The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1891-10-10
MlNoR EuRopEAN STATES.
Tho Course of Events In the Small King
doms and Principalitles

Tho Course of Events In the Small King
doms and PrlncipalitieG
Public attention is so much absorbed,
usually, in what is going on in the larger
countries that the minor states of the
world and their affairs are but little
noted.
Yet events, apparently of small impor-
tance, which take place in these smaller
states, have sometimes bearing upon
the destiny of their bigger neighbors.
The course of events to-day, for i'm
stance, in the small Kingdoms and prin-
cipalties of southeastern Europe-in
Servia, Ronmania, Bulgaria, and Monte
negro-is watched with anxious inter-
est by the great powers; for disturb
ance in that region always carries with
It the possibility Of bringing about a
European war.
Taking a general glance at the minor
states of Europe, we find that in two of
them-in Spain and in acknowledgement
elections for new parliaments have been
held within the past six months; while
in several others, important ministerial
changes have taken place.
The Spanish general election occurred
early in February, and was the most in
teresting which has been held in Spain
since the restoration of the Bourbon
monarchy
It's result was the return of very
heavy majority in favor of the conserv.
ative ministry of tho present prime
minister Senor Canovas del Castillo. In
the deputies his supporters number
about three hundred and fifty, while all
shades of the opposition-including lib
erals and republicans-only number one
hundred and twenty
The Spanish senate, since the cleo
tions, has one hundred and thirty con-
servative mem bers, while the parties in
opposition have only thirty.
Strong, however, as the conservative
majority is in the Cortes, or parliament,
the other parties are sufficiently for
midable, especially in the cities and
towns, to render Senor Castillo's task
of governing far from an easy one; and
it is probable that troublesome times
are ahead in Spanish politics.
The elections in Holland, which took
| place in June, instead of confirming the
ministry in power, as was the case in
Spain, resulted adversely to the states.
men in Office, and involved n change of
ministers. The Dutcn chamber now
comprises fifty five liberals, twenty-foul
Catholics, two radicals and nineteen
moderates.
The transfer of political power has
been made quietly, however, and on the
whole, the affairs of the thrifty little
kingdom, ruled over by its young queer
of eleven years, appears to be progress
sing quietly.
In both Greece and Norway changes
of ministry have taken place within a
year. Delyannis succeeded Tricoupis
in Greece, having at his back only ter
majority in the popular house of parlia
ment 1t was supposed that Delyannis
would enter upon more vigorous poll
cy against the Turks than his predeces
sor, and make an effort to obtain the
territories inhabited by Greeks and still
held by Turkey.
But although Delyannis has been ir
power seven or eight months, as yet he
has not alarmed Europe by any threat.
ening step in that direction.
In Norway the change of ministry
has yet more significant aspect. II
arose from the dissatisfaction of Nor
way with the superior influence held by
it's sister kingdom, Sweden, in foreign
policy, and from what seems to be the
wish of Norway to be virtually sepa
rated from Sweden altogether
Mr.. Steen the representative of this
aspiration on the part of the Nor
wepians succeeded Mr. Stang as prime
minister in March; Mr.. Stang having
been the champion of Swedish interests
in Norway.
Portugal has had a hard time of il
during the past few months, with it,
changes of ministry, it's quarrel witt
England over South Africa, its financia
straits, and the trouble given to its gov
ernment by republican agitators. The
condition of Portugal is critical, auc
startling changes may occur at Lisbor
any time,-Youth's Companion.