The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-02-14

preliminary condition to the granting of
firmans for the passage of the Dardanelles.
1t is positively stated that Count An
drassy is preparing a note to Russia,
specifying the points in the Russo-T Turkish
Convention compromising Austrian in-
terests.
A st. Petersburg letter from semi
official source states that the retrocession
of Bessarbia is a personal question to the
Gar, and it is therefore impossible for
Russia to draw back. The settlement of
the question by powers, ignoring Russia s
wishes, would raise threatening storm
clouds.
A special dated st. Petersburg, Wed
nesday, contains the following:
Late last night the government received
information that the Sultan refused most
positively to grant firman for the
entrance of the British feet. Russia
maintains an expectant attitude and has
taken measures for the advance of the
troops now before Co-stantinople as soon
as any foreign men-of-war enter the straits.
The entrance Of the troops is not intended
as an act of hostility, but anxiety is felt
lest an accidental collision might occur if
the troops enter. 1t is thought the Sultan
will retire to Borussa. In that event it
would be extremely difficult to reestablish
even a shadow of the Turkish empire in
Europe. The Russian government does
not for the present desire such radical
solution OF the question. In view of all
this, the negotiations for the assembling
of the conference haYe for the moment
fallen into the background, An Anglo =
Austrian alliance is now spoken of as a
possibility.
There is considerable excitement in
Malta in consequence of kilograms from
the admiralty: that all ships under repair
shall be hurried forward and sent to join
Admiral Hornby. The Devastation will
leave Malta to-day.
| A Vienna correspondent reports that
torpedoes have actually been shipped from
| Odessa for the Russians, presumably for
use in Bosphorus. The protection against
armisticeais mere form.
A letter from ST. Petersburg afirms
that the Russians, on entering CONSTANT
nople, will promise to resume their present
position on the assembling of the confer
ence. 1t is known that Germany within
the last few days has urged moderation on
Austria.
Another Vienna special, however. says
the excitement is daily increasing. The
word mobilization" is on everybody's lips.
A perfectly reliable person writes from
st. Petersburg that the idea of confer
ence has produced general dissatisfaction.
The Telegraph says the British feet
entered the Dardanelles at daybreak
Wednesday, The passage thence to Con.
stantinople would occupy from twelve tc
sixteen hours.
A special dated Berlin. Feb. IL. says
the Turkish envoy who is to bring the
order for the surrender of Rustchuk has
not yet arrived. Two parliamentaire,
have been sent to Rustchuk to endeavol
to convince the Turks that the armistict
has been signed.
| Typhus is raging in Rustchuk and the
hospitals are full.
1t is rumored in the lobby of the house
of commons that the Carlton club meeting
J requests Sir Stafford Northcote to call {
meeting of the conservative members
1t is understood that the movement aim'
at an expression of want of confidence il
| Lord Derby for the timldity of his policy
: Several more moderate conservatives sen
Sir Stafford Northcote memorial depre
eating the calling Of meeting. Th
: moderate section. seemingly with goo
reason, deny the reports Of Lord Derby
impending resignation. Another rumo
alleges that dissolution is imminent. 1t
thought that a new election would largel
increase the anti-Russian element in PAT
lament,
An Athens telegram says it is feare
: that in consequence of reports of atrocitie
in Thessaly it may become impossible
restrain the troops from recrossing tn
= frontier.