Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7863, 4 February 1887, Page 4

I A recent cable message stated that the Russian and Austrian Governments were showing less solicitude regarding the Bulgarian question, and were watching the position of affairs between France and Germany. This is quite in keeping with the view some time ago expressed by us, that the Western question of Europe would for a time usurp the place of the Eastern question in the public interest, and that hostilities on the Rhine would probable forestal those expected on the Dinube. This concentration of the public interest on the grave relations between France and Germany, fits very well into the plans with which Russia usually seeks to further her policy of aggression. She waits until other nations have their thoughts engrossed by events of absorbing interest, and then takes the opportunity which their abstracted

state of mind or powerlessness for action supplies her with, for forging ahead Iter premeditated designs. Naturally enough, therefore, she regards the prospect of an immediate rupture between France and Germany as a godsend to her purpose. For should Belgium prove to be the battlefield on which the French and German armies are to contend for mastery, as it is almost certain to be, the likelihood is that Britain would become involved in the strife, in consequence of her treaty obligations, which hind her to maintain Belgium's integrity. In that case, the opportunity which Russia has been longing for, of quietly taking possession of Bulgaria, would then present itself, as Austria unaided by Britain would, presumably, not venture to offer resistance to the armies of the Czar. So Russia naturally calculates, and in ordinary circumstances her calculations would bo to a considerable degree well founded. Not save under the force of a special necessity

would any European Power care to ac cept the risk of alone entering t' Q ' lists against the forces of the Met f covite. But that is exactly the p; nt which, in this instance, Russia • apt to overlook, namely, the nece's. sity which compels Austria at all hazards to oppose Russian ascendant in the Balkan Peninsula. It i 8 nQt however, overlooked by the statesmen now directing the destinies of the trian Empire. While watching keen interest the approaching strung between Germany and France, they're quite alive to the possibility of their being obliged single-handed to opp OSi9 the advance towards Constantinople which the Russian armies may then at! tempt. And hence they are not abating in their preparations for such an emer? gency, and, while proclaiming that the relations between Russia and Austria are assuming a favourable character, are yet doing their utmost to prevent the Empire from being taken at unawares. This sup. plies the reason for the hasty sunj. moning of the Austro-Hungarian Dele, gations to provide for the calling out of the reserve force, should the necessity for so doing arise. That it will arise they have no doubt; and hence they propose to ask the Delegations to vote 30,000,000 florins for this p Ur . pose. Such preparations they indeed speak of as merely precautionary, and express the hope that peace will he preserved. At the same time they are fully persuaded that such preparations are necessary; and therefore though knowing that they tend to create a financial as well as political panic, they yet resolutely carry out these so-called precautionary measures, The short and the long of it is that the Austro-Hungarian statesmen are fully persuaded that so soon as France and Germany are committed to war and impose on Britain the duty of holding herself in readiness for emergencies, which may arise in Belgium, Russia

will seize the occasion to obtain the complete control of Bulgaria. They, moreover, know that in self-preservation Austria must be ready to oppose her with the most strenuous resistance, even if in the first instance no other Power should be in a position to give her effectual assistance. They are therefore resolved that the enemy will not have the chance of taking any advantage of their lack of vigilance, and that, advance as swiftly and stealthily as Russia may, she will find the Austro-Hungarian forces ready to dispute her progress. The destiny of | Austria is at present to act as sentry | over Russia's aggressive designs, and | she cannot afford to sleep at her post. ■i J The business men of Wellington are capable of displaying a good deal of enterprise when they see a prospect of

getting money from the venture. They have accordingly concluded that the preparations for war, now going forward in Kurope, present a good chance of doing a stroke in the disposal of preserved meat; and, taking time by the forelock, have resolved to forward at once a large supply to what promises to be a favourable market. All the available space in the direct steamer Rimutaka has been engaged by the two meat-preserving companies of that city ; in the belief that on arrival at London their consignments will command a ready and advantageous sale. We are not aware whether the Auckland Meat Freezing and Preserving Company have thought of taking similar action, but, if not, they will be neglecting an opportunity which ought not to be suffered to escape. Should war break out early in spring there will certainly be a large demand for tinned meat of all descriptions; and even if hostilities should for a time be delayed the replenishing of their commissariats by the several Powers of Europe is certain to occupy the attention of their respective Governments. In such circumstances the capacity to supply a superior article, which the Auckland com' pany undoubtedly possess, ought to be turned to the best account. This is a branch of trade which the exigencies of war are certain to give a great impulse to ; and, if our New Zealand companies are careful to have their exports landed in good condition, they are sure to be rewarded with' no inconsiderable share in the demand thus created, and which is not unlikely to partake more or less of a