Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1870-12-08
The Eastern Question.
PRUSSIA As A MEDIATOR.

/
LONDON, Nov. ~ Prussia has made
tender OF her good offices as a media
tor between Russia and other powers.
THE ATTITUDE or RUSSIA AND ENGLAND.
| \. Y. World special Prince
Gortschakof in his note says that Rus
sia still maintains her position that she
will DO bound no longer by the treaty
Of Sc. England says in reply that
she will not permit violation of the
treaty. Thus the matter rests, but
quiet can only be maintained as long
as Russia contents herself by merely
affirming her release from the obliga-
tions Of the treaty and refraining from
any action in consequence of that al
frmation. England will remain quiet,
contenting herself by protesting in
turn her determination to 90 to war
when Russia does commit an overt act
In this state the question may remain
for some months or till the end Of the
present war between France and
Prussia, when conference Of the seven
powers will be held with view TO re-
vive the treaty and to give to Russia
what she asks. This is the present
programme Of the peace party in the
cabinet, which to-nigh! TO have the
upper hand. The war party remon-
strated and declare that this course is
merely playing with Russia, and Rus
sia's game that war is certain unless
England is ready to surrender every
thing, and that it is better to fight now
when Prussia's hands are full than
wait till she is at liberty to aid Russia.
THE RELATIONS OF ENGLAND AND RUSSIA.
LONDON, Nov. 27.-Thc Tribune's
correspondent at Berlin on the 25th
inst. gives an authoritative account Of
the relations existing between Russia
and Prussia at the outbreak Of the
present war. Gortsohakof had several
interviews with King William and
Bismarck before their departure for
the seat Of war. The neutrality of
Russia was the principal object Of the
negotiations and Gortsohakof then.
as remark for the neutrality of Rus
sla, demanded the acquiesence of Prus-
sia IN the abolition of that part OF the
Paris treaty which forbids Russia keep
ing fleet in the Black Sea. Bismarck
accepted the proposal and it was then
neutrality understood that the claim of
Russia should be first publicly put for
ward on the conclusion Of peace be
tween Prussia and France. Thus by
this arrangement Bismarck was ena-
bled in the middle of August to send
for two corps which had been len for
the defence Of the eastern provinces of
Slesia and Prussia and was enabled to
set the time for the beginning of the
war.
BY this understanding not only was
the neutrality of Russia secured, but
Gartschakoff had even pledged himself
to restrain Austria from interfering
between Prussia and France.
Some weeks ago the Cabinet at st.
Petersburg thought peace was about to
be made prematursly and silence was
broken concerning the designs of Rus
sla. In Germany no one apprehends
that war will be the result.
ENGLAND UNPRERAREn FOR WAR.
Especial to n. Y. Herald. The
actual prospect Of fight has amazing
ly toned the boldness OF England. 1t
is rumored that the reports Of both the
military and naval departments are
discouraging. England is not pre-
pared for war. Orders have been sent
TO all home ports requiring returns to
be made of all the able bodied men
ahoat and the number OF pensioners
available to take the place of the
reserves. The number is said to fall
short Of the mark anticipated. A num-
Der Of extra hands have been put on
the ships under repairs or building.
The Bellerophon, iron-clad, is in dock
at Portsmouth. Stringent orders have
been issued to have her ready bv the
middle Of next month. The Hercules
has been ordered to be ready next
week and join the channel squadron
under Vice Admiral Wellesley, aid Of
Rear Admiral Wilmot. A flying squad
RON has been ordered to be ready for
sea by December 10th. 1t will be
composed Of the following vessels:
The Narcissus, screw steam frlgste,
thirty.five guns, Captain Codding CON-
manding, will be the flagship of Rear
Admiral Paget Seymont; lmmortelle,
screw frigate twenty-eight guns Cada-
Us, screw corvette, l6 guns, large iron
screw corvette cased with wood, 8 guns
one corvette and one sloep not select
ed. The Vanguard, double screw az.
NOR plated frigate Of IA guns has been
ordered back from Lisbon.