The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1886-10-16 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

THE WHEAT HARVEST IN FRANCE.  THE BULGARIAN CRISIS. THREATENING NOTE TO THE GOVERNMENT.  A Sofia correspondent telegraphing on Sunday said the Bulgarian Ministry have addressed a Circular to the Foreign representatives requesting them to warn the subjects of their respective Governments against any interference in the elections. The Russian Consul replied that the Note was offensive to the dignity of Russia, and that pending instructions from General Kaulbars all exchange of written communications between the Russian Diplomatic Agency and "those governing Bulgaria" is interrupted. A plot has been discovered to create disturbances throughout Bulgaria by means of armed bands engaged by the Russian Consulates of Sofia, Philippopolis, and Rustchuk, and several of the rebel leaders have been arrested.  General Kanlbars left Rustchuk for numla on Sunday. Whilst he was at Rustchuk the commnder of the troops Mled upon him. The General insisted upon receiving a visit from the officers of the garrison, but they declined to have anything to do with the Russian Envoy, whose departure was witnessed by only a few persons. General Kaulbars telegraphed to the Emperor to the effect that he must now either be recalled or be furnished with troops. The failure of his mission is admitted, and it is feared that the Czar will be forced to resort to an armed occupation.  The Bulgarian Elections on Sunday resulted in the somplete defeat of the pro-Russian Party, only an insignificant number of whom were returned. All the Ministers and leaders of the National Party were returned by overwhelming majorities. In Southern Balgar;a only five of the eighty-eight deputies elected belonged to the pro-Russian Party—M. Stambuloff, President of the Sobranje and member of the Regency, and M. Radoslayoff, Minister President, being among those returned for the Philippopolis district.  A Sofia correspondent describes an attempt which was made to upset the elections on Sunday. Whilst polling was proceeding two hundred peasants, who had been inveigled by Russian emissaries, marched into the town and endeavoured to storm the polling-booths. Being repulsed by the police and loyalists, and having thirty of their number wounded, they went to the Russian Consulate and threw stones and sticks at the crowd outside. Whilst M. Nekliudoff was addressing them, some Montenegrin servants at the Consulate fired on the crowd. The peasants were then turned out into the street, where they were arrested. In several of the principal towns the Russian Consuls endeavoured to stop the elections. At Tratza, Buccino, and Slavene they were successful. At Dabnitza it is said that two deputies and the Prefect were murdered by Macedonians.  General Kaulbars, on arriving at Shumla was informed by a large crowd that they confided in the Government. Some Zankoffies who went to greet the General at the Consulate were hooted by the crowd. General Kaulbars called upon a Bulgarian officer to disperse the crowd, but he declined to interfere.  Information has been recnived confirming and adding to the gravity of the news already received as to the extent and desperate character of the Russian conspiracy to raise an insurrection throughout Bulgaria by means of armed bands of mercenaries. But M. Nekliudoff's resumption of official relations is construed as implying the intention of Russia to continue her underground machinations lather than openly to declare her hostility. A St. Petersburg correspondent on Tuesday said the news from Bulgaria, though very meagre, has created such anxiety that the rouble has fallen to a point lower than it has been since the Plevna disaster. It is now admitted in the Russian capital that General Kaulbars' mission has proved a failure.