The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-02-14
FOREIGN.
The Tarc0-Russian War.
THE BRITISH FLEET PASSES
THE DARDANELLES,
FOREIGN.
Russians Preparing to Place Tor.
pedoes in the Bosph orus.
GREAT ANXIETY OVER THE
SITUATION.

LONDON, Feb. ia Vienna despatch saws:
"What looked yesterday merely probable seems
to-day pretty certain, namely, that the eutry of
The British fleet into the Dardanelles has he.
come a subject of negotiation ostensibly he.
tween the British government and the Porte,
but ia reality through the Porte between Fog
land and Russia"
The Times editorial says:-"However desir-
able compromise may be, it can only bs based
upon re-establishment of some degree of mutu-
al confidence, and it is necessary to observe
that it still depends upon Russia to take the
first steps requisite for this purpose.
1t is stated that portions of the military will
be callel out and two corvetes now in American
waters ordered to join the Mediterranean squad
ron.
1t is reported that the Earl Of Derby has re-
signed as Secretary of Foreign Affairs in c0nse-
quence Of the ministry having resolved to force
If necessary the passage of the Dardanelles.
MONTREAL, Feb. 13-The agent of the Bank
of London telegraphs his belief that war is i'm
minent.
LONDON, Feb. 13.-It was rumored in the lob
by of the House of Commons this evening that
the Carlton Club are anxious for Derby resig-
nation, on account of the tmidity of his policy.
The moderate section oppose this. 1t is also
rumored that dissolution of Parliament is inn
minent, the government think that new cleo
lions will strengthen them.
A despatch from Constantinople dated o.
m, says rumor is current that the British
| fleet passed the Dardanelles but so far nothing
reliable has been received,
The Political Correspondent publishes a St.
Petersburg letter from semi-oficial source
| which states that the retrocession of Bessaraba
! is a personal question to the Gear and itself,
| and it is therefore impossible for Russia to
draw back A settlement of the question by
the powers ignoring Russias wishes would
raise threatening war clouds.
LONDON, Feb 14.-The Advertiser publishes
| the following in an official form:
"We have reason to believe the feet has
passed the Dardanelles and is now in the sea of
| Mormora. We understand Admiral Hornby
was left full discretion as to the force he would
| take, and in all probability larger force has
| gone than was at first contemplated. We be-
| lieve the Porte has contented itself with for
NAL protest.
| The Standard and Post confirm the report
that the British ships have passed the Dardan-
| elles The Post, however, gives the number as
six.
The rumor that Lord Derby has resigned is
positively denied.
The Standards leader says that England is
ready to act with any or every power in bridling
| Russian aggression upon their rights and inter
| ests, but if all hold back we must act for our
| selves and leave the neighbors to save their
| own interests and honor if they can.
| There is considerable excitement in Malta in
| consequence OF kilograms from the admiralty
| that all ships under repair be hurried forward
and sent to join Admiral Hornby.
| Inc STANDARD vienna correspondent says
| the Russians are provided with number of
torpedo boats at Rodosto, and intend to insist
on closing the Bosphorus as preliminary con-
| dition to granting of drmau for the passage of
| the DardaneIles
| The Times St. Petersburg special Wednes-
day says: Late last night the government re-
| ceived information that the Sultan refused
most positively to grant the firman for the en-
trance of the British feet Russia maintains
an expectant altitude and has taken measures
| for the advance of a part of her troops now be-
| fore Constantinople as soon as any foreign
| men-of-war enter the straits. The entrance Of
troops is not intended as an act Of hostility but
anxiety is felt lest an accidental collision might
occur. If the troops enter it is thought the
Sultan will retire to Broussa. In that event it
will be extremely difficult to reestablish shad-
ow Of the Turkish empire in Europe
The Times Vienna correspondent reports
that torpedoes have actually been shipped from
Odessa for the Russians presumably for use in
| the Bosphorus.