Omaha daily bee., 1886-09-11

oiheF lnuh OurS
Bulgaria is once more under Russian
control. The intrigues of Muscovy have
succeeded. Alexander has signed his
formal abdication and left the country
and the election of a new ruler in full
sympathy with Russia's ambition will be
the next move on the diplomatic chess
board. The consent of the great powers
to the downfall of Alexander Is now
apparent. England alone was uncon
suited in the negotiations by which
Europe agreed to support the Russian
position, and England betrays no indica
ton of IN intention to resist the prosecu-
ton of Russian designs IN the Balkans.
This fact is oGe of the most puzzling in
connection with the many and grave
complications of the situation, for
while it was easy to understand
that England could not for
moment contemplate gong to war
solely in behalf of Prince Alexander,
whatever his fate, it becomes difficult to
comprehend how the British government
can maintain an attitude of apparently
listless indifference to circumstances
which plainly point TO Russian purpose
to dominate Bulgaria. SO grave Il menace
to her power n few years ago would
have aroused Engl md to prompt and
energetic action. What tremendous in
tluence is it that now restrains her?
Alexander personified the struggle be-
tween the independence of Bulgaria and
its Russianization. So long as he should
remain in power. there would be a aguaran
tee of the checkmating of Russian de-
signs in the Balkins, such as could be
hoped for in no other way short of war.
With his departure that guarantee is re-
moved. May we not expect to see
renewed in some form the struggle of
England and Russia at Constantinople
for paramount influence over the porte,
and when that struggle begins may it not
be the signal for the greatest conflict
medern Europe has known?
wv
The salient fact OF the political situa-
ton in England is the failure of the
efforts to effect IA compromise
between the Salisbury government and
Mr.. Parnell. The ministry declines to
support Mr.. Parnell's measure for the
conditional suspension of eyctlonS in GER
tain cases, and is fully determined that
there shall be no Irish legislation of any
kind until next year, The decision of the
government to this effect is principally
due to the attitude of Lord Harrington,
VINO resolutely opposes any concession TO
the nationalists and pledges Lord Sails
bury the undivided support of
the unionists in resistance to Mr.. Par
,nl,'e l,,n Tho nnolitin, inc in ahc
lutte control of the situation and the op-
position is poweress to accomplish any
thing so long as Salisbury, Harrington
and Chamberlain remain in control, The
Gladstonean leaders have announced
that they will not countenance policy
of obstruction, and Mr.. Parnell has
pledged himself publicly not to resort to
such tactics. There seems no reason,
therefore, to doubt that the ministerial
programme, which contemplates an inn
mediate passage of the supply bills and
an adjournment as early as the 25th in
stant, will be carried out to the letter.
W.
1t is not a matter of surprise that a
sentiment of uneasiness should prevail
throughout Europe as to the mainten-
ance of peace. On the other hand, the
wonder is that the treaty of Berlin
should have survived SO long. The prin'
cipal business of the different govern.
ments has been for years the training OF
soldiers. 1t is estimated that there are
| now with the colors of Europe very
nearly four millions of men, rather more
| than 8 per cent of the adult male popula,
| ton This tremendous armament fore
| bodies war Recent estimates show that
Russia is spending $225, ,000, 900 year on
her army and navy; France, 5000, 900, 900
Great Britain, S15O,000,OO0; Ger
many, 500, ,O0OOO0 Austria, $780,,
100000; Italy, $50,O00,0 600; Turkey
$3O,OOO,OOO; Spain, S3O0OO,Oo0. These
powers spend together the enormous
sum of SS45, ,0O0,0 annually in prepar-
ing for war. Can any one believe that a
faith manifesting itself by such works as
these can be mistaken? There are 80O,-
000, 900 arguments advanced each year in
support of the thesis that great Euro
pean struggle is imminent. Who can
doubt it in the face of such reasoningi
This is the logic that gives such signal
significance to the closing of the port OF
Batoum, to the intrigues in Bulgaria and
to the differences about the Afghan
frontier. The Old World is simply await
ing the touch of the torch to burst into o
conhagration the like of which has moi
been seen since the era of Bonaparte
The nations have been making ready the
A = 4