irs M. Brennier.
War General Randon.
Marine Admiral Levaillant.
Commerce M. Schneider.
Finances M. de Germiny.
Public Works M. Magne.
Justice M. de Royer.

Lamartine, it is stated, was urged by Louis Napoleon to accept an
appointment in the ministry, but declined on account of his being bound
to furnish his publishers with two volumes a month, under heavy
penalties.

The Conference of the German States at Dresden was opened with much
ceremony early in January. All the states were represented, but the
negotiations were kept profoundly secret. It has transpired, however,
that the formation of the new Diet agreed upon gives two votes to
Prussia, two to Austria, one each to Bavaria, Saxony, Hanover, and
Wurtemberg, and three more portioned among the smaller principalities,
making eleven in all. It is also understood that a Provisional Central
Power will be proclaimed, Prussia and Austria retaining to themselves
exclusively the right of deciding for the Confederation all questions
of peace and war.

Austria still labors under financial embarrassments of an almost
hopeless character. As a measure of temporary relief, the Government has
contracted two loans, one from Russia, of fifty millions of florins, and
the other, of one hundred millions, on state obligations, at six per
cent. The manufacturers of Austria strongly oppose the proposed
compromise of the Zollverein, and advocate a tariff of a decidedly
protective character. Great dissatisfaction has been manifested in
Hungary, on account of the newly imposed tax on tobacco, which is one of
the principal productions of the country. In consequence of this
opposition the excise corps has been greatly enlarged, and serious
difficulties are apprehended.

The smaller German states are now completely overruled by the Austrian
and Prussian troops. The Elector of Hesse Cassel has returned to his
Capital, with his Prime Minister, Hassenpflug, under their protection.
The Constitution is virtually abolished by their presence, and those who
supported it are subjected to the most shameful persecutions. Many of
the best citizens are obliged to leave the country. Schleswig Holstein
has been 'pacified' in a similar manner. Through the instrumentality of
the Austrian and Prussian Commissioners, backed by a military force,