War Clouds in Europe.

Auckland Star, Volume XIII, Issue 3594, 15 February 1882, Page 2

War Clouds in Europe.

When the slave population of ancient Rome had attained such proportions as to make their dissafection a source of danger, the noble, were Wont to secure their own safety by fttirring up party strite ! between diffel*ont sections of the en- ' slaved thousands, which thus effectually prevented any general combination On their part against their taskmasters. A policy, the same though dilTcrent, is pursued by some absolute Governments in modern days when, in ordor to allay popular agitation for constitutional or social reform, they engage the people in tile exciting enterprise of a forolgn war. Evory despotic Power whose subjects aro discontented is thus a standing menace to tho peace of the world, The Russian people continue to show the most revolutionary spirit, aud their rulers continue to apply the old remedy, which is akin to the medical device known as " counter-irritation." To anyono who has paid any attention to the methods of Muscovite diplomacy, it has been evident for some time past that the Czar and his advisers were animated by the old restless spirit of negression, and only wanted a pretext for entering upon some warlike adventure. As Russia finds at every step that Britain is the power which most persistently and eilectually hinders her ambitious schemes, the first indication of an access of the warfever is usually found in the Russian Government, through the inspired organs of the Press, Hinging petty taunts and insults at Britain. Such a spirit was recently shown on the question of the outrages committed on Jews in the Kussian Empire. Tho press of St. Petersburg, us soon as it learned that subscriptions were being made throughout the British dominions on behalf of tho unfortunate victims of Russian fanaticism, insultingly condemned the movement aa uncalled for, aud as amounting to a slight offered to Russia. More recently, when public indignation meetings in Britain have been urging Her Majesty's Government to offer friendly intercession on behalf of the persecuted race, tbe Russian press has become bolder iv tone, and has declared that the Government of the C.ar would, on uo account, tolerate such interference. The boautitul consistency of Russia, after having made similar outrages the ground for declaring war against Turkey, requires no comment. There need, however, be no apprehensions ,of trouble between Britain and Russia on this score. Mr Gladstone and his Cabinet wisely perceive, no doubt, the present temper of Russia; and will also appreciate the difference between outrages committed by au _ inflamed populace and those emanating from a corrupt Government. Neither neod war bo at present feared because of the insidious eastward march ot Russia, though in the course of hor operations tbat Power is violating her most solemn pledges and assurances to Britain, The Power with which Russia is now on the verge of hostilities is Austria, and the casus belli is the Slavonic rising in various of the Austrian Provinces. It is now ascertained that this insurrection has been fomented, and is being carried on, by Russian agents and officers, and it is probably also helped by Russian arms and Russian gold. Tho famous Kussian General Skobeloff has been making a most bellicose speech to his soldiers, antagonistic to Austria ; and though the Czar's Government, with their accustomed doublo-dcul-ing diplomacy, havo declared that this speech docs not meet with their approval, the assurance is worthless so long as Skobeloff remains uncensured for his action. It is further asserted that Russia Is massing troops near her western frontier, and that she has concluded a secret treaty with Ronmania in anticipation of war being declared against Austria, The Austrian army is accused, whother truthfully or not makes little difference in tho result, with com. mittlng atrocious cruelties upon insurgent prisoners; and Kussia will probably make this the means of arousing the indignation of her Slavonic subjects, an_t a pretext for the declaration ot another " Holy War." The position ot affairs in the East ia certainly most critical, and any day we may expect to hear of an outbreak of hostilities on a gigantic scale.

To-day, being the date on which the first instalment—one half-penny in tho £— of the Property Tax is due, a considerable sum waa received at the Post Office. The second instalment—one farthing in the £— is due on March Ist. Taxpayers in arrears are liable to a fine of 10 per cent, on the amount due,

Complaints are being made ot tho extreme liveliness of the larrikin element in Waketield-street. Pedestrians are not only subjected to annoyance and insult, but property itself is not safe. Several panes of glass in a shop-window were deliberately amashed the other night, and practical jokes of an undesirable character are of nightly occurrence. It is to be hoped that Superintendent Thomson will take effective measures for the prompt suppression of the nuisance,

A meeting of shareholders of the National Insurance Company will be held on Friday, the 10th of March, to consider certain resolutions respecting a new issue of shares, and tho proposed increase of tho capital reserve

A drawing contest between A, Bowdcn's bay horse and G, Ferguson's black mare took place this morning, the course being up Victoria-street without stopping. Each horse had to draw one ton, The stakes of £5 a-side were won by Bowden, whoso animal proved victorious.

Another good house greeted the Mastodon Minstrels last evening. The programme was entirely new, and was ono of the best yet produced by the company. The ballads of Messrs Wesley and Jackson were encored, and the comic songs of Messrs Gilmour and Wilson were ot outstanding merit. The farces—"The Coalheaver's Revenge," and "You don't say so," were much above the average of such performances. "Pin-a-4 in Black " is announced for to-morrow evening.

Mr Thompson (the husband of that favourite operatic artiste. Miss Carry [Godfrey) is arranging for a band contest. The event will be novel, and will doubtless prove a great attraction,

Tbe expanded theory of two acids and one base in vegetable matter has been domonstrated by the recent fluid production of Mr Edgar King, of 96, Grey-street, whose concentrated c.mponnd .decoction of " Jamaica Sarsaparilla " has of late years attained a popularity in the environs of London, As a powerful sedative and purifier of the arteries throughout the body, and a tonic grateful to the abdomen when the blood is unduly heated, and a general alterative to persons in delicate health, the preparation is invaluable to those who reside near tbo tropics.

The second exhibition of the Society of Arts_ will be held early ia April next. Special prizes aud certificates have been offered for the best pupils' Studies from the flat _or. from the round; for the best " original design "in several subjects, and for amateur studies in monochrome and water colour. Portraits painted from photoeraphs will form a clas3 if four competitors enter for the prize. Full particulars of all entries should be sent in to the secretary by the Ist of March,

The-monthly inspection of tho A Bittery Now Zealand Regiment of Artillery will bo heldat the Drill-shed on tomorrow evening, .-.very member is requested to attend,

A meeting of tbe Scripture Gift Association was held last evening in Mr Ewing> ton's office, Queen-street. Mrs Wallis re» ported favourably of her Bible instruction class in one of the schools under her supervision j upon tho average 240 children attended. Mr S. Kout reported on tbo progress made during the past year, but more funds were wanting to increase the good work. The society had (riven to scholars during the year, 3,?18 prise books. It Was resolved to hold the annual meeting of the association on the 28th inst. in the hall of the YoUng Men's Christian Association, which it was hoped would be largely patronised.

A Mclbourno correspondent writes i— " Several sensational, not to _ay horrifying, events have occur.d Orconio to light within the last few days. While cutting plops in the bush near Stanwell, a miner came acrosn the headless trunk of a human being. It is patent that a horrible murder has been committed, tho_gh some wlseacVcs endeavoured to suggeat suicide as an explanation, As however, even if the man succeeded in beheading himself with an American axe, it Could scarcely Do expected that the trunk could pick tip and carefully conceal the head from View, this theory has been abandoned. The body is that of a tall, slender, but unusually powerful man, Apparently the murder was committed about two months ttgo, In all probality the head has been thrown into a deserted shaft."

A number of gentlemen connected with the Northern and Auckland Clubs interested iv tho formation of a Racquet Club was hold yesterday afternoon at the office of Mr O'Sullivau, Sh6rtland-street. Captain Davency, Captain Rich, and Messrs Datgaville, Bhera, and Jackson wore elected a committee, and Mr O'Sullivau secretary and treasurer, Tho committee wero authorised • to make terms with Mr Glocson for thb Use of the Racquet Court. And to receive tho names of gentlemen wishing to join tho club. The annual subscription fee was fixed at £i Is, Captains Davctiey and Rich and Mr Nicholls were appointed a subcommittee to draw ud ruloi, The meeting then adjourned till Saturday afternoon.

Theflratpublicent.rtainr_cnt ia conncc* tion with the Hope of Wairoa Lodge (South) was given on the 10th inst., and was fairly patronised and generally successful. Song?, ducts, and music comprised tha amusoments, sustained by lildio-t and gentlemen of the district. Our correspondent says:--" It is very dillieult to got up a successful affair at Wairoa, ns settlers entertain such opposite opinions respecting social gathoiiugs—one-third professing to hate dancing, and two.thirds regarding it as tbe most cburming part of an evening's diversion. As soon as the Templars retired, the dancers rushed in en masse aud filled the hall, and their appetites wore so much sharpened by bodily exercise that all the provisions vuniahed in a vory brief space of time, and tho urgent cry for moro met with uo real response." The following were the pcrtormcrs:—Misses E. Low, Crcightoo, A. Wilson, L. Wilson, Hawkins, E. Wilson, Mrs Watcrton, Messrs Wilson, Shaw, Melutyrc, Scott, A. Hoye, F. Creighton, J. Creighton, Joseph Crcightoo, biuith, Rumbal, and Moore.

A meeting of the congregation worshipping at St. John's Church, Nonhcote, was held on Tuesday last to arrange for the enlargement of the present building, Tho Rev. F. G. Evans occupied the chair, Plans had been submitted aud tendcra called for by Mr W. I. Hammond, who has kindly given his services gratuitously. It was agreed that, with certain modifications, the tender of Mr Johnston should be accepted. Tho enlargement will take the form of a transept and chancel, and will givo accommodation for sixty additional sittings. It was stated that £40 wero still required to make up tho requisite amount. Towards liquidating this n Harvest Thanksgiving Festival will bo held in the church on Wednesday, Febrnary 22nd, when the collections will be in aid of the building fund, Also a concert will be held in tho district schoolroom, on Wednesday, March Ist, which, it is hoped, will considerably augment the fund. The enlargement of this church affords nu excellent opportunity to benevolent persons to aid in advancing the church's work in the suburbs, whoro the people are trying to obtain suitable accommodation for divine worship.

To the Kditor: Sir,—Oavingroad tbe paragraph in Monday's STAK.hcaded, " Drowning at Kaipara," I tbink there ought to be an Investigation by the head authorities at once. That a man in this state of drunkenness should be put on board the s.s. Durham agalust the wishes of the captain, speaks very ill of the persons who supplied bim with drink. I should say, Mr Editor, it is a publican's duty to take care of a man when he is staying in tho hotel and obtains his drink there. But this is not so about some parts of the Kaipara river j inly two weeks ago I saw a man picked up in a boat speechlessly drink. It took an hour before he could speak. Ho bad several bottles of spirits with him, and about twenty pounds and some odd silver. Hero is a _man who might have been drowped- and nothing more heard of him. It waa a very rough day. Previous to this there was a gumdigger under delirium tremens at large, with a sheath.knife and tomahawk; he was tunning at a mad pace. If this man had met anyono wo might guess the rosult Many of your readers will not wonder at the numerous cases of drowning when they road tho above. — 1 am, &c.,— CORBIQ-NDA.

i At Sheffield recently, Mr Dossy Weightman, coroner, held an inquiry into tbe death of Amelia Turner, who died under very painful circumstances on her wedding day. In tho morning she was married to Joseph Turner, an iron plater, and went home with, her husband to one of the suburbs. The man was not sober, and went ■to bed, leaving his wife downstairs apparently in good health. Awaking in tho evening he found his bride lying on the floor downstairs, to all appoarances "nicely asleep." A friend, believing sho was unwell, bathed het forehead with vinegar, and the husband covered her with wrappers,,after which he went to the Huntsman'?; where he stayed until a quarter to 11 o'clock at night. When ho got home his bride was still lying on the floor, and her mouth was covered with froth. Finding sho was dying he wont for assistance, but on his return she was defld. The woman had a stroke, and was subject to giddiness, and the medical evidence was she had fallen downstairs, and died from an effusion ot blood on tbe brain. It was elicited at the inquiry tbat the husband was tipsy when he got home, and did not know how long he had been away. Tho verdict was that the woman had died from effusion of tho brain, caused by a fractured skull.

In a recent Issuo of the " Australian News " it was stated that the City Council of Sydney had received a letter from a gentleman representing a syndicate in London, offering ■to light tho streets with electricity at a cost of 25 per cent, less than tho contract prico for gas. Wc believe Sydney is one of the colonial cities where the lighting of the streets is rather economically performed, and would threfore present to an Electric Company the best field for operat. ing. From tho news by the last mail, how. ever, there appear to bo serious difficulties yet in the way of electric lighting. An English paper to hand, dated 6th December, says:—The attempt to introduce the Brush system into the streets of Edinburgh has resulted ip failure. At Cockermouth tbe Local Board, in the beginning of August last, agreed in a great hurry to hand over the town to be lighted by six Brush lamps and forty oil-gas lamps. It was then the opinion of some members of the Council that "all tho world" would go and see the brilliant spectacle presented by tho now system of lighting The "world"onlycomes

to Cockermouth to laugh at the authorities, and to complain bitterly of the state of the streets after nightfall; and it is reported that communication between the Local Board and their lighting contractors is now carried on through the medium of solicitors. At Goldlining, where the proposal to light the streets by electric lamps actuated by water power was carried out some weeks since, and was hailed at the time by a section of the London daily press as a Heaven-sent inspiration, the attempt to use water power for such a purpose haß completely failed, and a steam-engine has been installed vice water-wheel dismissed from service. . . The arc lights maintain an intermittent existence, to the mingled amusement and vexation of the inhabitants ; the Swan lamps, which were originally worked in conjunction therewith,have been replaced by oil lamps of tho well-known disappointing type. Meanwhile the Gas Company, with a philanthropic regard for human life, not unmixed with more selfish considerations, maintain on the bridge which crosses the river that has proved faithless to the electricians, a powerful new burner which gives light with irritating steadiness and provoking reliability;

Mr B. Maclean, Judge of the Assessment Courts lor the various city and suburban districts, notifies by advertisement in another column when appeals will be heard, ' "

The following paragraph appears in tbe Dunedin "Morning Herald rt of Monday 6th inst!-"The Key. Mr M'JSicd), of Auckland, occupied the pulpit of the North Dunedin Church yesterday, at both morning and evening service?. We understand that it is the intention of the congregation of this church to moderate in a call to the ltev. A. C. Giilies.'1

We have had the opportunity of sampling the white and strawberry wines manufactured by Mr J. Wendel, of Grey-street. The white wive is not unlike champagne, aad is specially recommended to invalids by Mr J. M. Titnney (Provincial Analyst), ~hile the strawberry wine ia very palatable. In fact both are pleasing beveratres, and only require to be known in order to command au extensive sale, They are excellent tonics.

At a meeting of the creditors of i. Rowlinsouj held to-day, a resolution was passed recommending the granting of an order of discharge. The creditors of John Taw appointed Mr Thomas Macffarlane creditors' trustee. A meeting of the creditors' in the estate Of W. E. Allen was adjourned till to-morrow* The .New Zealand Drng Company recently suspended operations for a short time at their Sulphuric Acid Works at Kaikorai Valloy, in order to effect some slight alterations in tho plattt, but work has again been actively resumed, and, as over (50 tons of acid bas now been produced, the company have fulfilled the conditions required by the Colonial Secretary for the award of the bonus of £500. The manufacture of a similar quantity for the noxt two years entitles the company to an additional bonus of £500 per year, or £1,500 in all.

Up to till, pte-dnt time (saya the Melbourne "Age" ot January 23rd) nothing ia known as to the fate of the Eurynome, Which sailed from Goelong in May last with a largo cargo of wheat for the United Kingdom. Thero is some reason for aupposing that she was destroyed by fire, arising from spontaneous combustion j in this case the hull may be met with, or tho crew may have escaped tosome uninhabited island in the Pacific, and may yet bo heard of. Captain Pottsr has left a wife aud five children in London, and the steward was a married man with a largo family. Captitiu Pottor was greatly beloved for hia gentleness and high principle. He has a brother and sister in this colony, and was vory anxious for the latter to accompany him on his ill-fated voyage.

His Honor Judge Mac Donald ban reserved judgment in the District Court case ot Woodward v. Phillips and Son, wherein £100 is claimed for an alleged breach of agreement caused by the the discharge 6f plaintiil' from tho defendants' employ. Tho d-ifondants contend that the laths which the plaintiff was ordered and refused to replace in the shop, wero measurements ond records of business, and tbat the order was a reasonable one, which the plaintiff was bound to obey, On the other hand the plaintiff claims that they were his property, and that the defendant, John Phillips, gave an order which the plaintiff was not bound, as part of the contract, to obey ; therefore there was no wilful disobedience on his part, His Honor said ho would givo his judgment in writing.

Yesterday several membeis of tho lockout committee waited on the manager of the Union Sash and Door Company to see if there Was any possibility of an agreement being come to. They asked Mr Herbert if be was willing to take back all tho lockouts. Mr Herbert said he wonld take back as many as he could find work for. He would not ask them to work overtime, Tho deputation asked him whethor, if they were asked to work overtime, time and a quarter would be allowed, to wttfch Mr Ilwbert replied tbat it would not. The deputation, hopeless of coming to terms, then withdrew.

The hearing of the petition made by Mr W. Hollis, of Lyttelton, against the return of Mr Allwright for that constituency, on the ground tbat aliens had voted at the election, was commenced at Lyttelton yesterday, before Judges Johnston and Williams, The petitioner was represented by Messrs Harler and Briton, and tbe respondent by Messrs Holmes and Uowlisbaw. The Returning Officer waa represented by Mr Ailwrigbt (tbe respondent) and Mr Adder, Tho Bench considered the question waa a claim of aliena to vote, and in the view of another case at Watakinui, thought it was best for the counsel to argue the points, and they would reserve judgment till after hearing the second case, as the argument raited in that might influence an opposite judgment. Mr Holmes, in answor to the petition, quoted authorities to show that there waa nothing about alien voting, drawing particular attention to the residential qualification, and that after the roll revision no name could be removed. Tho Registrar could enquire if the claimant to vote was an alien, and if so, the claim to vote could bo refused. The Act of 1880 did not provide that aliens should not vote, whereas the provisions of tho other Act did, bnt they liad been repealed by the first-named, which alao ptovided they should not bo registered.—Mr Hurler, for the potitionor, replied, contending that it was quite possible that aliens were placed on tho roll, out the Act of 1866 prohibited them from voting, Tho caso was adjourned till the 23rd proximo.

At the ordinary meeting of tho Onehunga Borough Council on Monday evening there wore present -.—The Mayor (Mr Codlin), Messrs Baric, Fleming, Hartnett, Hastic, Hills, Jackson, Kclsall, Tapp, and Waller. An application by Mr Wilson for reduction of rent on a reserve leased by him, and nLso for extension of the term, was referred to the Reserves Committee. It waa decided to offer a building site in Queenstreet, applied for by tho' Onchuoga Land Society, by public auction, fcr 21 years.at an annual rental of £8, to be then re-let, with buildings, at a valuation, A warrant from the Treasury stated that tbe subsidy for nine months was £84, less £60 for contribution to hospital and charitablb aid. The water supply to vessels during the month of January was reportod to have been 25,650 gallons t. 38 vessels, realising £12 16s 6d. Mr Stewart, C.E., recommended that a Tangye's pump be procured, and fitted up; and that the reservoir be raised four feet. It was agreed to carry out the recommendations under Mr Stewart's supervision, Fifteen additional cases of scarlet fever in six fresh houses were reported by Dr. Scott, A letter from the Colonial Secretary informed the Council tbey had no control over the harbour or quarantine regulations. It was agreed, on the motion of Mr Jackson, "Tbat a man be appointed to act as Inspector of Nuisances, Dog Banger, and various other offices under the Counoil bylaws, and also to work on the roads."