Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1878-05-01

ing the eastern question, indicate that
the nation is gradually drifting into !
war. The government is active in its
war preparations.
SITUATION IN RUSSIA.
The Agcnce Russo, the official organ at
the Russian capital states in its issue of
the oath, that the situation remains un-
changed; but that the government is
taking active measures to guard against
any emergency that may arise.
THE SIDE OF PEACE.
London advices of the 23rd inst,
state that it is currently reported that
Great Britain had agreed to withdraw
her feet to ,Besika Bay if Russia would
withdraw her armyto Adrianople, but
that the formers action was not to be
simultaneous with the retirement of
the Russian army, but to follow it.
These reports may have some truth in
them, inasmuch as Germany has been
engaged IN negotiations for such an
agreement between England and Russia,
but tits undoubtedly, at least. premature
to say that all the conditions of
the reported withdrawal have been
satisfactorily settled. The opinion gains
ground here that there will be no war
between England and Russia, in spite of
all the warlike rumors. It would seem
impossible that England can intend
war. If it comes. however. it is believ-
ed that il will be brought about within
the next month, or probably before the
reassembling of Parliament. Every
day Of delay sees Russia more embar-
raised, while England is steadily adding
to her strength. On the other hand,
the Liberals insist that there has not yet
been shown any good reason for war,
and, therefore, that the Government
will not dare to bring it on. It may be
taken for granted that the thruth lies
between these two views. While the
Government hopes to avoid war, they
are not all certain that it can be long
averted, and preparations for it, there
fore. continue. Probabilities are so
evenly balanced that's very slight cause
may determine the question either
way.
RUSSIAN VIEW.
A St. Petersburg correspondent writ
ing under date of April 23rd, concern
ing the withdrawal of troops from Con-
stantinople says, if England and Russia
agree regarding withdrawal it will be
necessary to obtain guarantees from
the porte that it will offer no obstacle to
the establishment of the status quo
in the event of failure of further ne
gotiations. Russia will be probably
somewhat exacting OH this point, rs
she. is convinced that in case of hostil-
tiles the porte would not side with her.
It is quite possible that this point will
cause serious difficulties, for the Turkish
diplomatists have little reason to desire
a peaceful solution.
PREPARING FOR WAR.
A Berlin correspondent writing under
date of April 23rd says very little
importance is attached to present
negotiations as long rs England and
Russia continue active in warlike prep
arations. The English papers abound
in significant items concerning prepa-
rations, thus: cit is understood that
five batteries of royal artillery, now at
Woolwich, have been selected to pro-
coed to Malta. A gunboat and flotilla
is to be prepared Immediately for the
defense of the British coast. Officers
of the pension districts were ordered on
Saturday TO transmit to the Admiralty
g., b,y;tk Tho oJJrocSoo of oil rnt,~oI
naval artificers and stokers. presumably
in view Of u possible call for volun-
teers; and all men belonging to the
First Army Corps, Who were un-
dergoing punishment for disci-
plinary offences, have been liber-
ated and sent to their regiments"
WITHDRAWING FROM OONsTANTINOPLE.
The Agence Russo of the .23rd inst.
confirms the report that PROPOSE
tons for the simultaneous withdrawal:of
the British fleet and Russian forces
from the vicinity of Constantinople,
has been accepted in principle, and
adds that negotiations continue relative
to the withdrawal and to the prelimi-
nary conference to settle the pro-
gramme of the congress.
THE CONGRESS.
St. Petersburg advices under date of
April 22nd state that the German and
Austrian ambassadors at the Russian
imperial court give it as their settled
conviction. that the congress will now
assemble. This information was Oh
tanned from interviews had on Satur-
day evening with the two ambassadors
by prominent diplomatist at the st.
Petersburg court.