the Diet, demanded that these Prussian troops
should be withdrawn from the Electorate, upon which Prussia at once
placed her whole army upon the war-footing. Thus, at the latest advices,
the bodies of troops ready for hostilities, occupy the Electorate, and
it is a matter of absolute uncertainty whether peace or war will ensue.
In the mean while a conference had been held at Warsaw, between Austria,
Prussia, and Russia, in which an attempt was made to settle the affairs
of Germany. The decision made by this conference was so decidedly
adverse to Prussia, that Count Brandenburg, the Prussian minister, was
so chagrined at the disgrace of his country, that he fell into a
delirious fever, from which he died. Austria alone is at the present
time altogether unequal to a war with Prussia; but it is supposed that
Russia will support Austria in the event of a war. Her reasons for so
doing are obvious: if Prussia succeeds in forming a strong German
Confederation, a power will be constituted capable of interposing an
effectual barrier to her designs; whereas Austria is so far subservient
to Russia, that her supremacy in Germany is almost equivalent to Russian
control over the west of Europe.

The attitude of Austria and Prussia during the past month has been
exceedingly belligerent and fears have been very generally entertained
that war would be the result of the existing contentions. It seems,
however, to be conceded that Austria is desirous of peace and that the
King of Prussia really shares these pacific inclinations; but fears are
entertained that the spirit of the people may have been so thoroughly
aroused as to render nugatory any negotiations for peace which their
rulers may conclude. Austria demands the right of passage through
Brunswick of her army, ordered to interfere in the affairs of the
Duchies; this Prussia has positively refused except with guarantees
which will not be granted.

The Prussian Chamber met at Berlin on the 21st of November. The speech
from the throne was pronounced by the king in person. He alluded to the
commencement and vigorous prosecution of a railway system, to the
extension of postal accommodations, and to the flourishing condition of
commerce and navigation. In reference to his relations with Germany, the
king declared his firm purpose to maintain the position he had taken,
and said that he should soon stand more strongly armed, in its support,
than he had been in ancient or modern times. The