, 1878-03-09
GEN ERAL NEWS.

| AAONOONs uAohCA g. 4O RAOROoO0 -
tension of the war in the east still exists
on paper only. is true. War prepara-
tions continue on grand scale, especi>
ally in England. but it is less likely that
these look to offence than to defence.
They probably have double purpose
of modifying Russia's designs as far as
possible and of readiness to meet RUSS
ian aggression upon British interests if
any should be attempted. The British
war spirit is up among the multitude
but the ministry don't find the casus
belli and won't invent one. There is
but little talk now of the peace CONFER
ence because everybody sees if it meets
it will do so in the presence of solemn
treaty alreedy concluded between the
two belligerents and surrounded by such
practical guarantees as are furnished by
an immense Russian army at the back
door of Constantinople ready to defend
it. The trouble is that England wants
Turkeys continued ex:stance as pow
er, or to occupy its place herself. These
alternatives being already beyond her
reach she has nothing to gain and every
thing to lose by making the war now
which she failed to make when it might
have prolonged the life or the effete
porte. Russia has possession and means
to keep it and use her power with ex-
ceedipg discretion. The conference
may meet but only after its real work
is already done. In reply to Russia 3
demand for approval of its treaty with
Turkey, Germany will assent because
there will be nothing in ii to her disad-
vantage. Austria will follow suit. eith>
er with or without the same concession
ary sop to her pride. This will leave
England alone again, and she must be
contented with almost any other issue
if Russia promises not to gobble India
or make mouths at her old enemy of
the Crimea. What can she present TO
the civilized world as casus belli JUS
tifsing her in death grapple sing'y and
alone? Her last bout with Russia cost
her one hundred million pounds. What
promise Of practical good can she hold
sat as a motive for spending hundred
millions more in trying singly and alone
vainly to rob Russia of the ESSENTIAL re-
suit of her war? The British governs
ment and people are smarting under
sense of humiliation at Russia's hands,
but it is inconeeivable that they will
seek to aliay this by laying themselves
open to still more grievous wounds, for
no better reason than the fear that
Russia intends to make war on just
British interests. 1t is because Of their
utter helplessness to change this situa>
ton, that the English statesmen are SO
gloomy. They chafe because il is o
false position with no way out that is
not repugnan. to brave England's stub
born pride.
| PHILADELPHIA, March 2.--Seven per-
sons were sentenced tosday for making,
passing and having counterfeit money.
OMAHA, March Especial Mail Agent
Seybolt Of this city. has arrested at
Otiumwa, Iowa, Edwards Pierrepont
Dufield, mail agent On the Chicago.
Burlington and Quincy railroad. Duff
field is a nephew of Pierrepont, former
minister to England, and after whom he
was named. He was detected by decoy
letters. Registered packages broken
OF en- were found secreted in his trunk.
Evidence against him is pretty conclu
sive. He Was required to give $4,000
bail which he furnished.
RAwLINs, Wy. March IA letter re>
ceived here from reliable parties on
( Snake river. says the Ute Indians are
acting IN o very defiant manner. They
have already killed 1876 head of cattle.
and threaten to go on the war path
when grass comes. A letter from Bear
river states that tho people are greatly
excited and are preparing places of safes
ty for the women and ceildren.
WASHINGTON, March 2.-The house
committee on military affairs to-day
heard the testimony Of Lieut.. Turner,
of Fort Clark; on the Rio Grande, in
relation to the Mexican border outrages.
Lieut.. Tdrner said the raids upon
American soil had been made solely by
Indians, and that Mexican citizens were
not engaged in depredations on the bor-
ders. He related the usual incidents of
depredatiohs ON the Mexican side BY
Americans. During the recent absence
Of Col. Shafter in Washington. an
American scout crossed into Mexico,
killed man and brought his body into
Texas to secure . reward Of $40 offered
by authorities of . town ON the Texas
eide for thu person Of the murdered
imsn. /.