FRANCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 769, 25 August 1866, Page 15

FRANCE.

The Emperor Napoleon has stated that he endeavored, with England and Russia, to prevent a Continental War ; and had the conference assembled, France would have repudiated all ideas of territorial aggrandisement, so long as the European equilibrium remained undisturbed.

Au angry debite has occurred in the Corps Legisktif on the foreign policy of France. The general feeling expressed was for peace.

The war in Germany is due to the conference having bees given up, owiDg to the obstinacy of the conflicting powers.

Count Bismarck opened the campaign on the anniversary of Waterloo Day, by immediately seizing Saxony, Hanover, and Hesse.

Italy then declared war, and Victor Emanuel, with his iwo sons, and Generals Garibaldi, Marmora, and Cialdini, immediately went to the front, and took the field. The Austrian Emperor professed that war was not sought by him. Should Prussia be successful, a great Prote?tant power in North Germany will be consolidated, absorbing half a dozen States.

There was a great battle between the Austrians and the Italians on June 24th, lasting all the day. There was tremendous slaughter. The Austrians were victorious. Next day, another bloody struggle took place. Finally, Custozzen was taken by the Austrians. While these battles were going on in Venetia, the campaign was opened in Germany by the Prussians making a a descent on Altona, which was meagrely garrisoned by Austrian troops, who vacated it. The next step was an advance on the Hanoverian army by the Prussians. The King of Hanover, who commanded in person, retired, and sent his specie to England.

The Federal Diet sympathises with Austria. The latter power has invaded Germany through Bavaria. During the above struggles England re-

mained perfectly neutral.

The Russian Prince Gortschakoff, sent a circular to the Russian representatives abroad, that upon the slightest violation of her neutrality by France, Russia would abandon her present neutral attitude.