The Portland daily press., 1886-10-20

The encroachments of Russia in the direc-
tion of Bulgaria have been so persistent and
uniform that they have gradually become an
old story in this country. where there is lit
tie at stake in the final result. But in Europe
where nearly every nation has vital inter
est in every move that Russia makes towards
Constantinople, there is feeling of anxiety
and suspense hardly appreciated in this
country. Better than anything else, the
bourses tell the story of uneasiness. All the
great nations have debts. and the securities
for these debts are scattered through all the
commercial communities. Ii a nation is
prosperous and at peace. its securities rise
in value; if it has before it the prospect of
war with its losses and uncertainties its Sc
curities fall. Today Russian securities are
held all over Europe; but it is among the
Germans that they are traded in most. 1t is
said that two million dollars worth of Rus
sian bonds are held by German investors.
sum greater than the whole interest bearing
debt of the United States at the present
time. So it happens that on the Berlin bourse
Russia's prospects are studied with great
care; and the rise and fall of prices marks
accurately the opinion of those best quail
war. At the present time Russian securi-
ties are lower in Berlin than during the
grave troubles on the Afghan frontier and
the Russian rouble is worth less than in the
darkest days of the Turkish war. The OBJ
stinacy of the Bulgarian Sobranje has left
Russia two alternatives, fight or retreat and
thosewho have lent her money seem to think
she will fight.
The statue of Liberty Enlightening the
World is now almost completed, and presents
to those passing to and fro in New York
harbor the majestic pose and shapely outline
which its designer has intended as perma-
nent ornaments of the gateway to the New
World. The next step will be the dedica-
ton, which is to occur week from thurs
day. The statue was given to the nation by
its designer, M. Bartholdi, and Congress by
the act OF March 3, 1877, authorized the
President TO accept it for the nation. Con-
gress also selected the site on Bedlow's
island, provided for the dedcatory exercises,
and has engaged to see that it is maintained
as a beacon and preserved as a monument of
art. The exercises on the 2Sth inst. will con-
sist of al military, civic and naval parade
and in New York city, procession of our
own and foreign war ships from the Battery
to the statue The ceremonies at the foot of
the statue will conclude about sunset, ma
tional Salutes will be fred from all batteries
afiOat and ashore, and finally the statue will
be lighted up. In the military and naval
display, and in the number OF distinguished
people who will be present, the occasion will
be memorable for both France and America,
resembling somewhat the unwilling of the
Yorktown monument. Among the French
visitors who will participate will be Col. La
fayette, descendant of the great Count and
friend of Washington. The President is to
be there with many other high officials.
Gen. Schofeld has charge of the exercises
and they will doubtless be such as to increase
the good will between the two nations that
have in common SO many membranes and
SO few sentiments.