_foreign anb UNITED STATES AND Mexico.—There have been several arrivals

from America this week; the most recent being that of the Caledonia, which left Boston on the 16th of December, and reached Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Congress met at Washington on the 7th December; and the President's message was then delivered. It is of huge dimensions; tilling nine or ten of the long columns of our morning papers. The President begins with the usual exordium—congratulations on the national prosperity. Since the last session, health, abundance, progress, and wealth, with- out example in the history of nations, have been the happy lot of the Union.

With a single exception, foreign relations are of the most amicable character, and the peace of thirty years' duration remains unbroken. The present war with Mexico was neither desired nor provoked by the United States. After heaping upon them for years aggravated and unredressed wrongs, Mexico commenced hos- tilities; in resisting which, the American Government is well supported by the people. The message professes to review the injuries received since Mexico achieved her independence. American vessels were seized and confiscated, the citizens of America imprisoned, and her flag insulted. Remonstrances were made without effect; and in 1837 General Jackson recommended reprisals. Mexico was, however, allowed one more opportunity to atone for the past. Mexico pro- mised that justice should be done. These solemn assurances were disregarded; they only served to gain time for Mexico, and more injuries followed. Fresh ne- gotiations resulted in 1839 in a convention, under which a joint Board of Com- missioners was to be appointed to examine and decide on the American claims. The Board was not organized till 1840, through frivolous delays; the term of the mixed Commission expired in 1842, leaving many claims yet undisposed of. The claims allowed by the Board and by the umpire in cases of difference amounted to 2,026,139 dollars; additional claims were pending before the umpire, amounting to 928,627 dollars. Besides these claims, there were others of American citizens, amounting to 3,336,837 dollars, left undecided at the close of the commission. The 2,026,139 dollars was, however, an ascertained debt, which Mexico was bound forthwith to pay. Her Government asked for time to pay it; which was granted. Mexico has paid up only three out of the twenty instalments due. A third con- vention, in November Ian, for settling the claims left unexamined by the mixed Commission of 1840, was altogether frustrated by delays and evasions on the part CI Mexico; while new injuries have been accumulating all the while. The annexation of Texas ereated no just cause of offence to Mexico! To prove that position, Mr. Polk adverts at great length to the history of the Texan revolution; going back even to the time when Texas was part of French Louisiana. In 1824, Mexico established a federal constitution, consisting of a number of sovereign states; Texas and Coahuila jointly formed one of these states. Emigrants from foreign countries, including the United States, were invited to settle in Texas; and many did so. In 1835, after a military revolution, the Dictator Santa Anna abolished the State constitutions: Texas resisted that usurpation—flew to arms—repulsed Santa Anna—made bim acknowledge her independence, and maintained it. It is true that, in the act of recognition, Mexico had prescribed a condition that Texas should not annex her- self to any other power; but this condition could not be enforced, and detracted from the force of the recognition.

Coming then to the question of boundary—Some assumed the tree Western boundary of Texas to be the Nueces instead of the Rio Grande: but Texas, as ceded to the United States by France in 1803, had been always claimed as ex- tending West to the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo; and Mr. Polk supports this view by a long retrospective argument. This brings him to the occupation by the American forces, in August 1845, of the country West of the Nueces, and to the advance of General Taylor to the East bank of the Rio Grande opposite Mats- moms; and Mr. Polk argues that the Mexicans commenced the war by crossing the river, and so invading the " Texan territory," and attacking the American forces.

Every effort to avoid the war was made, but in vain. Mr. Polk refers to the refusal of President Herrera, in September 1845, to receive an American Minis- ter. Herrera was inclined to revive amicable relations; and General Paredes suc- ceeded in overthrowing his government by exciting the popular feeling against Herrera's more pacific policy. Paredes succeeded to the government on the 30th December, on the strength of his avowed hostility to the United States. He again repulsed the American Minister. There is good reason to believe that Paredes intended to convert the republic of Mexico into a monarchy, and to call a foreign European prince to the throne. " Under all these circumstances,

it was believed that any revolution in Mexico, founded nixn opposition to the ambitious projects of Paredes, would tend to promote the cause of peace, as well as prevent any attempted European interference in the affairs of the North Ame- rican continent—both objects of deep interest to the United States. Any such foreign interference, if attempted, must have been resisted by the United States." The object of the Government was then to effect the removal of Paredes from power, as the only probable means for effecting a speedy settlement of pending difficulties. Santa Anna was in exile at Havanna; but it was known that he

had a considerable party in his favour in Mexico. He was known to entertain the strongest dislike to a monarchy and the establishment of European influ- ence in his country; and it was believed that, seeing the ruinous consequences of a war with the United States, he would be in favour of peace. Under these cir- cumstances, the commander of the squadron in the Gulf received instructions not to obstruct the passage of Santa Anna into Mexico. In August last, Pa- redes's power was overthrown; he was banished; and Santa Anna returned to Mexico. It remains to be seen whether the new accession of Santa Anna will prove favourable to a pacific adjustment; it being manifestly his interest not to prosecute the war, so absurdly commenced by his predecessor. Once committed to war, Mr. Polk determined to Prosecute it with the utmost vigour; and he details the means adopted by the Executive to that end. The operations by land and sea are referred to, and praise is bestowed upon all con- cerned for their gallantry and successes; through which, in seven months, posses- sion has been obtained of New Mexico, New Leon, Coahuila, Tamaulipas, and the Californias.

In the midst of brilliant successes, another peaceful overture was made, on the 27th of July last; to which, however, on the 31st of August, the Mexican Government declined to accede, but referred it to the decision of a Mexican Con- gress, to assemble in the present month. Meanwhile, the offensive operations continue. "The war has not been waged with a view to conquest; but, having been commenced by Mexico, it has been carried into the enemy's country, and will be vigorously prosecuted there, with a view to obtain an honourable peace, and thereby secure ample indemnity for the expenses of the war, as well as to our much injured citizens, who hold large pecu- niary demands against Mexico." Mr. Polk turns to the subject of privateers. He has received assurances from the Spanish Government of a faithful observance of the treaty of 1795, under which subjects of either country taking letters of marque to act against the other are punishable as pirates. He recommends that Congress should immediately pro- vide by law for granting letters of marque and reprisal. The condition of the finances forms the next portion of the message. The imports for the fiscal year, ended the 13th June, amounted to 121,691,797 dol- lars; of which amount, the value of 11,346,623 dollars was reexported. The value of the exports for the same period was 113,488,516 dollars; of which 102,141,893 dollars consisted of domestic productions. The Treasury receipts for the year were 29,499,247 dollars, and the expenditure amounted to 28,031,114 dollars; the balance in the Treasury on the 1st of July being 9,126,439 dollars. The amount of public debt on the let of December, including treasury notes, was 24,256,494 dollars; of which sum 17,788,793 dollars were outstanding on the 4th March 1845; showing an increased debt of 6,467,694 dollars. A further loan of 23,000,000 dollars will be required to meet the increased expenditure for the next two years; but if a revenue-duty be imposed on the principal articles now embraced in the free list, the required loan may by these means be brought down to eighteen or nineteen millions of dollars. Half this loan will be required for the

present fiscal year, and the other half daring the first six months of the next fiscal year. Congress is urged to give authority to make this loan early in the present session. For this loan Mexico must be made responsible. The peaceful requirements of the Union must be starved for the present, in consideration of other more imperative demands.

Mr. Polk adheres firmly to his commercial policy—a tariff of duties calculated for revenue and not for protection. He argues from the example of England, that other European nations will be forced to pursue a similar policy. Mr. Polk paints an extraordinary picture of prosperity in the export-trade—immense quan- tities of food going to England; and the farmers are reminded that they are get- ting higher prices for their produce. But even in citing the successful example of Great Britain, he must give it a twist; attributing it to a " stern necessity" rather than to a clear view of policy—to selfish rather than to generous motives. "Simultaneously with the relaxation of the restrictive policy by the United States, Great Britain, from whose example we derive the system, has relaxed hers. She has modified her Corn-laws, and reduced many other duties to moderate revenue- rates. After ages of experience, the statesmen of that country have been con-

strained by a stern necessity, and by a public opinion having its foundation in

the sufferings and wants of impoverished millions, to abandon a system the effect of which was to build up immense fortunes in the ,hands of the few, and to re-

duce the labouring millions to pauperism and misery. Nearly in the same ratio

that labour was depressed, capital was increased and concentrated by the British protective policy. The evils of the system in Great Britain were at lesgth rendered intolerable, and it has been abandoned; but nut without a severe strug- gle on the part of the protected and favoured classes to retain the unjust ad- vantages which they have so long enjoyed. It was to be expected that a similar

struggle would be made by the same classes in the United States, whenever an attempt was made to modify or abolish the same unjust system here. The pro- tective policy had been in operation in the United States for a much shorter period, and its pernicious effects where not therefore so clearly perceived and felt. Enough, however, was known of these effects to induce its repeal."

The act of last August for the better organization of the Treasury is in pro- gress, and its principle will be maintained; but some details will require to be amended. The President touches rapidly on the management of mineral lands, the government of the Oregon territory, and the relations with the Indian tribes —which are peaceful; and lie adds, that the means for their education have been considerably increased. The message concludes with a reference to the mail ser- vice, and the necessity for bringing up the postage revenue to an equality with the expenditure.

Congress at once busied itself with the stirring questions introduced by Mr. Polk's message. In the Senate, Mr. Cameron had moved that the Military Committee be instructed to inquire into the propriety of granting a hundred and sixty acres of land to volunteers serving in Mexico, end of increasing the allowance of volunteers for subsistence and transportation

from their homes to the seat of war. Mr. Crittenden introduced a motion for the increase of the rank and file of the army and volunteers. Mr. Breese gave notice of a bill to graduate the price of public lands for a territorial government of Oregon, and to establish land-offices in that country. In the House of Representatives there is manifested a strong spirit of oppo- sition to the conduct of the Executive in Mexican affairs: the officials, as well as the officers of the army and navy, were severely blamed. A resolution had been brought forward by Mr. Garrett Davis to inquire whether the Presi- dent had authorized the new Governments in Mexico, whether one of these Governments was not extended over a part of Texas, whether it was the intention of the President to establish a permanent government in Mexico, and whether he now continued the war for the purpose of permanent ac- quisition. The tone of the message upon this subject had also been fiercely denounced by Mr. Danagh, in a speech of considerable length; and a

serious opposition to the war had displayed itself so strongly as to form the subject of comment and regret by the press.

The multiplicity of the arrivals, with reports from Mexico by various channels, with or without dates, has thrown the whole of the news from the seat of war, in itself vague and indecisive, into a state of inextricable con- fusion. We take, as we find it, the most recent and compact summary from the New York correspondence of the Morning Chronicle.

" General Taylor had sent a messenger to the Mexican head-quarters, an- nouncing the conclusion of the armistice; and had left Monterey for Saltillo, with an escort of dragoons. General Worth marched at the same time for Saltine, with a force composed of artillery, infantry, and volunteers. Saltillo was left undefended by the Mexicans, and is doubtless garrisoned by General Worth's forces before this. General Taylor was to return in a few days, and move with the greater part of his force in the direction of Tampico. Ile was to be joined on the way by a large volunteer force that had been collecting under General Patterson; and the combined army was to await the arrival of General Scott, and, under his command, to unite with the naval force in an attack on Vera Cruz. "Tampico is now well garrisoned by American troops under Colonel Gates; to whom it was formally given up by the authorities. Captain Tatnsll had ascended the river seventy miles, to the town of l'enuca; had found stores of ammunition there; and had taken possession of the fort, spiking the sixteen guns of the bat- tery. An attempt had been made by the captain of the English man-of-war brig Darien to claim the gun-boats and schooner abandoned by the retiring Mexicans; bat Commodore Conner had persisted in taking them. The inhabitants of Tem- po°. are represented as being highly contented with the change of government. The two Mexican regiments which evacuated Tampico revolted when they reached San Luis Potosi, and were immediately disbanded.

"Santa Anna has been driven to a rash and bold step by the dissensions of the rival parties. He made an address of a very decided character to the troops at Sea Luis Potosi; a favourable reception to which would have induced him to as- sume the supreme power. The response was such, however, that he left the army the next day, with a small escort of cavalry; his destination not known, but sup- posed to be the city of Mexico. By the withdrawal of the Mexican troops from Tampico and Saltiflo, and by the orders sent from Santa Anna to Monclovia, (that no resistance should be made at that place, but that General Wool should be al- lowed to advance as far in the country as he would,) it is supposed that a collision between the two armies is to be avoided until the Junta cau act upon the Ame- rican overtures of July last.

"General Wool's destination is not, as was supposed, to join General Taylor. He was, at the last advices, in possession of Monclovia; the 2,500 Rancheros who had been prepared to defend it having retired to San Luis Potosi, and the Alcalde of the town having simply protested against his entrance and occupation. Gene- rid Wool would wait here the arrival of store-waggons from San Antonio; but it is stated that the provisions in store for him at San Antonio would be more than enough, as he intends hereafter to quarter on the enemy.' News had been received at Monclovia, that Chihuahua had been taken possession of by Colonel Doniphan with 700 men, a detachment from General Kearney's force at Santa Fe. No resistance was offered.

"Commodore Stewart has returned from Washington without orders to pro- ceed to the Gulf. It is stated that the President wished him to take command of the fleet, and use his discretion as to the attack on Vera Cruz. The Commo- dore declined, except with positive orders. Extensive preparations are making fur that assault, however. The siege-train, which has been preparing at Washing- ton for five mouths, is now finished, and nearly all the topographical engineers are under orders to join the army with General Scott. A remark of General Scott's is credibly quoted, that if the supplies and forces reach their destination as atpresent directed, the 'peace with Mexico' will 'be conquered' by the last of July."

Commercial affairs in the Union, had been active. Cotton, since the re- ceipt of news from Europe by the Caledonia, to the 19th December, had steadily advanced both in price and in demand; while for " bread-stuffs " the prices had declined, but the demand was still great, and very con- siderable shipments continued to be made to Europe.

The New York Express publishes at length a presentment of the Grand Jury of New York relative to charges preferred against the officers of the Penitentiary at Blackwell's Island, for conniving at the escape of convicts from the Penitentiary, in order that they might vote at the election for State and other officers on the following day. The document brings home the charge to the parties accused; and recommends their instant dismissal. We give an extract showing the mode in which the affair was conducted-

" The testimony shows that the prisoners, on the 2d of November last, ex- changed their prison-clothes for their ordinary citizens' dress; that they were taken across-the river about dark, by the keepers, in boats, placed in vehicles, brought to this city, aud placed in houses for the night. The parties for the re-

ective wards crossed at different places under the guidance of different keepers. The gang which were destined for operations in the Fourteenth Ward were taken to a house in Howard Street, where a policeman named Michael Finnegan, of the Fourteenth Ward, was assisting during the night in contributing to their comfort. They were then supplied with liquors and other refreshments. • * * The convicts destined to remain in the Ninth Ward were taken to a house in that ward, and, like those taken to a house in the Fourteenth Ward, were provided with liquors and other refreshments. The person in whose charge they were, left them during the evening, promising to return; when, after waiting, as they sup- posed, a reasonable time, they finally passed a resolution that they would leave the house; which was carried into effect, and the convicts were again that night let loose upon the community."

The number of convicts thus liberated was about thirty.

. Rio Da Lk Peare..—The accounts from Montevideo are to the 10th October. Hostilities had recommenced. The correspondent of the Times gives a narrative of an affair exceedingly characteristic of Argentine war- fare-- " On the 8th instant, about two o'clock in the afternoon, a mine which they had laid over night in a house a little outside the Moutevidesui advanced posts, ex- ploded, while the spot was occupied by a company of the Second Legion of Na- tional Guards; and the fruit of the exploit was one man killed and two badly wounded. It was artfully managed; the communication being by means of a string, which was lying by, apparently loose, and which was pulled by the un- conscious hand of the victims themselves. A party of the enemy were lying in ambush a short distance off, armed for the surprise, and immediately rushed in; but the Guards behaved so well, that, without any further loss to themselves, they drove off their assailants; three of whom were left dead on the field, and their bodies carried in as trophies. In the moment of the confusion, seven men and a sergeant, all belonging to the Rinews battalion, passed over to the Mon- tevidean ranks."

Most revlting cruelties are reported to have been inflicted on the pri- soners. Co.dnel Enestroza, two officers, two sergeants, a Brazilian subject, and an Italian, were put to death with the most systematic and loathsome tortures. A lady of Montevideo, Donna Teresa do T—, was assassinated at Oribe's camp, on pretence of her attempting to seduce men to abandon his cause.

Exasperated at the violent abuse which has been put forth by Roma in his Gazette, the Brazilian Government is believed to contemplate some hostile demonstration. The Brazilian press is described as being in a blaze of wrath.

INDIA AND Cirnee.—The express in anticipation of the overland mail reached London on Sunday, bringing account& from Bombay to the 16th November.

The Punjaub still furnishes the most prominent news. It now appears that Sheik Emam-ed-Deen's submission was a pretence. Ho had con- trived to put off the promised surrender until the snow fell; and it is be- lieved that his resources have been underrated. Sir John Littler's force was encamped at Bukreewallah Ghat, on one side of the Chenab, and Brigadier Wheeler on the other; and all were disappointed at the non- surrender of the Sheik, which ought to have been effected before the 30th; Gholab's position is described as very critical. It seems to offer no pro- spect of permanency. He has bought and paid for the government; bat some of the Hill tribes, who are Mahomedan, refuse allegiance to him. He is becoming daily more and more embarrassed with debts, and will have to yield the rule of the newly-acquired country to other petty sovereigns, who may perhaps pay him tribute for a few seasons. As respects Lahore, it is said the presence of the British troops can alone preserve that kingdom from breaking into many little states, such as ex- isted forty years ago, before old Runjeet, the Lion of Lahore, subjugated them.

In Scinde, matters were tranquil. Sir Charles Napier was at Kurrachee;, where the climate was pleasant. Preparations are going forward for the' removal of five Native regiments from Scinde in the course of January or February next, unless their presence should be required by any disturbanoot without the frontiers.

The Nizam's dominions were quiet. The Government is represented as undergoing a favourable change. He had at length named as Der wan, or Minister, the Native nobleman whom the British Resident hatf previously proposed, but to whom the Niziun had refused to grant powers. The new Minister, Sooraj-ool-Moolk, is described as being possessed of great administrative qualities.

The Governor-General had paid a visit to the Jullunder Doab. Lord Elphinstone and Lord Arthur Hay and the Honourable Captain Hardinge had returned in safety to Simla Ceinee.—There has been a serious disturbance at Macao. Various rob- beries had been perpetrated by the Chinese fast boats plying between Mamie, Canton, and Hong-kong: they were manned by persons supposed to be con- nected with a band of pirates in the neighbourhood; and the Portuguese Go- vernor in Council resolved to bring them under control. For this purpose, he imposed a tax upon the boats, obliging them to be registered, and not admitting them into the port without a numbered ticket, renewable every month on payment of a dollar. The proprietors of the fast boats refused to be bound by these regulations; and three of them having attempted to leave the port without obeying the law, they were detained by the Portu-, guese authorities. Upon this, the others, who had prepared to sail, re- mained, collected a band of about 1,500 armed vagabonds from Canton and other places, and established themselves with three guns in the Terra- feiro. The Portuguese, however, took prompt measures, with all their available force attacked the rioters, and forced them to seek refuge on board the fast boats, in which they endeavoured to escape. The attempt was frustrated by the Government schooner, and some Macao lorchas, which attacked them from the water. In about five hours the robbers were completely routed, ten of the fast boats burnt, eight run on shore, and many others sunk. The loss of life was confined to the Chinese, many of whom were shot or drowned. On the evening of the same day, perfect tranquillity was restored in the place. As a precautionary measure, the Governor sent a cutter to Hong-kong for aid, and the Vulture steamer wag immediately sent over to Macao. Matters, however, remaining quiet, the steamer returned to Hongkong; having only remained away three days. The Governor subsequently had an interview with the Chinese authorities; but, though they talked a good deal, there was no practical result.

CEYLON.—Papers from Colombo, to the 14th November, report progress in sweeping fiscal reforms under the consideration of the Executive Council. The mail brings reports by the Colonial Secretary, Sir James Emerson Tennent, and other members of the Council, on the taxation of the colony; and the Ceylon Examiner describes the drift of these reports- " It is understood that they convey likewise a comprehensive and enlightened plan of reform, based on the principles of recent commercial policy at home. The details are of course unknown • but it is said they comprise the abolition of all duties on exports, the abandonment of all discriminating duties on imports, and the admission of British and Foreign produce at one uniform rate—it is said at six or seven per cent, probably the latter, as being the medium between the pre- sent scales. As to the taxes on the importation of fool and on the cultivation of rice, they are to be gradually reduced, and ultimately abandoned so soon as their amount can be replaced by a moderate and uniform tax on land. The details of these measures are for the present unimportant We are content with the gene- ral features of a plan at once so simple and comprehensive, and which will enable us to get rid of all minor and vexatious taxes."

A committee of the Council was still investigating the expenditure, with a view to decided retrenchments.

In these papers appear divers letters by mercantile men, echoed by the editors, expressing a hope that Sir James Tennent will be appointed Governor, when General Campbell retires, in April next.

NEW ZEALAND.—The Times publishes a letter purporting to have been written at Wellington on the 25th July. According to it, Governor Grey had at length got hold of the cunning and treacherous old chief Rauperaha. This man was one of the main instigators and actors in the Wairau mas- sacre•' but, petted instead of punished by the British Government, he had managed to keep himself safe, to work his secret machinations against the settlers. The rebel chief Rangihaeata was still unsubdued; but without Rauperaha's wily head he is not to be feared as an opponent. Captain Grey had embarked on board the Driver, and sailed with some troops for Waikanae and Otaki, to prevent the junction of some bodies of hostile Natives with Rangihaeata. " By some means, he laid hold of an emissary from Rauperaha to Rangihaeata, with a letter concealed on his person, stating that he had arms and ammunition for him. Upon this the Governor sailed back from Waikanae at night, and an- chored off Pawns about one a.m. on the 24th; when Captain Stanley and a party of blue-jackets landed just under Rauperaha's pah, called Taupe. Captain Stan- ley timed his visit so well, that he took Rauperaha, Charley, and three others, before they had time to strike a blow; he also seized some thirty-seven stand of arms and six or seven kegs of powder. Ranperaha's men all bolted, and are sup- posed to have gone to Rangihaeata, in number about thirty-five. Rauperaha himself, and Charley, and the three others, are all safe on board the Driver, in irons." This decisive blow is looked upon as worth ten victories over the Natives in settling the territory. The colonists were delighted at the affair. The Daily News, however, throws doubts upon the authenticity of the above letter, and mentions many suspicions circumstances about it. Among them is the fact, that more recent advices from Wellington make no mention of the main incident—the capture of Rauperaha.

SPAIN.—The intelligence from Madrid is very imperfect and uninterest- ing. Bad weather had detained the provincial mails; the final returns to the Cortes had not been received; and the opening of the session had been postponed, by Royal decree, from the 25th to the 31st December. It may be that the unexpected growth of the Progresista Opposition had made Ministers not averse from a little delay. The Moderado Deputies had held a meeting for the purpose of devising means of effecting a reconciliation with the Members of the Conservative Opposition; none of whom, however, were present. Carlist bands had appeared in Catalonia, and General Breton was about to march against them.

Powroostis—It would be waste of time to attempt to follow out the details of the resultless movements of the opposing forces. There have been many marchings, countermarchings, and maumuvres, apparently with the object of avoiding collision. A guerilla demonstration in St. Ubes was dissipated at the mere report of Schwalback's coming. Cased no sooner, after unaccountable delays, arrived near Oporto, than we find him in full retreat, with the loss of " a little baggage." Des Antes remains inactive in San- tarem; and Saldanha twelve mites off at Cartaxo, trying to tire out his opponent. One account states that he has " no idea of attempting to take Santarem by assault." The latest reports mention a " transaction " as probable.

The financial operations of the Government are not more successful than the military. As might have been expected, people decline to be guided by the arbitrary value placed on notes by authority; and accordingly, the tradesmen of Lisbon have raised their prices iu order to protect themselves against an inconvertible paper currency.

Iratsr.—Letters from Bologna, of the 15th December, mention that the rejoicings throughout Italy, to commemorate the secular anniversary of the expulsion of the Austrians from Genoa, had produced everywhere the most lively impression. The demonstrations, it appears, were far more signifi- cant in Romagna than in any of the other states. At Ravenna, the people and the young men, bearing three-coloured banners, with the Pope's arms, traversed the streets, crying, " Death to the Austrians!" Monsignor Buf- fondi, the Prolegate, immediately sent a courier to Bologna and another to Rome to apprize the Government of these events, and caused several per- sons to be arrested: but they were confined only a short time. At Modena, similar demonstrations were made; and the Austrians, alarmed at all these symptoms of disaffection, had considerably reinforced the garrisons of Fer- rara and Comachio. Hence had arisen a report that the Austrians had oc- cupied Argenta. The garrisons of the strong towns of Lombardy were also reinforced; and emissaries of Austria were going through the country, endeavouring to irritate the peasants against their landlords.

-Dmenatur.—The Diet of Schleswig has been dissolved. On the 14th December, the Royal Commissioner read a letter from the King declaring the present Diet at an end. The reason given is, that in place of being occupied with the bills earnestly required by the country, and with those proposed by the Diet itself, the assembly has discussed certain propositions contrary to the act of 28th May 1831, which tend to change completely the constitution of the Dutchy of Schleswig, and to bring about its separa- tion from Denmark.