FRANCE.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XVII, Issue 78, 29 September 1858, Page 3

FRANCE.

An article appears in the Pays of to-day, on the policy assumed by Austria in the divers questions which have arisen since the war. It is ostensibly a comment on some remarks in the German press, but in reality is directed against Austria herself, and is clearly dictated iv an angry and menacing spirit. The fact that the Pays would never venture on such a discussion without superior instructions gives it an importance it would otherwise have little claim to.

Orders are issued to all officers belonging to the ports of Brest and Cherbourg, absent on leave, to repair to their stations by the 15th July, to be ready to meet the Emperor. It is said that the climate of London does not suit Marshal Pelissier's health, and, consequently, that his return to Paris is not far from probable. In case of the post becoming vacant, there are some wild people who think that M. Walewski would be the one to fill it. I doubt this much. I doubt whether, after all that has passed, after the too-celebrated despatch, the " assassiuation elevated to a priuciple," and the other amenities addressed to us in that curious state paper, the Emperor would make such an appointment, or that, if he did so, the nominee would venture to accept it. The partialities of a mere cabinet are not sufficient to neutralize the feelings of a nation. I disbelieve the story quite as much as if it was said M. de Morny, or any of his complacent colonels (the colonels of the addresses) were to be sent. Accounts from Cherbourg, dated 16th instant, state, that, in consequence of orders received from Paris, great activity is displayed in fitting up the imperial yacht, Reine Hortense. She is to be ready to sail for Brest on the Ist of August, with the Emperor and the Empress. A good deal is said in commercial circles of an important project, which has been in hand for some time past, and which is likely to be carried into execution before long. It relates to a lateral canal of the Rhone, which, beginning in the Ardeche, will conduct the waters of that stream by various valleys, by the bridge of the Gard, and by Nimes, as far as Aigues-Mortes. By this undertaking the projectors hope to fertilize and enrich a fine tract of country, which is now deprived of water. Nimes, which is the ceutre of the silk country, would acquire great prosperity in that branch, as also in the manufacture of carpets. This, however, is not the only advantage aimed at by the undertaking in question. From Aigues-Mortes to the sea the canal wonld be of sufficient depth to open an easy communica-

tion with the Mediterranean, and to diminish considerably the distance between it and Paris. The drawings and plans of the work have been recently submitted to the Emperor by the parties demanding the concession, and I learn that his Majesty has expressed his warmest approbation of the project. — Paris correspondence of the Times, June 21.