The Portland daily press., 1878-04-17
FOREIGN.
The Eastern Situation.
AFFAIRS APPARENTLY UN-
CHANGED.
No Immediate Danger of War.

New YORK, April 16-A Heral special from
riously discuss the dangers to British com
MERGE from privateers fitted out in the United
States The Globe says:
Our Cronstradt correspondent writes that
scheme of fitting out privateers in America il
making rapid progress. A large number O.
orders and in readiness to proceed to the Unit
ed States at q moments notice.
1t is rumored that the Grand Duke Alexis
will be appointed admiral of the privateel
squadron, and that during his recent visit tt
New York the project was thoroughly CANVASS
ed in the event of war with England. Our
correspondent states that he hs confidentially
seen an official list of the officers designated by
the Grand Duke Constantine, to proceed te
America to purchase equipments and com.
merce of Great Britain. The enterprise will
be carried out with great caution. IL is assert.
ed among Russian officials that the first init.
nation England will receive of the proceedings
of the Russian admiralty, will be when the off.
GERS who have already left Cronstadt organize
ors summoned under the stress of conscrip-
ton from the decks of English vessels lying
there.
The idea of forming a powerful fleet in
America is very popular throughout Russia,
because 1t is thought that severe blow can
VorV Gem
tire, namely, its carrying trade from the United
States. The scheme causes intense delight
among all the Baltic seamen.
1t is asserted ia other quarters, although the
rumor has not got into print, that the owners
of a large number of steamers in several coun-
send all vessels not required for service, to New
York, Boston or Philadelphia to be sold to the
Russian government, should opportunity offer
The Deadlock Firm as Ever.
LONDON, April 16.-The fact that the Cabi-
nets of London and st. Petersburg have resort
ed to semi-officia intercourse, seems to indicate
that official expressions would intensity the
differences. The result of the interchange of
views is not hopeful, Russia substantially re-
peating her former answer, and England re-
affirming the pginciples originally laid down.
Drift Of Opinion in Austria.
The reports of the Austro- Russian agree
ment, under pressure from Bismarck on
Austria, is denied by Andrassy's friends All
reports about Russia having sent reply to
Austria's objections, are contradicted from the
same source. In other circles in Jenna it is
stated that the Emperor and military party
are stronger than Andrassy, and will not sup
port his anti Russian policy. Among large
class of Austrians, belief is said to prevail,
that Austria has nothing substantial to gain by
either peace or war, because Hungary would
resist the annexation of Slav countries. but
the Russians attempt to disarm or occupy
Roumania.
No Need of Alarm.
In the House of Commons this afternoon,
Sir Stafford Northcote, replying to aquestion
by Mr.. W. e. Foster, Liberal, said that
nothing whatever had occurred in the East to
give occasion for increased anxiety, nor in any
way to diminish the hopes entertained of
satisfactory arrangement being agreed upon.
The situation off affairs at ConstantinOple
does not cause any great anxiety. The opinion
in some quarters, that England is
isolated regarding the Eastern question, is not
justified by the fact.
Critical Situation Mt Constantinople.
Pro-Russian advices from Constantinople
say the situation is strained to the utmost and
that the Grand Duke Nicholas is much depress-
ID, and the impression prevails that affairs ara
surely drifting to war.
A Vienna despatch says news has reached
lere that the Grand Duke Nicholas returns to
1t. Petersburg and Gen. Todleben goes to San
,tefano to assume chief command. This is
considered conciliatory.
Austria and England.
ST.. PETERSBURG, April 116.-The Journal
!e St. Petersburg states that negotiations with
England and Austria are progressing.