LATER ENGLISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7903, 23 March 1887, Page 5

LATER ENGLISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

[PKr. S S. EALLAHAT AT ALBANY. 1

London, February IS. The centre of political gravity continues to away between Eastern and Western Europe, being one day in Bulgaria, the next on the Rhine. The absence of continued panics is merely because speculation and commerce are alike paralysed. In fact, there is a growing nightmare which is almost as bad as war. Business is almost at a standstill, and Jbright as were the prospects apparent at the close of the year, they arc now clouded over by the growing impression that peace cannot long be preserved. It is not surprising, therefore, that Austria, like other nations, is rapidly pushing forward her warlike preparations to be in readiness, if necessary, to defend her vital interests. At tho same time the tone adopted by M. Rathofl, the editor of the Moscow Gazette, warns the Germans thftifc tlmre exists a. national traditional quarrel between the Russian aud German peoples, aa distinct from the Courts or the Governments, which is aggravated by commercial jealousies. The gravity of the general situation may be gauged by the war preparations in all States, especially in south-western Russia. A serious conspiracy was recently discovered in St. Peteraburgh, implicating members of the upper classes as well as State .officers, it being stated that several officers of the Guards had been arrested.

Fears are entertained of a rising in Afghanistan in the spring, in consequence of which the Ameer is sending additional troops to Candahar and elsewhere. Russia is reported to bo sowing dissension between the Ameer and the Shah of Persia..

Sir Dillon Bell, Agent-Goneral for Now Zealand, is understood to bo anxious that the true condition of the New Hebrides question should bo properly brought before the Imperial Conference. The differences which have hitherto existed between Victoria and New South Wales on this subject, and which have beon so detrimental to the settlement oi the question by France and England, should, in his opinion, be reconciled when the matter is considered fully by all the colonial delegates. These differences constitute the greatest obstacle to a final settlement of the cause. Unless the colonies, which are the parties chiefly interested, are agreed upon a plan for effecting a settlement, it will certainly be impossible for tho Imperial Government to arrive at an understanding with France. The colonial delegates should, therefore, loso no opportunity afforded by the Conference to adopt concerted action among all the colonies. Sir .Dillon Bell entertains a confident hope that if this be the result of their deliberation a way will be paved towards an amicable settlement of the question which will promote that colonial bond of union between the mother country and the colonies which is so much desired by all at this moment. It is understood that the present is specially favourable for the prospect of an arrangement. The recent communications between Sir Dillon Bell and eminent I' rench politicians show that a more friendly feeling exists towards the Australian colonies than the latter seem to suppose, and a strong desire to return to more cordial relations with them.