Phenix Gazette

BELGIC ACCOUNTS.

The London Courier of the 11th October, publishes an article from which it appears that previously to the Belgic Declaration of Independence, a distinct proposition had been made to the French Government for the annexation of the revolting country to France. We annex the article to which we refer:

We have received from Paris the following information connected with the affairs of the Netherlands: "M. Gendebien, the gentleman deputed by the Provisional Government of Brussels, to make an offer of an alliance with France, has had interviews with the Minister for foreign affairs and others, but has been most unsuccessful. He has informed that, with whatever satisfaction the French Government might view the prospect of increased friendly relations with the Belgians, it would only be connected with the general tranquility of Europe, which would be endangered by annexing the territory of Belgium to France, or placing it under the especial protection of the latter country." It was in consequence of the bad success of M. Gendebien's mission, that the Provisional Government of Brussels issued a proclamation, declaring Belgium an independent state. Under what form of government, and what chief, this state is to be placed, is now the point of interest: the objections in other quarters of its being independent are not, we believe, such as to cause any serious obstacles to the settlement of the question.

The Belgic provinces are now busied in preparing a constitution for themselves. The proposal from the Prince of Orange, in a proclamation from Antwerp, has come too late. The Belgians pay no regard to the promises of a House, who first tried to rule them as a province conquered by the sword; & who when the attempt has been thrown back, with disgrace on the head that originated it, would now make offers of reconciliation and concession which they cannot withhold. The Prince calls the Belgians to accept a separate Constitution, with himself at their head: they will form a constitution for themselves, but the House of Nassau shall have nothing to do with its formation. The provisional government are taking the necessary measures for settling their own affairs. They will have an independent government whether monarchical or republican, is not yet known; most probably republican. The following decrees of the Provisional Government, are preparatory to the formation of a new Constitution:

A commission for framing a project of a constitution is appointed, and in concert with the Committee it will immediately enter upon its functions.

It will first of all occupy itself in preparing a new mode of election, to be as popular as possible.

It will present a project of a constitution intended to become, after being submitted to the examination of the National Congress, the fundamental law of Belgium.

The following persons are appointed members of this committee:—M. M. Van Meenen, Governor of Southern Brabant: de Gerlache, councillor of the court at Liege: Tielemans, advocate; Cevans, advocate: De Brouckere, gentleman: Fabry, advocate: Ballin, advocate; Tonde, advocate: Thorn, advocate.

The Committee Central reserves to itself the power of adding to the commission for framing the constitution, the most distinguished men of all the provinces, as soon as it acquires the information which it expects on this subject."

The following decree has likewise been issued by the Provisional Government of Belgium.

— The Central committee of the Provisional Government, considering that the Dutch government is forming commissions at the Hague, composed of the States General, to treat of the affairs of Belgium: and among others of Belgians lately members of Belgium: referring to its decrees of the 4th of October, 1830, on the independence of Belgium; declares to be null and infringing on the independence and safety of the State, all acts or transactions which Belgians or others not furnished with power from the Provisional Government shall take on them to sign or to conclude.

De Potter—Ch. Rogier—S. Van de Weyer—Count Félix de Merode, By order of J. Vanderlinden, secretary.

Brussels, Oct. 5 1830."

The Central Committee have appointed 2 notaries and 12 citizens of Brussels to inspect all the places ravaged by the enemy, and to take an account of the injury done to property, and the acts of violence committed against individuals, in order to transmit to posterity the proofs of the unheard of ravages committed in the city of Brussels by the Dutch troops under the command of Prince Frederick of the Netherlands.