The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-02-15
The Turc0-Russian War.
The British Fleet Approaching
Oonstantinople.
The Gar Declares His Intention
of Occupying 1t.
AUSTRIA BECOMING VERY
MUCH EXCITED.
The Russians to Enter Rustchuk
To-day
The Russians to Enter Rustchuk

pending. AndraSSY was clOSeted several hours
today with the minister of finance, and as i'm
portant financial arrangements must precede
the mobilization of the army it is rumored the
government is about to resort to active military
measures There can be no doubt the govern
ment is not only alive to the danger of the sit
uation but is resolved if possible to avert what
may be for Austro-H Hungary national disas-
ter.
The following appeared in Andrassy's organ,
the Pesther Lloyd, this morning:
The non.occupation of Constantinople is the
foremost and most weighty interest of Europe,
and if Russia understands that by rgaining
her freedom of action she has the rightto hoist
the Cars flag of victory in the Bosphorus,
then it is time for the powers to abandon their
different categories of neutrality, and an end
must be put to the policy of accomplished
fact. The occupation of Bulgaria and the
exaggerated extension it is proposed to give
that province will never be tolerated by Aus
tria Action, and energetic action, alone can
now save Europe.
ST. PETERSBURG, Feb, 14.-The government
has information that the British fleet has ar
rived at Constantinople.
LONDON, Feb. 14-The Admiralty received
a telegram that the feet passed through the
Dardanelles, but has no advices of its arrival at
Constantin ople.
MALTA, Feb, 14.-The Escort arrived from
Fiume with cargo of white head torpe does.
The turret ship Devastation, four guns, leaves
today. Another vessel has been semitic Fiume
for more torpedoes. Any available supernum-
erares for strengthening the crews of the ships
under Admiral Horribly will go 10 the Deyasta-
ton.
PARIS, Feb. 14-It is believed in competent
quarters that matters will be arranged peace
fully.
The Rspublque Franchise counsels England
to remain tranquil
Des Debats declares it too late for England
to act. The majority of the papers hold SINH
lar views and hope the wisdom and modera-
ton of the powers will prevent further compile
cations.
CoNsTANTINoPLE, Feb. ia British fleet
passed through the Dardanelles at 3 o'clock
afternoon. The Turkish government consid
cred that mere protest would meet the neces.
sites of the situation.
The Russians still declare they will enter the
city and fears of considerable disturbance,
should they do so, are now entertained. The
destination of the feet is said to be Princes
Island in the sea of Marmora, Is miles south of
Constantinople, which It'll reported England
intends to occupy.
ST. PETERSBURG, Feo. 13-The government
has Information that that the British fleet has
arrived at Constantinople.
LONDON. Feb. l4.-The admiralty received a
telegram from the English Consul at Chanek
Kalessia, Anatolia, On the Dardanelles, % miles
southwest of Gallipoli, confirming the report
OF the passage OF six ships of the British fleet
up the straits yesterday. A Turkish pacha
made a formal protest at Chanek Kalessi, but
10 active measures were taken to prevent the
passage. The admiraPs orders were to enter
| the straits with or without leave and make ar
| rangements to secure his rear. The ships wers
| prepared for action.
VIENNA, Feb lit appears certain that in
view Of possible contingencies, the great mill
tary council of the Empire will meet shortly.
Meanwhile negotiations are proceeding between
Austria and Russia, and it is hoped the latter
| will take into account Austria's objection TO
| the peace basis.
ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 14.-Several uewsDa-
| pers today call attention to the statement made
last. year By Bismarck, that Germany would
use her influence in the Eastern question for
the maintenance of general peace. They say
Germany is all the more entitled to assume the
part of arbiter, as by her military preponder-
| ance and her dsinterestedness in the Eastern
question, she is the only power who could effec-
lively discharge such a mission, by declaring
herself against the power who should fire the
first cannon.
| LONDON, Feb. 14-530 P. Mn the Com
mons this afternoon Northcote made a state.
ment regarding the passage of the Dardanelles
BY the fleet. The facts of the Chancellor's
statement were that six ships passed despi.e
the Turkish Fasha's protest, and that the ad-
| m1raps orders were to enter with or without
leave, and that the ships were prapared for ac-
zion: He also stated that dispatch had been
received from Russia stating the Gear was con-
siderng the question Of the occupation of Cen
stantiuople by an armed force, and to this
England had replied that the action of the
English government does not Justify Russia il
occupying Constantinople
Northcote stated that England had protested
against Russia's sending troops to occupy Con-
stantinople CHEERS from the Conservatives. J
In the Lords. Derby made a statement SINH
lar to that OF N0rthcote in the Commons and
also read dispatch from Gortschakoff inform
ing MN OF the Russian occupation Of Constan-
tinople, which Gortschakoff adds is mersly a
pacific measure.
The Manchester Guardians London cores
pendent telegraphing last night says: The clubs
and House were full of rumors tonight that
Lord Derby, Foreign Secretary, had Withdrawn
from the Cabinet, but such was not the case,
The expectation, however increases that he
VIII resign. 1t will require firmer man than
Lord Derby to disregard the disfayor in which
ne Is held, not merely by Carlton cabal. but
also by many OF his own peers, some of whom
are openly against him, and the changed cir
beyond Lord Derby's pacific inclinaqions'
Should he remain in Office, we may regard it
as favorable symptom for the maintenance of
peace, though it may be earned at the cost of
concessions. Ii ne retires We may count on ss-
rious complications.
A leading editorial in the Daily News saws:
The difficulties OF the hour are no doubt great
but when we md a sovereign 80 deeply inter-
ested as the Emperor of Germany in the main
tenance OF peace, expressing the conviction
that that object will be gained, we may hope
they will be surmounted.
The Morning Post says:
Inc peace-at any-price party will be ratified
to learn that Lord Derby has suddenly become
belllcose, pretty sure sign that there is no risk
OF any collision. On the contrary as matters
seano, IL the ships are only ordered to Constan-
tinople, there is no reason why the Brtons and
Russians should not take part Ia the gaieties
OF reassnred residents If from Constantiponle
we are still able to proceed at will into the
Euxlne sea we occupy position of some pow
er. We shall anxiously wait to learn from off,
cial declarations whether this be. If the fleet
is merely to remain at the entrance of the Bos-
phorus while the victorious forces of the Gar
actually hold StambOul, this latter news will
assureqly throughout the whole eastern world
more than counterbalance the effect of our ma
ciflc appearance at Seraglio point.
LONDON, Feb. 14-The Press Association
says there was much excitement in the Hobbies
OF Parliament this afternoon after Sir Stafford
Northcote's statement, and it was Thought the
situation would become most critical A more
n4opeiol view, however, was taken after Lord
Derby's speech, many Conservatives believing
Russia would give way.
line meeting OF the Conservatives az tba
Carlton Club, fixed for this afternoon has been
aoJonrned SINE die, an intimation having bean
conveyed 10 tue leaders OF the movement that
ble to continue the agitation against Derby
Several promoters OF the movement saw thew
have no reason to complain of Derby. as he
strongly supported the forcing the Dardanelles
aud protesting against Russia's occupation of
Corstantinople. -
The committee of the Liberal members of
Parliament to watch the progress of the East
ern question and TO prevent thu government
from drifting into war will hold their first
meeting tomorrow
Activity in the Woolwch arsenal is daily
increaslrg e. New guns Of nearly every descrin.
ton and military transport wagons are being
rapidly manufactured. NS
telegram from Constantinople saws tina
fleet is expected at Princes Island this eyen;no
unless compelled to cast anchor at Marmora io
consequences OF the tempestuous weather. Two
iron-clads have been left at Gallipoi to protect
the outlet. -Four will be stationed at Prince's
Island. The Flamingo will stay in the Bos.
phoros to maintain communication betwaen
Mr.. Layard and Admiral Hornby. The
Flamingo went to meet the fleet with sealed
orders. No salute is to be fred or formal
notice taken of the arrival of the fleet The
English Consul at Chonak Kalessi made a
for the fleet - 'oai
The Turkish Parliament was dissolved TODAY
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