Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-03-28
COMING STRUGGLE
BETWEEN AUSTRIA AND RUSSIA,

Dispatches from Europe indicate that
grave apprehensions are entertained at
London, Paris, Berlin and St. Petersburg
that war is impending between Russia
and Austria. The menacing attitude oil
Russia leads tho more sagnrious dipIo-
mats 10 believe that Gen. Skobe-
leff's speeches were indirectly sanctioned
by the car, Notwithstanding repeated
evasive denials. A gentleman occupy
ing high position in Washington diplo-
matte circles, in abiding TO the matter,
said that Il hostilities she uld once begin
between these two powers Germany
could not keep out. but would i've Obliged
to protect Austria. while Fence and tho
entire Latin confederation would become
he allies OF Russia. He said he was
now fully convinced that Skobelef' 5
secret mission had been fulfilled. and
that war, involving all Europe and Rus
tia in Asia, can hardly be avoided.
Gen. Skobeleff-s reception in st. Pc
tersburg indicates no great displeasure
of his superiors at his recent utleranccs.
and the fact that Ignatieff is credited
with having inspired his speech is made
more signiiic mt by the merry interview
between the two recently. The car
is eager to maintain the friendship oil
Emperor William. aud lie has dispatched
n special messenger to him. bearing his
apology for Skooeleff's rashness, but
there Is no indication Of his anxiety to
| placate the Austrian emperor. Ii is evil
dent tina, lac seeks the tacit approval, II
not the active support Of Germany in
any conflict in which he may be engaged
with the Austrisns.
In an interview with correspondent
of the London Daily News. Gen. Skobo-
lef plainly declares that Austria has
made her first approach in Bosnia 10
| domination over all the Says in the
Balkan peninsula. He says that Russia
will not tolerate the oppressi,n OF the
J Slavs by the Jesuits after having fought
| to deliver them from the oppression ol
I the Turks. He asserts that war Is in
! evitable II the ,ncroachmcnts OF Austria
J continue, and strict adherence To the
/ letter and spirit oi the treaty Of Berlin
il essential 10 the preservation OF peace.
| The cry oil war eXcitcs interest in the
comparative strength Of the Austrian
aud Russian armies. The strength oil
| Francis Joseph's army ON y peace foot
. ing is 2j2 $50 men. but il IS estimated
! that the reserves called out upon the
outbreak OF war would give him com.
bined military and naval force OF 220,
900 men. including Austrians. liungari-
ans and Bosnians. The strength OF The
cars army OH II peace footing is 10, Oc0
men, but the reserves. including The
army OF the Caucasus. would Increase
/ the force To , - l2G men in the event OF
war. and il is estimated that by calling
out every man under 30 FEARS OF age he
could muster III army oi more than L.
OO0, 900 soldiers. Ii is well known, how
ever. that large part OF his army is
needed at home. although the. loyalty OF
the peasants is unquestionable rs the
enmity of nihiists is fierce. 1.-THE Three
mperors' league Is broken and Austria
aud Russia engage in war over the
Slavs. more terrible conflict than that
of the Turk and the Muscovite upon the
same baltleiellS may be expected.