his bleeding limbs carried about 811 tro- phies among these savage tribes." He also informs his army that "they are to respect the lives and properties of the persons who may receive the army pacifically, especially the aged, the women and children ; that the same rule must be observed in action with regard to the wounded and prisoners, even should the enemy act otherwise ; and with becoming pride O'Donnell observes, "a civilized and illustrious nation as we are ought never, even in a war of just reprisals, to imitate the ferocious in- stincts of the savage tribes who people the African soil."

5ituli..—The Lord High Commissioner, Sir Henry Storks, opened the Ionian Parliament on the 10th with a speech announcing administrative reforms.

41,nrIteu.—A remarkable story comes from Constantinople, but it comes through Marseilles, and must therefore not be received without reserve. It is as follows- " Letters from Constantinople to the 7th instant announce positively that on the preceding Thursday M. de Thouvenel had remitted a note to the Porte, containing an official demand for a firman favourable to the Suez Canal project of M. de Lesseps. The Ambassadors of Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Sardinia simultaneously supported that demand, according to their instructions. A Council of Ministers was then held. Fuad Puha confessed that he had formally engaged himself to refuse an authorization to the canal project. The Grand 'Vizier declared he would not recognize such engagements. After a stormy discussion, the Ministers agreed to re- quest the Powers which had made the above demand to come to an under- standing with England on the matter. Sir Henry Bulwer had been received by the Sultan, and had numerous conferences with the Ministers."

Slat ill—The Calcutta mail with advices to the 10th November ar- rived on Wednesday night. A sunnud had been issued by Mr. Wing- field, Chief Commissioner of Oude, conferring on the talookdars their es- tates for ever, on these conditions-

" Subject to the payment of such annual revenue as may from time to time be imposed, and to the conditions of surrendering all arms, destroying all forts, preventing and reporting crime, rendering any service you may be called upon to perform, and of showing constant good faith, loyalty, zeal, and attachment to the British Government, according to the provisions of the engagement which you have executed ; the breach of any one of which at any time shall be held to annul the right and title now conferred on you and your heirs. It is also a condition of this grant that you will, so far as is in your power, promote the agricultural prosperity of your estate, and that all holding under you shall be secured in the possession of all the subordinate rights they formerly enjoyed. As long as the above obligations are observed by you and your heirs in good faith, so long will the British Government maintain you Eatd your heirs as proprietors of the above- mentioned estate or estates."

A final decree awards compensation to sufferers in the mutiny. "All who have lost iramoveahle property are to receive half its value up to 1001., and a third of its value after that. Thus if a plantees buildings were worth 30001. he receives 100/. + 28001. =. 1033/. All who have lost moveable property are to receive only one-third its value, and that third is not to exceed 500/. The Delhi Bank, therefore' and one or two more sufferers, will obtain practically no compensation at all."

Some Europeans, who served at Lucknow, have been rewarded with large grants out of the forfeited estates. All brigade-commands have been abolished. In future the senior officer will command the stations. Sir Hope Grant will command the expedition to China. Several Sikh regiments are to go.

C4III .—Advices from Hongkong to the 29th of October state po- litical affairs were quiet. The Sixty-seventh Regiment had arrived, and the Third Buffs were hourly expected. Mr. Bruce was at Shanghai ; Admiral Hope at Hongkong. The Tartar hero of the Peiho, Sankolinsin, was at the head of affairs in China, and was preparing means of offering a desperate resistance to the allies.

guild Statr8.—Advices from New York to the let of December have been received. Fuller details of General Scott's proceedings on the Pacific coast have come to hand, but they do not substantially alter the previous statements. The report of General Harney's retirement is con- firmed.

The President's message is hourly expected. An anticipatory sum- mary has appeared in the New York Herald, but it cannot be relied on.

The New York Times has an article showing that well-built iron ships are almost indestructible, even when hammered and ground upon the rugged crags of lee shores for years together— The entire hull of the City of Philadelphia has lain for three or four years upon the rooks at Cape Race' the Tyne was exposed nearly as long on the Dorset coast without apparent change ; the enormous hull of the Great Britain, having thumped and chafed a whole winter upon the rugged bot- tom of Dundrum Bay, was got off and has been in service ever since; the Persia steep in and filled her forward compartment by striking an iceberg at full speed, and finished her trip to New York in very good winter time ; the Edinbirgh and the North American have both struck at full speed upon rocks in the St. Lawrence, the latter without material injury. And these are only average iron ships, not in any way remarkable for excellent con- struction. What, now, is the history of iron vessels known to have been badly constructed? Only last season the Cuba, a new steamer, opened her seams and foundered on her first trip—not in an ocean hurricane, or on the

rocks of a cape, but in the English Channel No engineer would be so insane as to investigate the character of the materials and the successive stages in the manufacture of a railway bar which had splintered and worn to pieces in six months, simply to satisfy himself that it was not a well- constructed rail, of unexceptionable material. Neither is there the slightest necessity of our inquiring into the character and manufacture of the hulls of these ill-fated vessels; the very fact that they broke up at all is the most reasonable and positive proof that they were wretchedly built." Captain John Brown, the leader of the Harper's Ferry insurgents, was executed at Charlestown on the 16th of November.