Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1878-02-20
The Eastern Question.

PRINCE BISMARCK ~ DEFENSE or RUSSIA.
Prince Bismarck stated in the ReithSratk
yesterday, that a Russian official communica-
tloh made u certain that the chief interest OF
germany, namely, the freedom of water NAYS
such a. the Straits aud the Danube, for com
mercS, would be maintained. lie believed it
was Russia interest 10 GENE e. an under
standing, and not have the fear of compiled
tionS with Austria or England constantly i'm
pending. The superstition that Russia might
forclbiy compel the other powers 10 accept a
settlement 10 which they objected seemed en-
urely out OF the question. He denied that the
Russians had pushed forward their troop.
under the cloak of the negotiations. He be-
ieved that all the powers honorahly desired
10 send representatives speedily to the confer
ence. He energetically repudiated the idea
~ W germany engaging IN war relative 10 tho
10 hazard rupture with any power relative
10 questions in which Germany had no direct
interest, No government, al least neither Of
THESE principally interested. had proposed
that Germany should enter upon any such
checred.
RUSSIANS THREATEN AN ADVANCE.
The AQerace RHS>e states that il is probsbIs
the meeting of the powers will merely take the
form of conference. The Turks are becom-
ing more and more recalcitrant in regard "a
the peace negotiations. The igence saws the
Russians must approach nearer 10 ConStauti-
nople If the British feet remains in the Sea OF
MarmOIa. The withdrawal of the fleet 10
BeSika Bay would, however. solve the diG-
Guilty,
SERVER PAsHA AND MIR. LATARD.
IL is understood that Server PaSha has prom
iSed 10 formally and publicly diSavOw the
statements attributed la him by the London
!uHg NcirS' Adrianople correspondent, that
MIR. Layard encouraged Turkey To fight on by
promises OF English support In default Of
such reparatlon Mr.. Iayard will demand that
the Porte dismiss Server.
SURRENDER OF ERZERoTN.
Negotiations for the surrender of ErZeroum
are expected To conclude tomorrow. Three
th9uSahd families lett IN Erzeroum are in ter
lible distress.
Servia persists i'm her claim 10 the whole Of
Old Seryia, and seems determined to retain
possession OF the conquered territory unless
forcibly expelled.
The Instruction i'm TheSSaly is increasing
1t is reported that 6o0 Turks have been de
feated near Nolo with loss OF 600 killed and
wounded.
ANOTHER DIFFICULTY.
The London Tcicgrdph'S Vienna c0rreSpon-
dent says difficulty has arisen relative 10 the
date OF the conyOcation of the congress.
frlnce GortSchakOf considers that a prelimi-
nary treaty OF peace should lie first signed
Austria objects TO Russia being able TO pre-.
sent treaty as a rat dcc0mpf.
THREATENED OCCUPATION OF GALIIPOII.
The London Post. in its leader relative TO a
possible advance of the Russians on Gallipoli
saws: The Russians now affect to consider
that the advance OF our fleet turned their posi-
ton: They are apparently disposed Ia occupy
Galllpoll. unless We agree to give them guar
anteeS against our further advance. Such
guarantees would he found in a Russian occu-
patton OF forts on the BoSphorlS or in prom
Use by England not to enter the Black sea-
Hs-The Kentucky papers pretty generally
! endorse the whipping post bill which has
| passed the house of representatives of the
state.
RFThe English coaSting steamer C. NJ
| Palmer has been sunk by a collision near Har.
wick, on the southeast coast. Fourteen per.
| sons were drowned.