Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1878-04-24
Foreign News.
NO CHANGE.

London adv1ces OF April 18th state
that the situation presents no marked
change, for, although there are many
circumstantial rumors as to the meet
ing of a preliminary conference to
arrange for congress, there is nothing
definitely decided on either point.
Urgent efforts are in progress to
induce Russia to withdraw her
troops from the vicinity of CONSTANT
nople On condition that the Engli h
fleet shall retire to Besika Bay, and,
should such an agreement be reached,
there could be no doubt that it would
add greatly to the prospect of peace
full solution of the difficulties between
England and Russia. The downfall Of
the late Turkish prime minister is fa-
vorably regarded by Russia, and it is
possible that the present min
istry will consent to an imme-
date evacuation Of Batoum and Varna,
for which Russia has pressed the porte
so earnestly, recently. Once in DOS
session of Varna, only ten hours sail
from Constantinople, Russia would not
probably object to withdraw her troops
from the neighborhood of Constantine
pie, since that locality is now very I'M
healthy. while she would still be much
nearer Constantinople than the En-
lish at Besika Bay Queen Victoria
has issued proclamation forbidding
the expectation of torpedoes from Eng
land, and this action, taken in connec-
ton with the embarkation of Indian
troops for Malta, is considered as con-
tradicting the general impression that
progress had been made toward peace
full settlement. 1t is generally believed
here that little of importance will occur
until after the close of the Easter festi-
vities, and that the situation will be
practically unaltered for week or
ten days.
THAT CONGRESS.
London advices under date of
April 10th, say that the powers
have agreed to Bismarck's sug-
gestion that the ambassadors at Berlin
should hold conference to arrange the
course of proceedings at the proposed
congress, the time of meeting, etc. The
respective governments have been for
mally requested to instruct their am
bassadors accordingly.
WAR MEASURES.
London advices Of the 18th state that
England has dispatched force of ma
tive troops from India to Malta. It is
believed that this is one Of the most
ominOus steps yet taken by the govern
ment. 1t is claimed to be only pre-
cautionary measure, but there is no
doubt that Europe will regard it as a
direct menace to Russia The number
Of troops is insignifcant,-about 7 1000,
but it is on that account ride
ulous to call the movement precaution-
ary No alarm would have been created
had 1000 English troops been sent there,
for, in the present situation, it would be
unreasonable that strong force should
be held in readiness at Malta. The
significance of this order consists in the
fact that only native troops are to go.
1t is equivalent to notification to Russia
that England is able and ready to draw
large army from her Indian depend
encies for active operations in Europe.
Not only does England thus boast of her
capacity to meet the Russians with
nearly an equal force in Europe, but
she makes light Of Russia's designs upon
India. This movement Of Indian troops
is undoubtedly one of those steps which
Lord Derby said had been the principal
cause of his resignation, and it is very
significant that such decisive action
should have been kept secret until par
lament was no longer sitting.
RESIGNED.
Constantinople advices of the 18th
says Ahmed Vefyk Pasha Turkish
prime minister has resigned. He has
been regarded as England's warmest
friend in the Turkish government, and,
should his retirement be final, it is
probable that Russian influence will
hereafter be paramount in CONSTANT
nople. There are many rUmors as to
the possibility of a preliminary con-
ference converting, but, in view of the
determination of both England and
Russia to maintain their present po-
sition, there can be little hope of such
device leading to any satisfactory re-
suit.
GERMANY's PEACE PLANS.
A St. Petersburg correspondent, writ
ing under date of the 18th inst, says
the situation is unaltered. The concii-
atory action of Germany continues, but
so far without result. The difference in
regard to submitting the whole treaty is
declared to offer an insuperable obsta-
Gle to further negotiations in the direc-
ton hitherto followed. I am assur-
ed on good Authority that Russia
would consent to some new de-
narture, such as taking the treaties Of
1856 and 1871 as basis of discussion.
The organ OF the ministry of foreign af-
fairs has the following remarks in this
sense: The real aim of the plenipoten-
tiaries would be to prevent contlagra-
ton and regulate the East after events
the importance of which cannot be con-
tested. We care little about the way of
getting into congress, provided the
door Is Ia roe annl1uh To admit q Ii with