The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-04-27 00:00:00

THE EASTERN QUESTION.

The Correspondent of The Times, writing from St.
Petersburg on April 22, swys _

"The proposed withdrawal of the Russian army and the
British fleet from the nelghbourhood of Constantinople
continues to be discussed in a friendly spirit, but no
definite result has Leen yet obtained; and as the points
at issue are of a teennical bind, requiring the advice
of specialists on the spot, the discussieu may, if not
Interrupted by some unforeseen cause, Le prolonged for
a considtrable time. If the in gotiation concerned two
armies, it would be comparatively easy, for they might be
assumed to possess equal poweis of locomotion ; but how
Is the mobility of an army to be compared with that of a
fleet? Insnch a race the flee must evidently be weighted,
but to what extent? Probab,y is the whole history of diplo-
macy such a question never tefore came up for serious discus-
sion. If the Cabinets of London and St. Petersburg eeme
to some agreement on this kuetty point, it will
be necessary to obtain from the Porte some gualantee that,
in case negotiations fail, it will offer no ob_tacle to the re-
establishment of the status quo. On this point the Cabinet
of St. Petersburg will probably be somewhat exacting, for it
It convinced that in the event of hostilities the Porte would
certainly not take the side of Russia. It is quite possinle
that on this point serious difficulties may arise, fur the
Ottoman diplomatists have little reason to desire a peacefel
solution of the question."

Writing from St. Petersburg on April 23, the Correspondent
of The Times, says :—" The negotiations about the with-
drawsl of the Russian Army and the British Fleet from the
immediate neighbourhood of Constantinople continue to
advance slowly. Rumours about an intention of Prince
Bismarck to give up all further attempts at conciliation are
not believed in well-informed circles here, but little confi-
dence is placed in the ultimate success of the negotiations.—
The Journal de St. Petersbourg thinks that, as Lord Beacons-
field has hitherto systematically hindered joint action in the
affairs of South-Eastern Europe, it would be hazardous to
entertain sanguine hopes about the Congress."

BERLIN, April 23.—The Congress negotiations still remain
Without resul The preliminary Conference has not even
been mentioned in recent negotiations and efforts at media-
tion. In these circumstances, the willingness of Russia to
treat about the withdrawal of her Limed forces from Con-
stantinople is construed as indicating a wish to temporize.
—Correspondent of The Times.

A Russian Agency telegram from St. Petersburg, dated
April 23, says :—" The situation is still the same. Nego-
tiations continue as to the carrying out of the already ad-
mitted principle of equality of distance as regards the time
necessary for the English fleet and the Russian Army re-
spectively to regain the evacuated positions. The minute
Precautions to be taken as to the wind and the difficulty of
certain passages account for the length of the negotia-
tions,"

The following is from The Times of Monday :
CALCUTTA, April 21.
All the energies of the Indian Government are at present
concentrated on war preparations. The Native regiments
have all beeu ordered to recruit at once up to their full war
complement. Factories for small arms are working treble
time, day and night, Sundays and week days. Military and
Medical stores are also being collected on a large scale. The
Sepoys, it is reported, have responded with cheerful loyalty
to the summons for foreign service. A number of regi-
ments have even spontaneously volunteered their services.
The best proof of the general good feeling of the
troops is the alacrity with which Native soldiers abruptly re-
called from furlough are rejoining their regiments. The
Malta Division is put under tile very efficient command of
General Ross, well-known in 1857 as Ross, of Ross's Camel
Corps ably supported by lirigadier-General M'Pherson, V.C.,
a very distinguisbed officer; Colonel Watson, V.C., com-
manding the Cavalry Brigade, who has already achieved
brilliant reputation as a Cavalry leader; and Colonel Pren-
dergast, V.C., commanding the Sappers and Miners. The
first Bombay Cavalry is commanded by Colonel Blair, V.C.,
the Georkhas (Prince of Wales's Own) by Colonel lil'lnt}re,
V.C. The Goopkhas make splendid fighting men and per-
formed capital service during the Mutiny. The 9th Bengal
Cavalry was formed after the Mutiny from remains of the
famous regiment of Hodson's Horse The 13th Infant' y
consists of Brahmins, Rajpoots, Hindustanees, Mussulmans,
and Jets. The 31st is the Punjab regiment formed of Sikhs,
Punjabis, Pathans, and a few Punjabi-Hindoos and Mahome-
dans==a fine body of men, of grand physique. This regiment
leaves Cawnpore for Bombay to-day, The military enthu-
siasm prevailing among the English officers is indescrib-
able. The authorities at Simla are stated to have
been overwhelmed by telegraphic applications for
foreign service. The proposed employment of the Native
Army in Europe has given to the Indian military service
a lustre in the eyes of the tlindoos, which may in future
render it one of the finest military forces in the world and
Will doubtless prove of great benefit to India in various
ways. The English military authorities will now find it
necessary to set themselves in earnest to the ta.‘k of carry-
ing out a thorough reorganization, so loudly clamoured for
in years past. The English officers of the Indian Army,
spurred by the hope of gaining European distinction, will
emulate with each other in acquiring as perfect a scientific
knowledge of their profession as possible, while the spectacle
of English and Native regiments fighting side by side in
Europe will have a powerful effect in breaking down the
barriers of race.

SAN STEFANO, April 19.—The Grand Duke has heard
nothing about his being relieved from the command. His
health has suffered, and he needs repose, and, like every one
else in the Army, desires to go home; but his removal at
this moment would be very disadvantageous. Events have
occurred here which had it not been for his determination
and tact would have resulted in war. If war be now averted,
much credit will be due to the moderation and prudence of
the Grand Duke. He has had delicate negotiations intrusted
to him, and has been plactd in a very trying position.
Throughout his conduct has been mai ked by an honourab.e
and soldier-like feeling, which the Sultan will be the first to
iscknowledge.—Cerrespondeut of The Times.

The Eastern Budget hears from St. Petersburg that the pro-
ject of organising a volunteer fleet of cruisets has been
seriously taken up by Russia. Immediately after the Czar
had approved of the Czarewitch accepting the protectorate
of the undertaking, instructions were sent by the Minister
of Finance to all the receivers' officers in the Empire to col-
lect subscriptions for the above object and forward them to
the head office at Moscow. Various other plans are also
being discussed for injuring as much as possible the mari-
time power of England. According to one of these the
whole of the English ships of war and trading ships could
be blown into the air at an expense of wily 10,C00,000
roubles. The author of the plan engages for ;he above 311111
to construct a sufficient number of small explosive vessels,
lying very low in the 'water, and propelled by a new motive
power hitherto unknown, which could make the English
naz disappear from the seas in six mouths.

In a letter on the Eastern Qiiestion the Perlin Correspon-
dent of The Times remarks:— "While warlike apprehensions
are gaining ground apace, it is a matter to be noted that the
majority of German jouinals of all huts and shades should
•side with England against Russia. Excepting a few papers of
a peculiarly Governinental and Conservative flavour, nearly
the whole periodical press of this (country criticizes the
Treaty of San Stefano as an arrangement brought about by
roleace and ruse, and calcu:wed to injuie the legitimate
interests of all the Powtr-, Germany included." . . .

Under date Vienna. Tuesday, the Special Ccrrespondent
Of the Standard writes :—" I hear that Ituesia suspects the
exist:ince of a secret Treaty between Tut key and England, by a
!stipulation of which the forts of the Bosphorus will be placed
an the hands of Admiral liornhy in case of war. Under this
alarn: she asks Germany to guarantee the lines of demarca-
tion whilst the negotiations proceed, and the request is
being entertained by Prince Bismarck. There is a general
feeling to-day that Austrian interests are definitely secured,
but the terms have not leaked out. The St. Petersburg press
now concentrates its auger upon England."

Letters from Russian officers in Turkey are cited by the
kit. Petersburg correspondent of a German paper as ex-
pressibg the stronkest desire for peace, and painting in very
dark colours the condition of the Russian army in Bulgaria.
Even the companies which have suffered the least from the
war are reduced from two hundred to severity men. The
want of officers is very great ; while the transport corps,
the artillery, and the cavalry have lost most of their hor,es,
and fLici it impossible t• replace them. It is added that
strongimpression prevails in Russian ruiliary circles that if
a war were to brvalc out between England and Russia the
Russian troops at San Stefano would not be able to make
any resistance, but would have to retire to Adrianople. The
corres)ohdent adds that there is good reason to believe that
this lathe course which in such an event the Russian con:I-
-nlanders have decided to adopt.—Pall Mall Gazette.

A tekgram from Berlin was published in the Paris papers
on Satirday, announcing that the Cabinets of St. Petersburg
suid Coition admit the principle of a simultaneous removal
Of theßritish fleet and the Russian troops from the neigh-
bourhood of Constantinople, and that a discussion was
going mas to the positions to be taken up on both sides. it
Was proposed that the troops should withdraw to Adrianople
and tie fleet to Besika Bay. The azreement arrived. at
Would, it was considered, specially facilitate the meeting of
the Coagress.

The Daily News Special CorrespondeLt in Constantinople
felegriils that the new Turkish Cabinet is quite colourless
as betveen Russian and English policy. Sad) k Paella, the
Premier, has never pronounced either way, and that is con-
sideredto be the reason he was chosen for the post. The
Porte, he Correspondent says, is obliged to hold the balance
Very ctrefully between Russia and England.

The Cronstadt Messenger announces that the equipment of
the Russian Baltic fleet is being proceeded with in all haste.
The soadron, which is to go to sea as soon as the ice begins
to break up, will consist of the Peter the Great, the Birlaez,
the Pojarski, the Admiral Spiridoff, the Admiral Luaroeff,
the Admiral Greig, and the Admiral Tchitchakolf.

" I learn upon good authol ity that during the last few
days the Turks have been making preparations to leave
Conslantinople. I hear that large quantities of household
good' have been sent secretly at night to Broussa, to which
Vac( the gun manUlactory at Tophane has also despatched
Large quantities of ammunition, as well as a number of guns.
Seve:•al functionaries employed in the Palace have, it is
said, left for Broussa, to prepare apartments for the sultan
and us suite. It would seem as though these arrangements
for tae departure of the Government have been taken with
a view to prevent the Turks from being surprised in the
Vett of the Russians occupying Constantinople."—Corre•
oLdent of Daily News.

According to the information of the Deutsche Zeitung
_6eVeral long trains have been standing on the Bender-
"lattz Railway during the last few days loaded with heavy
artillery and mortar batteries. This material is intended
for ;he army in Bulgaria. .

Tie Republique Francaise of Tuesday publishes an article
in which it says :—" It would be bold to predict the final
lealilt of the negotiations pending between England, Ger-
-I,l?any, and Russia. England has taken up an impregnable
ultiumatic position. The principle which she upholds, that
tr9tties must count and cannot be modified or annulled
.?vittiout the common consent of those who concluded them,
la. solid ground. We regard this principle as one of the con-
dlttuus of general order, and as necessary in the interest of
el,ilization, and hence it is that we support the British
PCHey and not from any motive of unjust partiality."

?he Roumanian Minister of Foreign Affairs has addressed
Et circular to the agents of the Principality abroad, in which
he states that Roumania is now oceupit d by the Russians,
r,bo are already in possession of Bessarabia. He charges the
-4tssians with endeavouring to excite a conflict, so as to
obtain pretexts for harsh measures, and protests against
tlts contempt of Treaties. The greatest obstacles are said
to be thrown in the way of the navigation of the Danube.

4.ccordlng to Constantinople telegrams, typhus is in-
ettasing among the Russians at Adrianople and Rodosto, and
thE sick continue to be embarked at San Stefano for Russia.
---!Tumerous Russian troops have been arriving at San
tefano, where a review of 60,00 men is to be held next
'Acnday (the Greek Easter Monday), and these troops will
4fierwards be encamped between San Stefano and Kayak.

4. Bulgarian deputation has presented a cross for the Em-
to the Grand Duke, requesting his acceptance of the
6asie, arid that the soldier liberators of their country may
Qs) wear it.

7he Journal des Pebats of Tuesday publishes an article in
it says, "If a sincere desire exists to pave the way
tir the continuance of peace the first arrangement to be
Itlatie would be to prevent Russia from carrviiig out the
etaises of the Sam Stefano Treaty, which, according to her
adinh-:siou, must not have the force of law until after
ziectivin,g the sanction of Euripc. It is because this is not
'2,ore that we consider it impossible to nurse hopes which
wae:e are no facts to confirm."

he Porte has accepted a proposal of the Grand Duke
'4ltholas that a mixed Commission of Russian and Turkish
rliers should be sent to the scene of the conflicts between
n_earrned Mussulmans and liussian troops. According to
ial accounts the Port 4 is not acquainted with the .exact
laatire of the insurrection, but it is supposed that the
'oilier consist of three battAlions of the gairison of Nisch,
Vat on retreating to the mountains Joined the remnants

of Sulieman Pasha's army, and have since been reinforced by
the Mussulman inhabitants of some neighbouring villages.
The scene of the conflicts is said to be between the valley of
Maritza and San Stef.no.

Respecting fortifications which the Turks have lately been
ma!;ing nes.r Constantinople, the Pera correspondent of the
Daily telegraph says the Grand Duke has had an interview
wittr Osamu Pasha, who has given assurances that they
wee° only intended for the cl,felice of the city.