St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1878-04-05
The Eastern War Cloud Darkening.

| would Indicate any cnanSe III Tic nus
sian programme. In fact, any receding
from the position hitherto assumed
would be extremely unpopular with all
classes of Russians. Ignatieff returns to
st. Petersburg without going to Eng
land, as originally intended.
The general situation in st. Peters
burg is disquieting, and great uneasl-
ness as to the future is expressed by
persons in the confidence of the gov
ernment. 1t is felt that a grave solution
of the Eastern difficulty is imminent,
and the next two weeks will be preg-
nant with events that will materially
affect all Europe. The amour prOpre OF
the Car will not allow him to yield
ANYTHING, and the feeling of the people
is such that any concessions to the other
powers might produce serious conse-
uuences. 1t is felt on all sides that war
cannot be averted, and the only ques-
ton seems to be as to the powers that
will take part in 1T.
Calculations have been made as to
the strength of the fleets of the whole
world. and the result is belief in the
almost indispensable necessity of OBJ
tanning the aid of the French fleet
against England, and it is thought that
means of securing the aid of France
have been hit upon. IfIgnatieff should
at the last moment succeed at Vienna,
the plan decided on to secure the CO.
operation of France is to place before
the French government the following
alternative:
You must either abstain from the
Congress and thus act on the side of
England against the whole of Europe,
or come to Congress and agree to abide
by the consequences, whatever they
may be.
By this means it is hoped that
France will be forced to abandon her
present attitude OF neutrality, and de-
clare herself on one side or the other,
before any decisive step is taken. 1t is
not improbable that the hand of Bis
marck may be traced in this PROPOSE
ton, but such is the intention, should
Ignatieff succeed with Andrassy. In
consequence of her reserved attitude,
great irritation prevails in Russia against
France, as it is felt that by remain
ing neutral, while half of Europe would
be exhausting itself in a gigantic war,
the influence of France would be enOr-
mously increased and her power to a
great extent restored. While she is
standing silently watching the conflict,
she could decide at a critical moment to
throw her sword into whichever side of
the scale is best suited to her interests,
and thus determine the result.
If Ignatieff fails entirely, as it is be-
lieved he must, he will return by way
of Berlin for the purpose of etfecting an
understanding with the German gov
eminent, so that Russia may know
what to expect from that very impor-
tant quarter, and finally adopt detini-
tive policy. 1t is felt that great deal
depends on having a clear and definite
understanding with Germany, as Aus
trials action must be largely dependent
on the attitude of the Berlin govern
ment.
Should all hope of general under
standing be given up, Russia will put an
end to the suspense and face the issue
directly. England will be summoned to
withdraw her fleet Immediately from
the Sea of MarmOrs. In case of refusal,
which is certain, the Russians will occu-
by, in the course of few hours Con-
stantinople and the whole of BOsphorus,
aud thus England and Russia will he
face to face, with nothing but the sword
to decide their differences.
1t is known that the most popular
English minister that ever lived would
not dare to withdraw the feet under
such circumstances, as the storm OF in
dignation that would be aroused would
sweep everything in England before it,,
and the fact of such a demand having
been made, would be clear evidence
that Russia wanted to force England to
fight.
The director of the imperial train has
been suddenly ordered to start for
Brussels, where he will arrive on Tues
day for the purpose of bringing back to
st. Petersburg Immediately the train
which the Car used during the last
campaign, and which is undergoing re-
pairs in Belgium. This order was given
Immediately after the receipt of the
news of Lord Derby's resignation, which
is regarded as sure indication that
England has decided on vigorous
policy. As soon as the imperial train
returns, it is expected that the Car will
set out for the south and rejoin the army
in Turkey, being determined that the
outbreak of war shall find him in the
midst of his troops. His departure for
the front may be regarded as the signal
for. the recOmmencement of hOstilities.
Preparations to meet the Emperor are
making, and the greatest activity pre-
walls in all departments of the army.
ENGLAND's CIRCULAR TO THE POWERS.
LONDON, April /. The circular which
Sir Stafford NorthcOte stated had been
sent to the Powers bears the date of to-
day, and is signed by the Marquis of
Salisbury. 1t summarizes all the recent
correspondence, and, after giving Rus
sia's refusal to consent to England's de-
uand relative to placing the treaty as a
whole before the Congress, continues
"Her Majesty's Government deeply
regret Russia's decision. Even if con-
siderable portion of the stipulations of
the treaty were likely to be approved,
Russia's reservation relative to their dis
cussiOn would nevertheless be open to
the most serious objection. Every ma,
terial stipulation of the treaty involves
the departure from the treaty of 1856,
and, by the declaration signed in Lon
don in 1871, it is impossible for Her
Majesty's Government to acquiesce in a
withdrawal from the cOgnizance of the
Powers of the articles, which are modi-
fications of the existing treaties. The
combined effect of the stipulatiOns upon
the interests of the Powers also fur
nishes a conclusive reason against a
seperate discussion of any one portion
of them. By the articles relative to
new Bulgaria strong Slave State will
be created, under the auspices and con-
troll of Russia, who will thus secure a
prepOnderating political and CONNER
=. Al
Seas.
A considerable Greek population, al
though it views the prospect with alarm,
will he MERGED into n Slay community,