The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-03-25
FOREIGN.
The Eastern Situation.


Eugl ish Contracts for Torpedo Vessels
and Cannon.
LONDON, March N.-The London Times says
the orders for new torpedo vessels for the navy
are distributed among various ship-builders,
principally on the Thames. Two firms con-
tract for for 5000 torpedo sinkers, averaging
weight of 1100pounds. Russia is having humid
red torpedo boats built Oh the model of one
| purchased in England, but no part Of the order
came to this country.
A correspondent Of the Manchester Guard
ian telegraphS that the government has pur-
ceased from VIM. Armstrong four one hundred
| ton guns at q cost of $4,000 each. Negotia-
| tons are proceeding for number of smaller
| weapons identical with those already in the
vice. The same firm, as well as Whitworth &
Co.. have accepted contracts for large supply
OF iron gun-carrlages, to be completed early.
Great exertions are being made in the carriage
department at Woolwich arsenal in the pre-
paration OF wagons for the transport service.
Several other contracts for army stores are in
course of completion, notably one for a large
number OF pack-saddles.
The Protection of Constantinople.
CoNsTANTINoPLE, March 23.-Fifty thou
sand Turkish troops are now encamped on the
plains of Buyukdere, and there are fifty bat
talions on the line defending Constantinople.
Eagland's Requirements. "a -
LONDON, March 23-The British cabinet re-
quires declaration that the Communication
OF the instrument of peace to the powers is
equivalent to its formal presentation to the con-
gress The Russian cabinet, however, consid-
ers that by making the above mentioned COM
munication it fulfilled its International duties
and is less inclined to agree to q special pre-
sentatiOn of the treaty to congress, inasmuch
as by making known all the conditions of peace
is afforded each power the opportunity of max
ing separate provisions of the treaty the subject
OF European elaboration. An understanding
upon this point has not yet been reached, and
until it is decided the fate of the congress is
uncertain.
The Meeting Of the Congress.
VIENNA, March 23-ln the Hungarian Dele
gates today Connt Andrassy said it was in
tended that the congress should meet at the
end of March, bnt meanwhile some preliminary
questions had arisen between England and
Russia, and it was impossible now to state the
date of the meeting. t--s
The Austrian delegation referred to the gov
eminent petition to take steps by an interna-
battle fields, aud arrestng the danger which
threatens the health of Europe. -.
The Trsaty Unsatisfactory to tine Russian
People.
ST. PETERSBURG, March 24.-The Golos de-
cares that the treaty of peace falls short of the
aspirations of the Russian people
No Effect ON German Interests.
BERLIN, March 24.-The North German Ga
zette says the treaty does not affect German
interests
Notables in Conssantinople.
CoNsTANTINoPLE. March "a -Raouf Pasha.
OSman Pasha and Gen. Ignatieff arrived here
this evening. They will make formal and
ceremon1ous entry into the city to morrow and
have an interview with the Sultan. 1t is not
yet known in what capacity Gen. Ignat:eff re-
turns TO COnstantinople.
Premature Statement.
ST. PETERSBURG, March M.-The Agence
Russo says the statament that Russia has re-
quested England to withdraw her fleet from the
Sea of Marmora is premature.
The Massacres in Epirus.
2 ATHENS, March 24.-It is reported that the
women and children massacred by Turks in the
sacking of the Thessalian villages of Olympus,
Resp0ra CORA and LitOchOn number many
thousands. Admiral Hornby, at the request of
the British representative at Athens, has des-
patched vessel to ascertain the truth of these
reports.
The Formal Demand for the Withdrawal
of the British Fleet.
LONDON, March 25.-The correspondent at
st. Petersburg learns from good ,sourse that
no formal representation will probably be
made for the present about the presence of the
British fleet 10 the Sea of Marmora, but
Russian troops will not embark now as was
intended. Influential and moderate politicians
remark that the fear of highlands policy will
force Russia to occupy COnstantinople and
drive the Sultan from Europe. The correspon-
dent adds that the onl y hope of peace is in the
speedy assembling of the Congress That how
ever throughout Russia is fast fading. Bel
licose excitement is intense in St. Petersburg
Miscellaneous.
The sanitary commission have arrived at En-
zeroum from Tlfls. They found 10000 corpses
buried two feet under ground, frozen. but not
decOmposed. The commiss on are deliberating
whether to cremate the corpses or use quick
ime.
Count Itchy, Austrian ambassador at Lon
doD, has postponed his departure on furlough
because of the critical aspect of affairs.
The Gar has not absolutely declined to grant
the concessions asked by Raouf Pasha, but
made his assent dependent upon a condition
which Is believed to be a Russo. Turkish alI-
ance. 1t is asserted that Raouf and Osman
Pashas favor such an alliance. There is, how
ever, strong prc.Eagl!sh party which oppose
it.