The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-20
IS ENGLAND DRIFTING INTO WAR!
Radical Differences Of Opin-
ion in the Cabinet.
ATTITUDE OF GERMANY.
General Todebsn to Command tho
Army Of Rustchuk.
rBY CABLE TO THE HEEALn.1

LONDON, Dec. ~, 1o0.
The anxiety felt here as to the policy of
the government in relation to the settle
ment Of the Eastern question is growing
more intense from hour to hour. The
Cabinet councils, held in rapid success
sion, and resulting in the announce
ment of the assembling Of Parlia-
ment three weeks before the usual
time, have created profound impression.
The curiosity felt as to the actual object of
the Ministers is something that has not been
seen here for many years. In fact, we must
go back to the time Of the Crimean war for
parallel circumstance.
PRESS COMMENTS ON THE PROSPECT.
The comments of the London press, the
substance OF which was cabled yesterday,
are still the subject of lively discussion.
The statement Of the Standard that Parlia-
ment will be asked to vote money for the
purpose of defraying the expense Of in
creased ornaments is taken as a semi
official announcement of the Ministerial
policy, and this idea is confirmed by the
prevailing tone of the Conservative press.
The tone of the Times, however, is con-
sidered somewhat reassuring. Its statement
that ''the anticipation of thescustomary
date is not because money is wanted to
support some step which Her Majesty, ex-
ercising her royal prerogative, has taken Cd
the ADVICE Of her Ministers, but to spare
members the trouble of forming a reso
tion," is hailed with satisfaction by the
friends of peace.
DISSATISFACTION OF TIE PEACE PARTY.
But the peace party agree with the Times
in deploring the fact that no one under.
stands the Ministerial policy, and that
this anticipation of the date of meeting will
invite mischievous rumors and encourage
the Turks unless Mr.. Layard be instructed
peremptorily to undeceive them. Lord
Strathedon will probably take the Times adj
vice and prove his utility second time by
picking up some companions and interviews
ing Lord Derby Another speech from the
Foreign Secretary might throw little light
on the reported divisions in the Cabinet.
GLOOMY CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND.
The announcement of the early meeting
Of Parliament, taken in conjunction with
the recent visit of the Queen to Lord Bea-
consfeld at Hughenden and the opportune
appearance of the third volume of the Life
of the Prince Consort," describing Her
Majestys Crimean War sentiments, has
much excited the public mind and cast IN
anxious gloom over the approaching Christ
mas festival.
THE STOCK EXCHANGE EXCITED.
This feeling of uneasiness in the public
mind was strongly reflected on the Stock
Exchange yesterday. Consols were I'M
usually affected, and there was q general
weakness in foreigns, especially Russians.
The uncertainty in regard to the future and
the r,lmors of divisions in the Cabinet
paralyze the stock market and make things
look uncomfortable.
MULTIPLICITY or RUMoRs.
The Financer of yesterday morning says
"All sorts OF statements OF more or less improba-
bic character were In circulation on the Stock
Exchange Tuesday. According to one there are
disscnsions in the Cabinet; another afilrms that
the Marquis OF Salisbury Secretary OF State
for India, and Earl Carnarvon Secretary
of state for the Colonial Department are to quit,
and another says that Lord Beaconsfeld, thus rid
OF a clog upon his policy, will send stroops to
Gallipo. II was further reported that
the Queen had forwarded to the Ministers
forth her views upon the Eastern question, and
another report says that our Cabinet has sounded
Berlin with regard to the tentative move ofTulkey
in the direction OF an arrangement and met an un-
favorable answer.
CRISIS IN THE WAR REACHED.
"And so one might go on with an enumeration OF
idle reports and discussions which are exercising
mems minds, the multiplicity OF which attests the
universal interest felt in the question at issue and
the general belief that another crisis in the war Ia
reached. All that can be truly said Is that an un
easy feeling prevails with regard to foreign AFFAIRS
the effect being visible in the dropping prices Of
public securities"
ATTITUDE OF GERMANY.
A Berlin despatch says:-"Tle impression