iningu nt0 entuniul.

FRANCE.—Political news is stagnant just now in Paris. Neither do we hear much of the movements of the Emperor and Empress. They were at a flower-show on Saturday, and have since been to the opera.

The funeral of Madame Raspail, who died on the 8th at Doullens, where M. Respell is imprisoned, took place on Sunday, and gave rise to a striking scene. Early in the morning crowds collected in the Rue des Fosses ; and a procession, estimated at from twenty to fifty thousand strong, chiefly mechanics, started from this point to Pere la Chaise. Government did not interfere ; but a strong force followed the procession, surrounded the grave, and prevented speaking. There was no kind of disturbance.

GERMANY.—The Emperor of Austria is now reported convalescent, some accounts say quite recovered. On the 12th instant he drove to the Cathedral of Vienna, to attend a To Deum for his preservation. The streets were crowded with people and lined with the representatives of the guilds. In the evening there was an illumination.

SWITZERLAND.—We have mysterious reports, but no direct statements, of a growing difference between Austria and Switzerland. The Federal authorities are said to have sent in vigorous replies to the Austi ian notes, and to have retorted the accusation of expelling the friars from. Ticino by citing the terrible proscription of the Tieinese from Lombardy. It is also reported that the Swiss have besought aid from Louis Napoleon ; and that Austria has hinted that the dismissal or resignation of the Radi- cal Executive of Ticino would satisfy her. Troops have been called out, and the Austrian army is reinforced.

TURKEL—New rumours spring up almost daily respecting the critical state of Turkey. Prince AI enzschikoff reached Constantinople on the

28th February : he visited the Sultan on the 2d March, but abstained . from communicating with the Minister for Foreign _Altura. On the 3d,

Fuad Effendi placed his resignation in the hands of the Sultan; on the 6th it was accepted, and Riffaat Pasha was appointed to the Foreign Office. Then we hear, that on the demand of the Grand Vizier, the Charge d'Affaires of England has sent despatches to Admiral Dundas, commanding the fleet in the Mediterranean, at present at Malta, request- ing him to come with all convenient speed, and to anchor in the Archi- pelago.

The Vienna correspondent of the Times, writing on the 12th, reports as follows on the departure of the late French Minister- " Before M. de Lavalette left Constantinople, he received the second class of the Meshid Order from the Sultan, and Mehemet Ali Pasha presented to him a ring of the value of 30,000 piastres, for Madame de Lavalette. It is currently reported that Prince Menzschikoff's adjutant brought the news to Constantinople on the 23d, that his superior was only waiting at Odessa for the departure of IL de Lavalette, and purposed leaving for Constantinople on the 2d March. The French Ambassador, who, by his impetuosity in the matter of the Holy Shrines, has got himself and the Porte into difficul- ties, was fated to receive a parting insult from his protegils. The vessel on board of which he was entered the Dardanelles a little before sunset ; a few minutes after the sun had gone down, she was about to continue her voyage, but a couple of shots from the castles of the Dardanelles at once gave the captain to understand that he would not be permitted to depart until sun- rise. The want of consideration shown by the Turks is said to have much incensed the diplomatist. It is positively asserted at Constantinople, that a Russian army-corps is close to the Moldavian frontier, and a great part of the Russian fleet prepared to sail from Sebastopol. Since General Leinin- gen's appearance among them the Turks have grown nervous."

Over all the complications of the Divan hangs the financial question.

Mama STATES.—By the arrival of the Arctic, which reached Liver- pool on Wednesday, we have New York journals to the 5th instant, and the inaugural address of President Pierce. All was excitement at Washington on the 4th. The town was so full that beds were not to be had, and thousands walked the streets, while others, ladies among them, slept in the rotunda of the Capitol. An im- mense stage was erected on the Eastern front of the Capitol ; and here, after having been conducted to the Senate in procession, the new Presi- dent, accompanied by President Fillmore, the great Federal function- aries, the Diplomatic Corps, the heads of the Government departments, and the members of Congress, took up his station, in the face of an ad- miring multitude. About half-past one, General Pierce stood up un- covered, and, raising his right hand to Heaven, while his left lay on the Bible, he took the following oath-

" I do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

He then, speaking in a clear loud voice, and with dignified action, de- livered his inaugural address.

He said that he repaired to the post assigned to him, not sought by him, with a profound sense of responsibility, but nothing like shrinking appre- hension; answerable only for a fearless, faithful, and diligent exercise of his best powers. In allusion to the frightful death of his young son, he said, they had summoned him in his weakness, and must sustain him by their strength. Great changes had taken place within the last twenty-five years, and duties were augmented and more complex.

He spoke of the fathers of the country, who fulfilled their great mission with an evident consciousness of vigour. Inconsiderable in population and appa- rent resources, the new-born nation was upheld by broad and understood rights, and an all-pervading purpose to maintain them, stronger than armaments. "It came from the furnace of the revolution, tempered to the necessities of the times. The thoughts of the men of that day were as practical as their sen- timents were patriotic. They wasted no portion of their energies upon idle and delusive speculations; but, with a firm and fearless step, advanced be- yond the governmental landmarks which had hitherto circumscribed the limits of human freedom, and planted their standard where it has stood, against dangers which have threatened from abroad and internal agitation which has at times fearfully menaced at home. They approved themselves equal to the solution of the great problem, to understand which then' minds had been illuminated by the dawning lights of the Revolution. The object sought was not a thing dreamed of—it was a thing realized. They had ex- hibited, not only the power to achieve, but what all history affirms to be so much more unusual, the capacity to maintain. Thus far the country has fulfilled its highest duty to suffering humanity; "has spoken, and will continue to speak, not only by its words but by its acts, the language of sympathy, encouragement, and hope, to those who earnestly listen to tones which pronounce for the largest rational liberty." But, after all, the power of their advocacy rested on example ; and no ex- ample could be powerful for lasting good which was not based on right and justice. They decided both the hour to declare and the hour to strike and

the energy with which the conflict was opened, and the endurance with which it was consummated, were only surpassed by the wisdom and patriotic spirit of concession which characterized all their councils. Having thus entered on his theme, General Pierce proceeded to point out how the actual working of their system had dispelled a degree of solicitude which at the outset disturbed bold hearts and far-reaching intellects.

The apprehension of dangers from extended territory, multiplied States, accumulated wealth, and augmented population, has proved to be unfounded.

The stars upon your banner have become nearly threefold their original number; your densely-populated possessions skirt the shores of the two great oceans; and yet this vast increase of people and territory has not only shown itself compatible with the harmonious action of the States and the Federal Government in their respective constitutional spheres, but has afforded an additional guarantee of the strength and integrity of both. With an expe-

rience thus suggestive and cheering, the policy of my administration will not be controlled by any timid forebodings of evil from expansion. Indeed, it is not to be disguised that our attitude as a nation, and our position on the globe, render the acquisition of certain possessions, not within our jurisdiction, eminently important for our protection, if not, in the future, essential for the preservation of the rights of commerce and the peace of the world. Should they be obtained, it will be through no grasping spirit, but with a view to obvious national interest and security, and in a manner entirely consistent with the strictest observance of national faith. We have nothing in our history or position to invite aggression ; we have everything to beckon us to the cultivation of relations of peace and amity with all nations. Pur- poses, therefore, at once just and pacific, will be significantly marked in the conduct of our foreign affairs. I intend that my administration shall leave no blot upon our fair record, and trust I may safely give the assurance that no act within the legitimate scope of my constitutional control will be tole- rated, on the part of any portion of our citizens, which cannot challenge a ready justification before the tribunal of the civilized world. An adminis- tration would be unworthy of confidence at home or respect abroad, should it cease to be influenced by the conviction, that no apparent advantage can be purchased at a price so dear as that of national wrong or diahonour." .Their great objects will be best obtained by peace with mankind and fra- ternal relations with neighbouring nations; desiring nothing so much as to see them consolidate their strength and prosperity. "Of the complicated European systems of national polity we have heretofore been independent. From their wars, their tumults and anxieties, we have been, happily, al- most entirely exempt. Whilst these are confined to the nations which gave them existence, and within their legitimate jurisdiction, they cannot affect us, except as they appeal to our sympathies in tho cause of human freedom and universal advancement. But the vast interests of commerce are com- mon to all mankind, and the advantages of trade and international inter- course must always present a nolile Atid for the moral influence of a great people." Prompt reciprocity will be expected and required ; and the rights of the nation and the citizen will be maintained at home and abroad. "So long as he can discern every star in its place upon that ensign, without wealth to purchase for him preferment, or title to secure for him place, it will be his privilege, and must be his acknowledged right, to stand unabashed even in the presence of princes, with a proud consciousness that he is himself one of a nation of sovereigns, and that he cannot, in legitimate pursuit, wander so far from home that the agent whom he shall leave behind in the place which I now occupy will not see that no rude hand of power or tyran- nical passion is laid upon him with impunity. He must realize that upon every sea and upon every soil where our enterprise may rightfully seek the protection of our flag, American citizenship is an inviolable panoply for the security of American rights. And, in this connexion, it can hardly be necessary to reaffirm a principle which should now be regarded as funda- mental. The rights, security, and repose of this confederacy, reject the idea of interference or colonization on this side of the ocean by any foreign power, beyond present jurisdiction, as utterly inadmissible." A paragraph of the address was devoted to military organization. "The opportunities of observation, furnished by my brief expenence as a soldier, confirmed in my own mind the opinion, entertained and acted upon by others from the formation of the Government, that the maintenance of large stand- ing armies in our country would be not only dangerous but unnecessary. They also illustrated the importance, I might well say the absolute necessity, of the military science and practical skill furnished in such an eminent de- gree by the institution which has made your army what it is, under the dis- cipline and instruction of officers not more distinguished for their solid at- tainments, gallantry, and devotion to the public service, than for unobtru- sive bearing and high moral tone. The army, as organized, must be the nucleus around which, in every time of need, the strength of your military power, the sure bulwark of your defence—a national militia—may be readily formed into a well-disciplined and efficient organization."

He repudiated claims to office unaccompanied by fitness. "Having no im- plied engagements to ratify, no rewards to bestow, no resentments to re- member, and no personal wishes to consult, in selections for official station, I shall fulfil this difficult and delicate trust, admitting no motive as worthy either of my character or position which does not contemplate an efficient discharge of duty and the best interests of my country. I acknowledge my obligations to the masses of my countrymen, and to them alone." The people have a right to expect a vigilant watchfulness to prevent the concentration of all power in the Federal Government, and to secure the maintenance of the proper distribution of power between the State and the Federal authorities ; and the institutions of the States cannot be endangered if the Federal Government confine itself to the powers granted by the con- stitution.

He Stands by the Union ; with the Union his best and dearest hopes are entwined. "The field of calm and free discussion in our country is open, and will always be so; but it never has been and never can be traversed for good in a spirit of sectionalism and uncharitableness. The founders of the Republic dealt with things as they were presented to them, in a spirit of self-sacrificing patriotism, and, as time has proved, with a comprehensive wisdom which it will always be safe for us to consult. Every measure tend- ing to strengthen the fraternal feelings of all the members of our TJnion;has had my heartfelt approbation. To every theory of society or government, whe- ther the offspring of feverish ambition or of morbid enthusiasm, calculated to dissolve the bonds of law and affection which unite us, I shall interpose a ready and stern resistance. I believe that involuntary servitude, as it exists in different states of this confederacy, is recognized by the constitu- tion. I believe that it stands like any other admitted right, and that the States wherein it exists are entitled to efficient remedies to enforce the con- stitutional provisions. I hold that the laws of 1850, commonly called the 'Compromise measures,' are strictly constitutional, and to be unhesitatingly carried into effect. I believe that the constituted authorities of this Repub- lic are bound to regard the rights of the South in this respect as they would view any other legal and constitutional sight, and that the laws to enforce them should be respected and obeyed, not with a reluctance encouraged by abstract opinions as to their propriety in a different state of society, but cheer- fully, and according to the decisions of the tribunal to which their exposition belongs. Such have been and are my convictions, and upon them I shall act. I fervently hope that the question is at rest, and that no sectional or ambitious or fanatical excitement may again threaten the durability of our institutions or obscure the light of our prosperity." . . . . " Standing, as I do, almost within view of the green slopes of Monticello, and, as it were, within reach of the tomb of Washington, with all the che- rished memories of the past gathering around me like so many eloquent voices of exhortation from Heaven, I can express no better hope for rny country, than that the kind Providence which smiled upon our fathers may enable their children to preserve the blessings they have inherited."

Cheering and cannon-firing followed the delivery of the address. It has been remarked that during his stay at Washington, Francis. Meagher, the Young Ireland convict who escaped from Van Diemen's Land, was General Pierce's guest. According to the current rumour, the Cabinet of the new President was definitively settled. Mr. Marcy, the consistent Democrat of the State of New York, to be Secretary of State; Mr. Caleb Cushing, who was a mi- litary comrade of the President in Mexico, and is now a judge in Massa- chusetts, Attorney-General ; Mr. Guthrie, of Kentucky, Secretary of the Treasury ; Mr. Jefferson Davis, another Mexican officer, Secretary at War ; Mr. Dobbin, of North Carolina, Secretary of the Navy ; Mr. M'Clelland, Governor of Michigan, Secretary of the Interior ; Mr. Camp- bell, of Pennsylvania, Postmaster-General. These gentlemen are highly spoken of both for their abilities and integrity ; all are distinguished in the Democratic party.

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.—The Sydney, which arrived at Plymouth from Australia on Wednesday, brought advices from the Cape to the 5th of February, but no positive news of any kind. It is said that General Cathcart was about to pay Kreili a hostile visit ; and also that the Gaika chiefs had consented to emigrate beyond the Kei. Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre was about to proceed to England for the benefit of his health.

Itinu.—The latest accounts by the overland mail extend the news from Rangoon to the 26th January, and from Bombay to the 12th February. It is very brief from the seat of war. The death of the King of Ava, accompanied by a struggle for the throne had given rise to some negotiation with General Godwin. Our troops ad suffered two repulses, and gained one brilliant victory. General Steele, with a strong force and six guns, had been repelled by the Burmese posted in a stockade at Sitang ; and Commodore Lambert had failed in a boat-expedition against a robber chief near Donabew.

But the " impregnable " stockade on the top of the Aeng Pass—where "three thousand of the army held a post five thousand feet high, from the front altogether unapproachable "—has fallen by a masterly surprise,. without the loss of a man. So long ago as October it was known that the Burmese were stockading the hill ; and Captain Barry was ordered to. take it, but failed. Subsequently the capture of the place was declared impracticable without rockets. Meanwhile, a chief named Nakeekay de- scribed the place ; and from his account it seemed that the enemy's po- sition might be outflanked. In order to ascertain the truth of this, Cap- tain Nuthall and Captain Sutherland, with a party of the Arracan bat- talion were sent out to reconnoitre. Accordingly, they entered the pass on the 1st January, and there awaited the arrival of Nakeekay ; who duly came, and brought the news that the Burmese were more careless in guarding the stockade since the head -quarters of the Arracan battalion had been removed from Aeng. Upon this Captain Nuthall struck into the jungle on the morning of the 5th, and outflanked the Burmese position, halting within about eight hundred yards of the pass on the Burmese side. Just before dusk the troops were marched up within two hundred yards of the pass ; and Captain Nuthall reconnoitered the place. Early next morning they formed, and marched near to the rear of the enemy's barri- cades, in perfect silence, and ready to retreat at a moment's notice if needful. Before sunrise Captain Nuthall advanced, and looking through the chinks of a gate, saw the enemy asleep within. An instant attack was resolved on. Captain Sutherland charged through the gate, and Captain Nuthall, -with his men posted on an eminence, fired upon the heads of the sleeping foe. They fled, leaving their muskets and cannon in the place. The only casualties were a severe wound inflicted on Cap- tain Nuthall by one of the bamboo spikes with which the approaches were studded, and slight wounds to two Sepoys. On their return, Major Mel- ling, the commander of Arracan, entertained the victorious leaders at a public dinner.

Ausessms.—The overland mail brings important news from the Gold districts, up to January 16, when the Chusan left Adelaide. The other dates are Sydney, December 28; Melbourne, January 3. The intelligence contradicts the reports brought by the Francis Plenty last week. Notwithstanding the Christmas holydays, and the scarcity of water, the yield of gold from the Victoria Diggings amounted to about 100,000 ounces a week. From November 18 to December 30, there had been 453,085 ounces brought by Government and private escort, exclusive of that brought by individual diggers. Up to the end of 1852, it is esti- mated that the grand total amounted to no less than 3,998,321 ounces—in round numbers four million ounces, worth, at 708. per ounce, 14,000,0001.; but intrinsically little less than 16,000,0001. At Melbourne provisions had fallen in price. Flour was selling at 204 a ton, or le. 6d the quartern loaf, instead of double that price ; but vege- tables, fruit, and butter, were still dear. The population had increased upwards of 30,000 in three months. At Port Philip, during the month of December, 12,000 emigrants and 152 ships bad arrived ; yet nothing approaching to suffering had occurred. Upon the whole, the labour-mar- ket was easier ; and the harvest and the wool crop, both abundant, had been secured in all the colonies without extraordinary expense, and in good condition. There is no political news of the slightest importance.

In the Colonial Assembly of Sydney, a bill for the management of the gold-fields had just passed, and it was to come into operation on the 1st of February. By this bill, "the Government may grant leases by tender or auction for quartz or other mining to British subjects for any periods not exceeding twenty-one years; they may also suspend any pastoral leazes that may be found to extend over gold-fields, upon giving compensation to the owners. The licence-fee is fixed at 308. per month, and is to be paid by traders and other parties as well as miners. In the case of foreigners the charge is to be double. No licence is to be given to those who shall not be able to cer- tify that they have been duly discharged from their last place of service ; and persons working without one are to be fined Si., and to be liable in de- fault to two months imprisonment with hard labour on the roads. The bill contains several other provisions equally stringent, and is said to be regarded

by the most intelligent classes with a strong feeling of aversion ; the narrow policy of the clause against foreigners being especially condemned." There was a better prospect of making a railway from Sydney to Para- matta. The first fire at Mount Alexander had occurred on the 27th December; when the works of the Port Philip and Colonial Gold Mining Company, and several stores, were destroyed. Great complaints were made of the irregularity and delay of the direct steam communication. As an instance of its inefficiency, it is mentioned that on the 8th of January the Melbourne had not arrived at Adelaide : it was presumed she would only bring news from England to October 3; whereas a sailing-vessel had already brought news to October 5.

Murders by bushrangers are reported, especially near the new diggings the Ovens. The Diggings are described as being in the most lawless state ; tents are cut open during the night even for an ounce of gold. The policc. force was very small.