FRANCE.

West Coast Times, Issue 291, 29 August 1866, Page 3

FRANCE.

In the Corps Legislatif, on June 12, M. Rouher read a letter from the Emperor to M. Drouhyn de Lhuys,in which his Majesty, after detailing the efforts made in common withEnglandandßussia to prevent an armed conflict, says that had the Conference assembled, his Government would have declared that France repudiated all idea of territorial aggrandisement "so long as the European equilibrium remained undisturbed." "France could only think of an extension of her frontiers in the event of the map of Europe being altered to the profit of a great Power, and of the bordering provinces expressing by a formal and free vote their desire for annexation. In the absence of these circumstances, the French Government prefers to any territorial acquisition a good understanding with its neighbors, resulting from its respect for their independence and their nationality. (Cheers). We should have desired for the Germanic Confederation a position more worthy of its importance; for Prussia, better geographical boundaries ; for Austria, the maintenance of her great position in Europe after the cession of Venetia to Italy in exchange for territorial compensation. The Conference has failed. Will France be led to draw the sword? The French Government thinks not. Whatever may be the result of the war which may break out, no question affecting us will be resolved without the assent of France. France, therefore, will continue to observe an attentive neutrality, confident in her right and calm in her strength. (Cheers)." This letter has been variously interpreted. The final impression seems lo be that France is sagaciously waiting on events.

M. Rouher has stated in the Coi'ps Legislatif that up to the present time the negotiations with England for a new extradition treaty had been fruitless, but that the old treaty had been prolonged for six months in order to facilitate an arrangement. The official budget for 1867 was laid before the Chamber, and shows a surplus of more than ninety-four million francs.

The Vienna journals state that during the late financial panic in London, Earl Cowley, by order of his government, solicited the energetic mediation of the Emperor Napoleon in favor of peace, and received from his Majesty the following reply :— " In the years 1 859 and 1864 England opposed my proposals in reference to the settlement of the Venetian and Schleswig-Holstein questions. Now England -wants peace. I also desire peace, but as the most favorable opportunities have been frittered away, and as the conflicting interests have been permitted to reach a point at which they must clash, I can no longer assume the responsibility of events."

The Italians in London are not disposed to look idly on while their countrymen at home made a supreme effort to drive the Austrians out of Venetia. At a meeting held at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate street, the utmost enthusiasm prevailed. It was proposed that a subscription should be raised for the assistance of the wounded, and no less than L2OO was subscribed in the room. Further, it was resolved that at least Ll2O a month should te sent out during the continuance of the war. Every gentleman present pledged himself to subscribe largely.