Phenix Gazette

BELGIUM AND HOLLAND.

The Messager des Chambres states, that 'the difficulties with Holland are drawing to an end. Leopold, for the purpose of preserving the peace of Europe, has just acceded to all the propositions of William, such as they were set forth in the last act of the Conference. Belgium will not have the free navigation of the Scheldt, but will pay a toll, which is to be pro-tempore, that which is applicable to the Rhine. She will not have the right to open a direct communication with Germany. A slight reduction on the interest of the debt will be made to her. Luxemburg will not be given up.'

Letters and papers from the Netherlands to the date of Tuesday have arrived, which partially confirm this statement; inasmuch as they say, 'uncertainty and uneasiness as to the extent of King Leopold's newly acquired subserviency to the views of the Holy Alliance, seem rather upon the increase in Belgium than otherwise: and it would appear to be taken for granted that he was at last seriously intent upon conceding the great question of the freedom of the Scheldt to his obstinate adversary. Such a determination was universally deprecated, and would, it is said, necessarily compromise the whole popularity of the King. Petitions are pouring from all parts of the country, entreating his Majesty not to consent to any terms that might impose the slightest tolls on vessels coming to or going from Antwerp. The different chambers of commerce have also addressed the King on the subject; and the merchants of Brussels have plainly told him that it was their firm conviction that any alteration in the navigation of the Scheldt would seriously injure the commerce and industry of the country.

Austria has recognized the Belgian monarch's letter, and legitimated the admission of his vessels into such of our sea-ports as she possesses.

Advices from Holland favor the hypothesis that Leopold has acceded to the propositions, for they speak of a truce having been agreed upon with the Belgian armies, which was to endure for several months. The military arrangements of Holland manifest a correspondent relaxation; and it seems now likely, whatever be the ultimate effect upon the existence of Belgium as an independent kingdom, that the broils of these neighbors are in a way of being conciliated, at least for the present, by negotiation. Holland has suffered severely from the cholera, not a single province being free from its ravages.