The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1878-01-12
FOREIGN NEWS.

esting foreign news brought by the Z. NJ. Steamer
Zca1anda, comprising dates to the 3lst ult.;
The most important feature OF the news Is that
showing the state of affairs in England, which is
calculated, if unchecked by the peace party OF
that country, to involve the whole of Europe in
n great war, the end of which it would be bold
to predict; but we believe we are safe in saying
that its end will manifest great and important
notifications OF the present map of that CONT
nent. The spirit of war and conquest is so rite,
not in Russia, alone. which is already IN a blaze
that We think it will be almost impossible for the
conservative statesmen Of the different govern
ments to restrain an outbreak early in the spring.
Each cabinet seems to be Suspicious OF the objects
and wishes ofevery other; and these are the tokens
that precede all great international Conflicts
This was the case in a marked degree prior to the
Creaimn war, when the English Cabinet allowed
their country to = drift - into war with Russia.
With the tide of success that has now turned
in favor of Russia, reports are current of the IN
tended mediation of England. In such case, and
if Russia should agree, which is doubtful, to a
suspension Of hostilities, it would probably save
Turkey from utter and complete overthrow and
destruction. With these reports of intended me-
diation come also rumors of preparations for war
on a grand scale: such as the Channel fleet and
all commissioned ships at Plymouth under repair
being ordered to be ready for sea by the 10th OF
january; the shipment of immense supplies to
Malta; orders sent out to India for 90 900 troops
to be in readiness to move at call; arrangements
completed and regiments allotted for an army Of
80 900 men, and steps taken towards the forma-
tiop Of japotS ENr tb. oolar ~ an rosorro orD,u
If these reports are true, such action on the part
of England cannot but be accepted by Russia as
a menace, which will render all attempts at me-
diation utterly futile. At the request of the Sui
tan, the English government has already despatch
ed a note to the Car, to which important docu-
ment no reply has yet been received. The gen
eral impression seems to be that Disraeli is deter
mined to force on a war and that the English
people are being gradually and artfully worked
up to IA war pitch.
Germany stands watching the different parties,
prepared to strike when she thinks her Opportu-
nifty has come. Information is received to the eff
feet that Bismarck is so shaping his counsels as
to provoke another contest with France, whose
power he considers as not sufficiently humbled to
cOmport with the interests of Germany. To this
end, it is said that he is d determined to break up
the Paris Exposition, for what reason, does not
appear; to accomplish which he will urge Russia
to demand such impracticable terms as to force on
English interference, when he will take up arms
in favor of Russia. Such action he seems to think
will tempt France to draw the sword, when he
will turn up ON her and complete the work begun
in the last war with that country. We think it
would require very important reasons to force
France from her present peace attitude, SO neces-
sary for preparation for any projects or schemes
of action she may have in the future. Both coun-
tries are watchfuI and suspicious-lust for terri
tory and lust of vengeance equally strong, and
likely to provoke another war without regard to
the present European complication.
The latest military movements at the seat o
war show the Russians advancing. They are now
Dec. 81, approaching Sofia, the authorities Of
which town have forbidden the inhabitants leav-
ing, perhaps with the vain hope that the presence
of helpless -non-combatants will prevent a bonn
bardment.
Dates from Belgrade to Dec. 80, state that the
Servians have met with some success at Perot,
on the 23d, when they captured several cannon,
1000 rifles and fifty prisoners. This success,
however slight, will probably stimulate them to
still holder attempts.
The Russians have suspended the concentration
of troops against Erzeroum on account Of snow,
which impedes military operations. Ismail Pasha
is still in command of the town. Mukhtar Pasha
has left; one account stating that he has been
ordered to ConstantinOple; another, that he is in
command of a small force in the field, with which
he will endeayor to keep open his communica-
tions.
Austria, in reply to the Turkish circular,
reserves her right to intervene upon the opening
of peace negotiations as a guaranteeing and
frontier Power. This means a piece, if Turkey
is carved up ut the end of the war.
1t is said, dec. d. that the Porte is about to
order a fresh levy of 300, 900 men.
The news from Washington is full of interest;
the Currency question, the Silver Bill, Specie
Resumption, Civil Service Reform, and the bal
ance of power between the two great political
parties being the main subjects absorbing public
attention. BANDS Silver Bill has aroused a good
deal of uneasiness among capitalists and bond
holders, who consider that a departure from 4
gold standard will lead to a depreciation of gov
eminent stocks and bonds held by them. This is
especially the case in London, where the holders
of American securities are manifesting a strong
disposition to sell, under the apprehension that
an unlimited issue of silver will greatly deterio-
rate the value of their stocks if they are to be
eventually paid in a deprecated currency. Proper
legislation by Congress will probably restore pub
lie confidence, for the moneyed ability of the
country is beyond question.
+ Ex-President Grant was at Malta Dec. 80, re-
ceiving the Inequalities of the Duke and Duchess
Of Edinburg, and the Governor of the Island.
Matters along the Mexican border still remain
in an unsettled state. A detachment of troops
from New Orleans had arrived at the Rio Grand.
They are the first of the additional force ordered
to that frontier.
A CARD.-The undersigned begs Pespect-
fully to tender his sincere thanks to the Honolulu Fire De-
partment, and also to those gentlemen who rendered such
effective assistance IN subduing the Fire which broke out at his