The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-12-21
FOREIGN.
The TurcO-Russian War.
FURTHER SPECULATIONS AS
TO ENGLAND'S COURSE.
The Turks Retreatipg Into Rou-
melia.
FOREIGN.

LONDON, Dec. 20.-The Manchester Guardi-
ans London correspondent says every attem ot
to strike out new foreign policy for the gov
eminent revives the discussions in the Cabi-
net The retirement of Lord Derby is by no
means impossible Among the number OF ru-
mored projects necesstating the summoning of
Parliament are increased ornaments, war vote
and purchase of the Turkish feet Several
financial articles in this mornings London
journals note marked frmness in Egyptian
bonds yesterday amid general depression and
ascribe it to political reasons.
The Times leading article throws out strong
indications of the writer's belief that Parlia-
ment will be asked to vote money for the pur-
chase of further interest of some kind in
Egypt There are two purchases possibly,
namely, the Khedive's remaining interest in
the Suez canal and the Porte's suzerainty
over Egypt
The Times urges that there is DO change in
| the situation of the beligerents since Derbys
recent speech to the deputation repres ,ntipg
| the Society for the Protection of British Inter-
ests, and other political societies, which pre-
scented memorial for active interference in
| favor of Turkey and says all the arguments
against Interference then remain good now.
The supremacy of Great Britain is not endan-
| gered. We are not going to allow our interests
| to be bound up with the maintenance of the
Ottoman empire in its integrity or indepen-
dence. 1t will be found when Parliament
| meets that the communications the ministers
will have to make in both houses are not in
spired by that terror which now disturb the
mental vision and abstracts the Judgment of so
many.
The News says we think Parliament is sum-
moned to approve war preparations
The Times Vienna correspondent reports
that Suleiman Pasha with 10000 men arrived
at Constantinople from varna; He goes to
Roumelia. Suiman's circuitous route is ex-
planned by the fact that in consequence of ice
and snow in the Balkan passes heavy material
is easier transported by.railway Ito Verna and
thence by sea to Constantinople than by more
direct route. 1t is thought also that portion of
the troops from the quadrateral have gone to
Roumelia by land direct as the CZarwitch re-
ports that the Turkish forces outside of Rust
| chuk and on the lower Lom have withdrawn.
The Times correspondent at Bucharest says
| the Czarwltch will probably return to Russia
when Gen. Todleben will assume command in
chief.
The correspondent of the Daily News at Or
sova sends report that Gen. Toble ben arrived
at Orsova to arrange the bomba rdment of
Aboklch. CThis report seems doubtful.)
The Vienna correspondent Of the Times tele-
graphs that since the failure of the Turkish
note the powers the idea of direct negotiations
between. Turkey and Russia appears to find
more advocates. 1t is supposed that even
Great Britain has somewhat abated her obiec-
tions to such course and advised the Porte to
try if possible to ascertain the Russian conditions
The Porte, however, seems to have little incli-
nation for such course. All its energies seem
to be bent on the defence of Ronmeia 1t is
thought also that the Turkish Parliament to
which the Porte declared its intention of sub
hitting the question, will oppose the negotia-
ton.
CHICAGO, Dec. 20.-The Tribuue's special
from London under date of this forenoon, says
the meetings of the British Cabinet are held
daily and the settled impression is that prepa-
tions for war are intended at Wool wich and
other arsenals. Orders have been received
stopping the discharge of men and to take back
those recently discharged. While war may
not be intended there is absolutely no doubt
whatever that England is to be put in readi-
ness for war should that be necessary.
PARIS, Dec. 20-The Journal des Debates
states there is no doubt that England has
earnestly sounded the powers to ascertain
whether it is possible to organize common di-
plomatic action with a view to peace.