tone of the speech was
considered warlike, and it had a corresponding effect upon the money
market. But the public mind recovered from this feeling in the course of
a day or two.

The public feeling throughout Prussia is described by correspondents as
being highly excited. All classes are said to be desirous of war, and it
is even feared that, if the king should consent to peace, he will not be
sustained by his people, but will be driven to abdication and exile.

It is understood, meantime, that the Russian, English, and French
Cabinets are using all their legitimate influence to prevent an appeal
to arms. Some of the minor powers that sought the protection of Prussia
in the Union are by no means satisfied with the turn affairs have taken.
Baden has separated itself entirely from the connection, and declares
"that, since Prussia has abandoned the Union, a mere alliance for
protection and mutual representation in the Free Conference does not
answer its expectations. It returns to the full possession of its
independence." The Prussian troops are also entirely recalled from the
principality. The Prussian armament is pressed forward vigorously. The
fortresses are being placed in a state of defense; the works begun at
Erfurth last summer are continued, and the inhabitants have begun to lay
in stocks of provisions as if a siege were to be immediately expected.
The town contains a strong garrison; the citadel is stored with
provisions for two months, besides a number of live cattle.

FRANCE.

The opening of the Assembly and the Message of the President, have been
the principal events of political interest in France during the past
month.

The Message was an able and elaborate presentation of the affairs of
France; the President pledges himself in it, to abide by the
requirements of the Constitution, and says that the great necessity for
France is repose and order. The message was received with general favor
by the Assembly and people. Its frankness and its firmness restored
confidence and strengthened the government.

A decree has been issued for increasing the troops on the Rhine frontier
by calling into activity 40,000 men of the 78,500 still to be disposed
of out of the contingent of 1849. The Minister of War declares the
political movements in Germany to be the cause of this increase.

The _Moniteur du Soir_ having stated that General Cavaignac had declared
that, in the event of Louis Napoleon being re-elected a