, 1877-02-17

S'~NtI ~ hN AO0OF q GA
Turkey a nation Of freemen whose conduct
may open up a new political horizon. showing
the dawn Of constitutional principles in the
East.
The truth doubtless is that the Russians are
yet uncertain regarding Prince Bismarck's
Intentions, and consequently are hesitating.
That they must fight Austria If they invade
Turkey seems certain unless Prince Bism Arck
repays The debt of 1870. We have but to re.
feet upon the excitement created in Prague
by General Tchernayef's presence to form an
idea Of the effect on the Austrian SlaVs of q
series of Russian victories south Of the Danube,
Clearly Austria could not remain quiet in such
a contingency; but how would Prince Bis.
marck act
Germany's permanent interests undoubtedly
forbid Russian aggra1dizement, but meantime
an alliance with Russia might adj to Germany
o much coveted seaboard and still severed
members of the German racs. Russia, then,
can bid highly for aid. She needs to protect
her right flank when crossing the Danube, and
she is not without hope of making the bargain.
In any case, however, it is unlikely that war
will break out Immediately. Neither Russia
nor Turkey are r-aiy to move, and the season
forbids serious military operations. We must
look forward, therefore, to a few months more
of uncertainty and %disquiet.
A Vienna correspondent says The report
that Snrvia wants TO make peace directly with
the Porte is repeated here more positively. II
IS asserted on excellent authority that the Ser
Wan government has actually asked for the
mediation of England.
A despatch from Vienna saws the Journals
there report that the Turkish Ambassador, at
a long consultation in Pesth today on Turkeys
future course, informed Count Audrassy that
the Porte intended TO make peaos with Servia
and Montenegro, and requested Andrassy's
mediation.
1t is reported in Vienna that the Turkish
Ambassador, at his interview with Andrassy,
IN PeSth yesterday, assured him that Turkey
would lake no step which was likely to pro.
woke war, and would vigorously push internal
reforms.
A despatch from Constan,inople says it lie
absolutely certain that Rus1ia, since the failure
of the Conference, has again endeavored to
negotiate a special treaty with Turkey. Mid
hat PAcha as yet opposes such a course.
A telegram from 8uoharess reports that the
ROumanian reserves are being s4nt home until
March. This is in harmony with the belief
That Russia does not inten to begin hOStilitiss
before spring
A Berlin despatch says ffty.two different
railway admins ~trations have been notified that
after the 9th inst. tn ir lines will in all prOba.
bility be rsquired for military purposes. 4 Visn.
ma despatch says reports from military agents
state that the roads in Moldavia ars %impracti.
cable, and the railway between Kish snof aAd
Jassy is interrupted by foods.
FRANCE.
A despatch from Paris says -
cit is stated in oficial circles that Prince
H0henlOhe, tbs German Ambassador, has Lost
no opportunity of assuring the Duke DacaGes
that Germany regards the attitude of France
in regard to the Eastern complications with
the best feelings, Notwithstanding the attacks
Of the German press. The good understanding
between the two governments has been at 20
time interrupted"
A Paris correspondent says the retirement OF
the Duke Docaz9s, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
is probable, in consequence of disagreement
with Minister Simon.
A telegram from Paris says official returns
show that the revenue from indirect taxation
for the year 1876. which was estimated at
1852, 4S3, 000f, amounted to 2,105, 759, 000fs
or 81, 1856 ,000f. more than in 1875.
ITALY.
In the Chamber of Deputies yesterday, dur
ing debate on a bill against the abuses of pow
e. by the clergy, the Minister of Worship and
Justice made an important statement. BE
declared that the law concerning the Papal
guarantees was a solemn and unassaiIah!e
pledge given to the Catholic world of the
Pope's complete independence in the exercise
IF hI SniritnuI nOVvor TtoI1 oOrIk II rouard r.