258 Foreign News.-Revolution in the Netherlands. also given a great banquet, to which De Potter and the other Belgian exiles, and Dr. Bowring, were invited. Among the toasts was, "The English nation, thanks for their generous exertions, and peace and union with them for ever." During some late disturbances in Paris, a great deal of machinery was destroyed by the workmen, whose rage appeared to be particularly directed against the machines used for printing. In the printing-office of M. Taillard several were destroyed; and at M. Selligue's the mob broke to pieces a steam printing machine which cost 30,000f. They went next to the office of the Constitutionnel, for the purpose of destroying the printing machines; but it being represented to them, that the journal, which was their best friend and advocate, could not appear if thus injured, they desisted. On the 2d of September bodies of journeymen printers went to the offices of several journals printed by machinery, and demanded that they should be printed with the ordinary press, in order to employ a greater number of hands. Several of the papers were, in consequence, temporarily discontinued. This violent opposition to machinery has at length subsided, and the journey men have returned to business, There have been disorders at Nismes, arising, it would appear, out of contests between the partisans of the Jesuits, and their opponents; the character of this commotion was so serious, that troops had been marched to Nismes. The Report of the Commission appointed to investigate the charges against the ex-ministers, for signing the ordinance of the 25th of July, has been published. They are represented to be guilty of high treason, and those who bave been taken, and now confined to the castle of Vincennes, will immediately be brought to trial. THE NETHERLANDS. The late Revolution in France has begun to produce its effects in neighbouring nations. A tremendous explosion has taken place in Belgium, which we sincerely hope will be allayed without any serious political convulsion. It is generally known that the Belgians bave never been sincerely attached to the Dutch government, under which they were placed in consequence of the overthrow of Buonaparte, and hence it was concluded that the Revolution in France might be followed by some movements in that country. On the 24th of Aug. there was an article in the Government paper published at Brussels which spoke of the happiness enjoyed [Sept. by the Belgians; this appears to have irritated the public mind. On the evening of Wednesday the 25th, a mob assembled and attacked the house of the editor of Le National. After breaking into the house, the mob proceeded to gut it of every thing it contained; paper, presses, types, furniture, every thing was seized and scattered into the street. They afterwards broke the windows of the Court of Assize, and destroyed the furniture, &c. of the Director of Police. By this time the town was in an uproar, and the troops got under arms. The crowd next went to the Hotel of Van Maanen, the Minister of Justice (who is very obnoxious); they ransacked it and set it on fire, repulsing the soldiers and firemen who attempted to save it. During the night arms were seized at various places. In this state affairs continued till day-break on Thursday, when the streets were filled with drunken people, parading about, some armed with guns, and others flourishing naked sabres over their heads. About six o'clock in the morning the military commenced firing upon the populace, and many fell. The resistance of the people was very determined. In many places the royal arms were pulled down. As the morning advanced the Burgher Guard began to make its appearance; there was evidently a disinclination in the military to fire on the citizens; and ultimately there seemed to be a mutual agreement that they should retire to their barracks, and leave the care of the city to the Burgher Guard. About three o'clock in the day, the ancient standard of Brabant, red, orange, and black, was displayed on the Town Hall, and detachments of the Burgher Guard carried it about the streets.-The whole affair seems to have taken place without premeditation. It would appear that the King of the Netherlands is not generally unpopular; he is a man of good sense, and good feeling; but some imprudent prosecutions instituted against certain popular journals, followed by the banishment of the conductors, turned the tide against him and his Ministers. Early on the morning of the 27th, the principal citizens joined the officers of the Civic Guard in the barrack of the Annonciades. They called for arms, which were given them, and in a short time patroles of the Burgher Guard were organized, and appeared in the streets. They interposed between the combatants, and relieved several posts which were occupied by the firemen and the troops of the garrison. A proclamation of the Magistrates was distributed and posted up, announcing the abolition of 1830.] the Foreign News.-Revolution in the Netherlands. mouture (or tax upon the grinding of grain, which affected the price of bread), still existing at Brussels as a municipal tax, and inviting all the citi zens to take arms and provide for the maintenance of the public security. Meantime about noon, the Burgher Guard, whose numbers continually increased, patrolled the city in all' directions. The troops had discontinued all attacks in the streets; they fell back towards the King's Palace, where the Royal Guard assembled, or retired into their barracks, all resistance ceasing. During the whole afternoon the patrols continued to traverse the city. All the armed men who were met with were embodied, and their presence became necessary, because vagabonds began to show themselves to take advantage of the disorder, which they would have excited, and then proceed to pillage. The firmness and activity of the citizens prevented that misfortune. In the mean time all the principal towns of the Netherlands were in a violent state of anxiety and commotion. At Liege, Tournay, Mons, Bruges, and Namur, the utmost agitation prevailed. The Burgher Guard of Brussels having the entire command of the city, the affair, which seemed, in the first instance, to be the mere unpremeditated ebullition of an excited mob, began to assume a political aspect of a character truly formidable to the existing Government. It became evident that it was no longer a mere contest between the mob and the persons in authority, but a dispute between the citizens and the King, as to the extent of their privileges and constitutional rights, of which they seemed to consider themselves deprived. In consequence of this situation of affairs, the Prince of Orange, at the bead of a considerable force, arrived on Tuesday the 30th in the vicinity of Brussels; but finding that the inbabitants were resolved to oppose the entrance of the troops, and that they were making formidable arrangements for that purpose, he wisely abstained from provoking a battle, which must have caused the destruction of hundreds, if not of thousands, of his father's subjects. Othe representation made to him of the state of the city, his Highness consented to enter it on Wednesday with some members of his staff only, and without any other troops. The commandant of the civic force issued an order of the day for the citizens to assemble at ten o'clock, in the square of the Hotel de Ville; but before they met, the Prince sent to order that they should lay down their colours. To this command a positive 259 negative was returned, and it was for some time doubtful, whether his Royal Highness would appear under the Brabant flag, which bad displaced the Orange. The urgency of the occasion, however, made him wave even this point, and be trusted himself alone, without troops or assistance of any kind, among 8000 or 10,000 armed citizens, who had thrown aside the colours of his family, and assumed those of the ancient province. The square of the Hotel de Ville probably never exhibited a finer display than when each of the eight sections had taken up their positions, with their appropriate flags and with glittering arms. They not only displayed the tri-colour on their standards, but each citizen wore a tri-coloured cockade at his button-hole, and most of them bad tri-coloured scarfs round their waists. His Royal Highness, accompanied by three Aides-de-Camp, entered the city at about half-past one, but did not reach the Hotel de Ville till past two o'clock. He was extremely anxious to proceed directly to the Palace, without going to the Hotel de Ville at all: but the lower class of the inhabitants insisted on his going to pay homage to the city authorities; a dictation to which he was obliged to submit. At the Hotel de Ville he made a speech in a very animated manner, in which he promised to satisfy the reasonable wishes of the Belgians, and announced the formation of a Commission to consider their grievances. He then rode off with the cavalry part of the Civic Guard ; and going too fast, narrowly escaped being killed by one of the posts, who thought that he was flying from the city to call in the troops. All the Guards afterwards passed in review before him. The Commission which had been nominated by the Prince of Orange to discuss the claims and ascertain the intentions of the Flemish people, met on Friday the 3d of September, when a separation of Belgium and Holland was resolved on. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Prince of Orange dissolved the Commission, and a proclamation was issued by the Deputies of the States General then in Brussels, explaining the full extent of the separation demanded by the Flemish people. This is expressed to be "a complete separation between the southern and northern provinces, without any other point of contact than the reigning dynasty." His Royal Highness immediately proceeded to the Hague, where he arrived on the 4th, and on the following day the King of the Netherlands issued a proclamation, and in a calm and paternal appeal to 260 Foreign News.-Revolution in the Netherlands. the consciences and judgment of those whose alarming conduct bad produced it, begins by stating, with reference to the disturbances in the Flemish capital and elsewhere, that at the first news of those disasters, he had hastened to convoke an extraordinary meeting of the States General, which, according to the terms of the fundamental law, represent the whole people of Belgium. During the progress of these important affairs the inhabitants remained constantly under arms, prepared for either alternative; and, to confirm their patriotic resolution, a deputation from Liege, consisting of the most distinguished young men of that city, arrived at Brussels, to offer, on the part of their fellow-townsmen, aid in men, money, and arms, if necessary. The deputation, with the banner of Liege floating before them, paraded the principal streets, and in the procession were five chests of muskets, which they brought to complete the arming of the people of Brussels. Several Members of the Second Chamber of the States General, well known for their liberal principles, had also arrived in Brussels to join the popular movement. Deputations from Louvain, Alost, Ath, and other cities, arrived for the same purpose. Alarming riots lately took place at Verviers, the frontier town of the Netherlands, and within about ten miles of the frontiers of Prussia. The CustomHouse was set fire to, and the house of a notary was pillaged and destroyed. The workmen of Eupen, a Prussian frontier town, on hearing of what was taking place at Verviers, rose, and to a man proceeded to assist in the work of destruction there. The populace, in great numbers, paraded though the streets, attacking the houses of persons wbo were obnoxious to the lower orders. On the 13th of September the States General met, in pursuance of the royal convocation. The address of the King commenced by lamenting the necessity of calling the Assembly together, after a period of fifteen years' peace, but refers to the disturbances in the provinces, and the afflictions with which they threaten the country, as a plea. He refers to the States General the consideration of the question of separation, as well as the adoption of any measures which they might consider conducive to the weltare, or called for by the situation of the country. Anxious to act consistently with the fundamental laws of the kingdom, he stated his entire dependence on them for adopting such measures as would tend not only to restore the peace of the country, but also to support the laws in their pristine [Sept. form. He concluded by expressing his firm reliance on the loyalty of the nation; adding, that " fully prepared to meet reasonable wishes, he would never yield to party spirit, nor consent to measures which would sacrifice the prosperity of the nation to passion or violence." A Royal Message was afterwards read, in which his Majesty submitted two questions to the consideration of the Chamber, namely," Whether experience had shown the necessity of revising the fundamental law? Whether in that case the relations established by treaties, and by the fundamental law, between the two great divisions of the kingdom, for the promotion of their common interests, required to be altered in their form or their nature?" The Journal des Pays Bas is the chief organ of the discontented Belgians, and calls loudly for a political separation of the Netherlands from Holland; while the Dutch papers pour forth the bitterest invectives against the seditious spirit which instigates their neighbours to rebellion. The Arnemsche Courant, speaking in a tone of high indignation on the proposed separation of the two countries, exclaims," To arms! Down with the rebels! The blood of rebels is not the blood of brethren!" Such is the language which resounds from all the inhabitants of Holland, Guelderland, Frisia, Groningen, Utrecht, and Northern Brabant. On the 21st of September a proclamation was issued expressing a determination to put down by force the armed assemblies at Brussels and elsewhere, if they did not quietly disperse, and leave the settlement of their alleged grievances to the decision of the States General. Accordingly on the 23d Prince Frederick, at the head of the royal troops, marched on Brussels from Vilvorde, and after a de termined resistance, in which many lives were lost, he entered the town. A sanguinary but irregular conflict ensued, and in the end the royal troops became masters of the place. The members composing the Committee of Public Safety fled to the French frontiers. GERMANY. BRUNSWICK. The revolutionary spirit now abroad has spread to the hitherto proverbially peaceable people of Germany; and it is to be apprehended that having once found an entrance into that country, it will not cease till it has con- . sumed every vestige of her present institutions. The inhabitants of Brunswick have risen against the Government, and, having repulsed the troops, they attacked the Ducal Palace, and burnt it, with all its valuables, to the Foreign News.-Revolution in Brunswick and Saxony. The 1830.] ground. The whole conduct of the Duke of Brunswick, it appears, since the Government was given up into his hands by his uncle and guardian, our late Sovereign George IV., has been a tissue of unjustifiable weakness and obstinacy-outraging the feelings of his subjects in every possible manner. measures adopted by his guardian were contested and set at nought; the Constitution given to his States he refused to sanction; he disregarded the judgments of the legal tribunals, tore their decrees, arrested his subjects without cause, banished the old and faithful Ministers of the kingdom, persisted in resisting the decrees of the German Diet, and when he found he could do it no longer with safety, ran away to Paris with all the crown treasures he could collect. At the commencement of the Revolution there he set out again for Brunswick, and appeared to be inclined to act with greater prudence; but having given fresh offence by oppressive and offensive conduct, he was openly attacked on returning from the theatre.The accounts state, that on the evening of the 6th of Sept. the multitude assembled in great numbers before the theatre, having filled their sleeves, pockets, and hats with stones, where they waited till the Duke stepped into his carriage, when they commenced a furious attack, evidently directed against the life of the Prince, which was defeated by the rapi dity with which the coachman drove off. They followed him, however, to the PaJace, where the formidable preparations which had been made, for that time overawed the assailants. Artillery was placed in the streets, and the troops were ordered to fire upon the populace. Negociations were afterwards entered into, and the Duke promised to remove the artillery, to recognize the chambers, and to remain in his dominions with his treasures. Next morning, however, be refused to fulfil the conditions. The populace immediately assembled. They began by assailing some detachments of troops which patrolled the streets, and, having overpowered and disarmed them, they proceeded against the Palace, and though it was defended by cannon, and a large body of troops, they carried it in less than an hour, the military having refused to obey the orders issued to them to fire on the people. The castle was then set on fire by the mob in the corner where they had broken in, and as the wind was unfavourable to the progress of the flames, they had full time to plunder this stately edifice of its magnificent furniture. The Duke was obliged to fly for his life. A party of Hussars, ordered to the back of the Palace, re 261 ceived him in the midst of them, and with some officers he rode off at full speed for the frontiers, where he dismissed them. He pursued his way to England, and landed at Dover on the 14th, whence he proceeded to London. On his flight being known, a Provisional Government was appointed, and the public safety committed to the Burgher Guard, which, in imitation of the French and Belgians, was organised from among the citizens of Brunswick. On the 10th of September Prince William Duke of Brunswick Oels, younger brother of the Duke of Brunswick, arrived at Richmond Palace; when he immediately issued a proclamation declaratory of his wishes to restore order, and enter into an investigation of the popular grievances. On the 13th the principal Counsellors of the Estates announced that they had judged it necessary to call a General Assembly of the States, to meet as soon as possible, till which time the committees would remain sitting. SAXONY. The King of Saxony, formerly one of the most popular princes in Germany, has of late given much umbrage to a large portion of his subjects, by his attempts to suppress Protestantism and Protestant feeling in those dominions wherein they were cradled; he is also accused of suffering himself to be governed by the Jesuits, and of endeavouring, by indirect means, to establish the Catholic Religion in all the plenitude of power; and a formidable opposition has been brought into action against his Government, on the model of those of Paris and Brussels. To oblige his reverend guides be attempted this year to suppress the usual honours paid to the anniversary of the reformation, and on the 10th Sept. the people of Dresden justly resented the insolence of the Papist priests. They rose en masse, and with the assistance of the Burgher Guard, drove the military from the town. A tremendous tumult ensued, and several houses of obnoxious individuals were destroyed; but the Burgher Guard interfered, as at Brussels, and prevented further devastation. On the 13th of September Prince Frederick, nephew of the King of Saxony, was appointed Regent-bis father, the brother of the ex-king, having renounced his own right to the succession in his favour. The Minister Einsiedel has been dismissed, and order is re-established, on the understanding that several changes are to be made in the Constitution, in favour of popular rights. In consequence the city of Dresden was illuminated in the evening. Popular commotions, attended by par tial riots, have also taken place at Chemnitz, Hesse Cassell, and other places. SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. Nothing decisive has yet been effected in the Peninsula. The Spanish Constitutionalists have been gradually assembling on the Pyrennean frontiers, and the government authorities, in full expectation of the meditated blow, are every where on the alert. The Constitutionalists have published a "Manifesto," of considerable length, fully detailing their views and objects. It maintains that one of the fundamental principles of the ancient laws of the kingdom, authorises Spaniards to combine and take up arms against the King when he shall abuse the power which those Jaws declare "was given him only for the public good;" or when he shall for get the obligation imposed on him, in the words of the law, of being "more watchful of his people's welfare than his own." The manifesto, upon this point, adds, that there is not in Spain a more ancient and authorised custom than such a rising of the people to repress despotism, when it infringes on the national liberty. In many instances, it says, have the Spaniards, acting upon that principle, dethroned their King, aud placed the kingly power in other hands The manifesto declares that "the Directing Junta of the Insurrection" has constituted itself, for the present, a Provisional Regency, on the ground that the King, being in the power of a faction that rules him, is incapable of governing. It is enjoined that the Regency shall be solemnly proclaimed throughout the kingdom, and that all the authorities, civil and military, shall obey it, until the National Congress shall have assembled. In Portugal numerous arrests have taken place, and the greatest consternation has prevailed, since the affairs in France have become known. Don Miguel has been compelled, by the British government, to restore the merchant vessels which had been captured off Terceira by the Portuguese blockading squadron, the commander of which has been dismissed the service in disgrace. TURKEY. The Albanians bave been for some time in a state of open rebellion against the Porte; and from all accounts the province may be considered as lost to, the Turks. A communication from Belgrade, dated Aug. 7, states that the grand Vizier has been guilty of the most barbarous treachery. When he arrived at Bitoglia he felt convinced that he should attain his object with difficulty and slowly by force of arms, and had [Sept. recourse to stratagem. With this view he sent messages to all the Albanian chiefs with the declaration that he had come to Bitoglia by order of the Porte, with a commission to listen to the complaints of the Albanians and to satisfy their just demands, and he therefore invited them to come in person to Bitoglia, In consequence of this invitation, a great number of them immediately set out for Bitoglia, accompanied, by way of precaution, by an escort of 5000 men. On their arrival they were permitted to and the Grand Vizier gave the chiefs an make their escort encamp at the gates, audience; after listening to their demand, which was the payment of fifteen millions of Turkish piastres, he declared that they had only to wait a short time at Bitoglia, till the arrival of the sums placed at his disposal by the government. The Albanians being thus made easy, had already waited four days, when the Grand Vizier sent them word one morning that he was going to review his regular troops, amounting to 15,000 men, and that he invited them to be spectators. The Albanian chiefs suspecting nothing, went to the place attended by an escort of 400 men only, when during the evolutions they were suddenly surrounded by the Turkish troops, and massacred to the last man. After this dreadful carnage, the troops marched against the escort of the Albanians, encamped on the other side of the town, which immediately took flight. But as the Grand Vizier had caused all the roads to be previously occupied, a very small number of Albanians escaped the sword of the Turks. AFRICA. TUNIS, Aug. 10. Count de Larochefoucault, sent by France to Tunis with extraordinary powers, has concluded a new treaty with the Regency of Tunis, of which the following are the principal articles: 1. Henceforward full and entire liberty is to be enjoyed by the commerce of all nations, and the Dey will cease to levy the monopoly which he exercised formerly. 2. The cession of the island of Tabarca to France. 3. No tribute is to be paid henceforward. 4. The Turks now employed in military service are to be sent back to their country. 5. If a vessel belonging to any nation whatsoever be shipwrecked on the coasts of Tunis, if a sailor or a passenger be assassinated or ill-treated on the above coast, the Regency will be obliged to pay the value of the vessel and of its cargo. 6. Piracy is prohibited, and in case of war with any power, the Tunisians will have no right to attack merchantmen. 7. The slaves shall be restored to liberty. |