The proposal to hold a Congress is placed beyond a
doubt so far as the acceptance of all the Five Powers is concerned ; and we are now in a position to explain the uncertainty which has prevailed for some days subsequently. In our second edition on Saturday last, we said, " Russia has proposed a Congress of the Five Powers to be held at some other place than Paris, and France has agreed. It remains to be seen whether Austria will give her consent." This news, which we published last Satur- day, in advance of every other journal, English or Continental, was fully confirmed on Tuesday by the official organ of th3 French Government. Though the consent of Austria was not then officially known, yet by telegraph enough was learned in Paris on Monday of the feelings of the Austrian Government, to leave no doubt that ite consent would be given officially, though perhaps conditionally. On Thursday the official acceptance was known in Paris.
It was the great uncertainty about the conditions which created so much discouragement in the commercial world. We have some reason to believe that the conditions caused the delay ; and, whatever may,have been the latest form in which Austria consents, it is possible that those same conditions may occasion yet further uncertainty. The latest supposition seems to be that she has assented to a Congress of the Five Powers. If this is correct, the Congress certainly could not give satisfaction to Europe at large. We believe we are correct in saying that Austria wished the minor Italian states to be represented, possi- bly as a counterpoise to the representation of Sardinia ; and even if Austria has given up the point, there are circumstances con- nected with the ulterior arrangements which necessarily keep up anxiety.
With regard to the place at which the Congress is to be held, several have been mentioned—Berlin, the Hague, London, and Aix-la-ohapelle ; some of our contemporaries fixing upon the last as the spot selected. We will only say, that, while we write nothing upon the point has been definitively arranged. While we notice the passing events, it must not be forgotten that the first Government to propose a Congress was that of the Emperor Napoleon. It shows that amid all his desire to sustain Italy in her just claims, he has never abandoned the desire to preserve the peace. It is only by degrees that some of his ac- tions are becoming better understood. For the moment those who are anxious to find some other spirit, sought for evidence re- cently in the promotion of Colonel Gault to be a General. The Colonel himself is a man of most amiable character, and on the first word of reproach, his friends are loud in testimony to his admirable qualities. The words which are remembered against him were uttered in a moment of great excitement, and they re- ferred, not to England, but to Leicester Square. The excite- ment has passed ; but General Gault is always ready for the ser- vice of his Sovereign; and his promotion is but the tribute due to a loyal servant.
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