Daily Richmond Whig

From the New York Journal of Commerce, April 21, 2 P. M.

HIGHLY IMPORTANT—IF TRUE.

The New Bedford Mercury of yesterday contains the following: It is three days later from the continent than had been previously received, and may be a day later from Paris,—the distance from that capital to Flushing, being about 150 miles. Latest dates from Paris, before received, March 22: morning. Nevertheless we are not prepared to believe that so important events could have transpired in a single day, as the formal declaration of the French Government in favor of Belgium, and the sending of a French general to Brussels, to take command of the united armies. In fact, there was as yet no united armies in Belgium to be commanded. The last accounts from Brussels (as late within two days as could have been received at Flushing) make no allusion to such reports, but state that the most warlike portion of the Belgian ministry had resigned. The reported declaration of war against France by Austria is doubtless equally without foundation. In regard to the order for putting in commission all the Dutch Marine, the information is so direct that it can hardly be questioned. If correct, the object may be, to co-operate with the British squadron, sent or to be sent to the Scheldt, in enforcing the decisions of the London Protocols in regard to Belgium. Or it may be intended only as a preparation against emergencies.—Captain H. is said to be a very intelligent man.

LATEST FROM THE CONTINENT.—The brig Franklin, Stephen B. Howland, master, arrived at this port yesterday, left Flushing the 28th or March. France had joined the Belgians against the King of Holland, and the French General had been at Brussels to take command of the United Armies. An order had reached Flushing to put in immediate readiness the whole Dutch navy. It was rumored and believed that AUSTRIA HAD DECLARED WAR against France. Capt. Howland brought no papers.

The distance between Brussels and Flushing might by the aid of a steamboat or fast vessel and fair wind in the Scheldt, be easily accomplished in ten hours. The rumor, therefore, may be true that France had openly declared for Belgium; but we doubt it.