THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. THURSDAY, NOVEMBERS 3, 1887.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8090, 3 November 1887, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. THURSDAY, NOVEMBERS 3, 1887.

A combination of circumstances goes indisputably to show how keenly Russia has felt the decisiveness of her defeat during the recent Bulgarian elections for the new Sobranje. In order-to stave off these elections the Czar's Government did their utmost to induce Turkey to despatch as her own representative a Russian commissioner, with full power to take what measures he chose for the settlement of Bulgaria. But, knowing that this interference would only make matters worse, the Porte ultimately declined to accede to so foolish, and withal, so dishonest, a proposal. So, while the agents of the Ozar were grinding their teeth under their disappointment, the elections took place, with the result that every prominent membet of the Russophila party was rejected by the people. This fact was quite significant of the determination of the Bulgarians to take their own way of settling the difficulties into which their country had been placed through Russia's intermeddling, and it produced an unexpected impression at the various Continental Courts.

Of this impression the speeches e of the Italian Premier, Signor Orispi, after his visit to Berlin, and also the speech of the Emperor of Austria in reply to the address of the Delegations, may be cited as evidence. The utterances of these distinguished personages disclosed the fact that the Continental Courts had now become convinced that the determination of the Balkan States to work out their own autonomy could no longer be overlooked, and must be treated as a factor in European politics. Of this change in the opinions previously entertained at Berlin, and also, though in a less degree, at Vienna, the entrance of Italy into the AustroGerman alliance is incontestable proof. Signor Orispi's object in cementing this triple bond was plainly avowed to be that of so developing the autonomy of the Balkan provinces as to prevent Muscovite encroachment in that quarter turning the Black sea into a Russian lake. This purpose Prince Bismarck, who had hitherto spoken with contemptuous irritation of the Bulgarian difficulty, could not fail to be aware of when holding his alliance interviews with the Italian Premier and, as wo pointed out at the time, he must accordingly be now regarded as endorsing the views entertained in Italy respecting the Eastern question. That this also is the interpretation put upon the triple alliance by the Court of St. Petersburg may be inferred from the impression produced there by the utterances of Signor Crispi. The only thing that could really, or, at all events, most effectually prevent Russia's advance upon Constantinople, is, as we have frequently stated, tha formation of a strong State in the Balkan country ; and this barrier will, in the estimation of her statesmen, be practically secured by that development of the local autonomy of the Balkan nations, which they regard as the object of the agreement entered into by the Central Powers. s

This altered phase in European poli- j tics, attributable to the unmistakeable display of the spirit of liberty and independence among the Balkan nationalities, and especially the persistency with which, in the face of unprecedented difficulties, the Bulgarians have resolved on opposing foreign interference with their internal Government —has not, however, caused Russia to swerve from the tactics she usually employs to gain her ends. On the contrary, the effect in her case has only been that of making her agents more active and unscrupulous in employing these tactics. These may be fittingly described as treachery, conspiracy, and, if need be, assassination. These are the weapons her emissaries employed against Prince Alexander when she found him otherwise impregnably entrenched behind the barriers created by the popular will and the strength of , the nation's enthusiasm. And these, too, are the weapons she I now means to direct against his successor, Prince Ferdinand. The result ! of the recent elections she could nob

reverse, and neither could she misunderstand the significance of that result, as denoting bitter hostility to her crafty designs, and a feeling of dauntless loyalty to the Prince-elect and to the Government of the country. But she can still plot against the liv«i» J of those who stand in the way of he? purpose, and by producing disorder in the country through the destruction of its tulers, may hope to pave the way for its enslavement. And this, accordingly, is the vile game her agents are once more playing. Odessa, a Russian port on the Black Sea, is the place where the dark plots intended to further her ends are hatched; and a Montenegrin, who has just been arrested, has confessed to having been sent by the Sclav Committee there to murder Prince Ferdinand, M. Stambouloff, the Premier, and others, at the opening of the Sobranje. This incident is evidently connected with the Sclav plot reported on the 2Gth October to have been discovered, whose object was said to have been the murder of Prince Ferdinand and M. Stambouloff, and this Montenegrin, who has confessed to his being engaged therein, is probably one of the ringleaders then arrested. Had this infamous design been accomplished, the Russian Government would of course have disavowed all complicity in the plot, though the opportunity of turning it to their advantage would none the less eagerly have been availed of. But of the complicity of the Czar's servants in such dastardly attempts to further his ambitious objects, there is no room for doubting. The conduct of Russian officials on the occasion of Prince Alexander's abduction makes this only too clear. And, what is very suggestive in this connection, the agency employed on that occasion was, as it has been in this instance, of Montenegrin origin. As is well known, Montenegro is the only spot in the Balkan region where the Czar's authority is undisputed, independent though it may be nominally, and, from the Prince to the peasant every one in that little and servile State is ready to execute any dastardly mission that may forward his aims, and for the sake of the rewards offered in his name. By the resorting to such cowardly and brutal means Russia may expect to forward her aggrandising policy, when with the triple alliance staring her in the face, she could not venture on doing so by an open invasion of Bulgaria. To some extent she may by the use of such means succeed in her aims, though, to the extent she does so, she will increase the certainty of being plunged into that very conflict from which she now shrinks.

This niUvL, however, Russia's present attitude, like the alliance of the Central Powers, serves to show that the advance of freedom in Bulgaria, as evinced in the late elections, has had the effect of changing the politics of Continental Europe. The results of these elections are said to have so provoked the Czar as to make him threaten to renounce the Berlin Treaty ; while Italy's interest in upholding Bulgarian autonomy, taken in conjunction with the triple alliance, commits Germany to the position of seeing that the spirit, at least, of that treaty is maintained. In these altered circumstances, the Government and Parliament of Bulgaria, with their Prince-elect — though, perhaps, making some mistakes — are nobly fulfilling their mission, by virtue of the earnestness of purpose and the self-reliance which they manifest. Despite the menacing attitude of Russia and the conspiracies against them, which she fans by the liberal distribution of her gold, the Sobranje has been opened in grand state, and Prince Ferdinand—who has donated £40,000 of his private means to complete the Bulgarian railways—has been accorded a great ovation. In the present conflict of interests developing on the Continent of Europe, it matters little, in fact, whether or not the Powers formally recognise the popular choice of Prince Ferdinand, and every day that records their inability to unite in giving their consent to this, constitutes a step towards the accomplishment of Bulgarian independence.

The address with, which Bishop Cowie opened the first session of the twelfth Synod of the Auckland Diocese is both important and instructive. It is important as marking a practical epoch in the history of the work which has been carried on in the extensive district which the diocese includes, and instructive as showing the real progress which can be made with that work within a given period. Fully seventeen years have elapsed since Bishop Cowie arrived to enter upon the laborious duties which the lata Bishop . Selwyn had so ably and with much forethought inaugurated ; and, as he is now about to revisit the mother country, his address is evidently intended not merely to furnish a report of what has been done during the past year, but also to present a synopsis of what has been accomplished during the period of his Episcopate up to the present date. In both these aspects the address serves a very valuable purpose. As a record of the year's work it supplies in well arranged detail that information respecting the various agencies of the ecclesiastical body which tends both to preserve and to increase in the minds of all its members the special interest they ought to take in the Church's mission. The fulness and even the minuteness with which this information is statedly submitted shows much pains* taking in its collation, and the labour thus bestowed is well rewarded in that, by giving tangibility to the results of Christian effort, it promotes an active sympathy between the agents by whom the work is done and those who are benefited by its faithful performance. In this way these annual presentations of the fruits of religious husbandry supply a healthful incitement to further industry in the field of devotion. It is, however, as a review of the Church's progress during the time the direction of the diocese has been in his hands that Bishop Cowie's address is on this occasion possessed of a peculiar interest. The data which, under this aspect of it, are furnished, are both interesting and encouraging. To all who peruse them they serve to illustrate what can be achieved by method, perseverance, and self-sacrifice. They Bupply a cheering testimony to the effectiveness of organisation, the advantage of hearty co-operation, the wisdom of utilising of all available talent, and the commendable liberality which these visible evidences of religious life and vigour seldom or never fail to evoke among those who receive the Church's ministrations. These all bear witness to the vigilant and unwearied supervision which Bishop Cowie has bestowed upon his diocese, and to the admirable tact with which he has kept himself in touch with all those who, in their several capacities, have been associated with him in the work to which for full seventeen years he has in soul and body been consecrated. And now, with these marks engraven on the Church's history of a progress to which his able administration has so largely contributed, ha naturally desires a brief period of rest. To this all will cordially admit he is well

entitled. He is a man who has not spared himself. For nearly eighteen years he has bad incessant work in the diocese, from which he has not been absent for a single day except for other work at the General Synods, and at the meetings of the University Senate ; and yet with all )thatj*scoid of all but unbroken toil before him. he very modestly remarks thai! it might be - well for him to take a short holiday., Yes, it will be well for him— and well, too, for the diocese—and his attendance at the approaching Lambeth Conference, where ha will meet with men of similar unsparing devotedness, will enable him to return recruited both in mind and in body to the field of labour which he has so long occupied, with advantage to the diocese and to the public.

Our cable messages to-day state that an epidemic of scarlet fever is raging in London. The death is announced of Dr. Macfarren, the well known composer. In 1875 he was elected Professor of Music at the Cambridge University, and shortly afterwards was created a Doctor of Music. He was knighted by the Queen at Windsor in 1883. His principal compositions include the oratorios of "St. John the Baptist," The Resurrection," Joseph,''and " King David." Lord Hartington is expected to join the Minictry. He has warned the Irish that England will never concede them a national Parlia* ment. The Rajah of Kapurthella has donated £50,000 to the Indian Defence Fund. Fight* ing is imminent in Zululand between the Imperial troops and the natives. The Auckland Synod was opsnedl yesterday. The address of the Biihop and a report of the proceedings appear elsewhere,, We have to congratulate the Auckland Tslegraph Department on the manner in which the Financial Statement was received on Tuesday evening. The arrangements were admirable, the wires in good working order (for a wonder !) and the operators in capital form. In consequence of this happy combination of propitious circumstances we were able to have the whole of the Statement in type in the fastest time on record. The "copy" supplied was both accurate and distinct, and t was a pleasure to read. Our Tongan advices report the death of Mr. Symonds, the British Consul at Samoa. The barque William Turner, which went from here to Fiji some six weeks back, returned again last night with a full cargo of raw sugars to the consignment of the Mew Zealand Sugar Company. The barque, which occupied 20 days in coming from Liuthalay Bay, was at once towed up to the Sugar Company'B Works, where to -day she will commence the landing of her cargo.

Mr. Lodder, of the Kaipara Steam Navigation Company, was in Wellington a few days ago, and had interviews with several of the Ministers. We understand that the Government have agreed to connect Te Kopuru and the Kaipara Heads by telephone. If this had been done, it is believed that the recent wreck and loss of life at Kaipara could have been avoided, as a tugboat could have gone out and brought the vessel in. The following pieces of land in the Aucklaud district have been temporarily reserved for the purposes stated :—Section No. 3a of block xv., survey district of Takahue, containing 5a 14p, for a school site ; section 197, parish of Mareretu, Matakohe survey district, containing 4a lr, for a school site ; lot 69, village of Aratapu, containing 2r, for police purposes ; lots SS and 89, village of Aratapu, for police purposes. The annual soiree and concert of the United Presbyterian congregations of Otahuhu, Tamaki, and Howick was held in the Otahuhu Pablic Hall on Tuesday last. There was a very large attendance, and a most enjoyable evening was spent by the members of each of the above congregations and their friends. Tea was served at -past six, and a survey of the tables dispelled, for the time at anyrate, all signs of depression, and ample justice was done to the good things catered for by Mr. John Hall. A most pleasing feature of these country soirees is the taste displayed by the ladies in decorat* ing the tables with beautiful flowers. The tables having been cleared away, opportunity was afforded for conversation, etc. The following is the programme of the evening's entertainment, which was presided over by the Rev. John Macky :—Chairman's address ; anthem, "O Come all ye Faithful," choir ; address, Rev. D. J. Steele ; report and financial statement, Mr. R. Robertson ; pianoforte duet, Mrs. Mitchell and Miss M. Wylie; address, Rev. T. Adams; duet, "Friend' ship," the Misses Kimpton ; song, "The Village Blacksmith," Mr. J. Mitchell; address, Rev. R. Bavin ; duet, Mrs. Steele and Mr. J. Macky; recitation, Miss Walker ; address, Mr. Hunter ; duet, " The Moravian Nuns Hymn," Miss Fox and Mr. J. Mitchell; address, Rev. R. T. West; address, Rev. R. Sommerville ; anthem, " Behold how Good," choir. The opening address by the chairman was delivered in a most impressive manner, and in it reference was made in affectionate terms to the loss sustained by the Church in the death of Mr. Thos. Cawkwell and Mr. John Wallace, and during the evening there were many expressions of sympathy towards the relatives of the deceased gentlemen, who were so wellknown and esteemed in this neighbourhood. The management of the musical portion of ths programme was in the experienced hands of Mrs. Kimpton, which was in itself a guarantee of excellence and enthusiasm, and each of the items given were creditably rendered and well received by the audience. Addresses, earnest, instructive, congratulatory, and humourous, were delivered by the above-mentioned gentlemen, and special and frequent references to the unity which characterised the conduct of these social and religious gatherings in the meeting together of so many different shades of Christian co-workers, and the blending together and sinking of difference* in their efforts to Christianise great numbers of the people. The report showed that there is a balance due by the treasurer of £65 16s 2d. The benediction having been pronounoed by the chairman, the meeting terminated.|Ovrn Correspondent].

It was claimed for the Tauranga district that it had a member of the Light Brigade resident there in the person of Air. Salt. It appears, however, that Mr. Salt was one of the Heavy Brigade, and that Auckland can still boast af the possession of one of the gallant Six Hundred. This veteran is Mr. Treney, now in the employ of Messrs. Garlick and Cranwell.

The Primitive Methodist; Church Choir, Franklin Road, by request, gave, on Tuesday evening, the sacred cantata, " Under the Palms.' by Mr. G. P. Root, illustrating the Jewish Paast of Tabernacles after the captivity. There was a large attendance, the church was full, and many had to sit in the aisles. The Rev. C. E, Ward presided. The singers were frequently applauded. The first anniversary meeting of the Mount Albert branch of the Gospel Temperance Mission took place on Monday evening, in the Kingsland Wesleyan Church. The Rev. J. King Davis presided, and after devotional exercises, called on Mr. J. Tonson Garlick, hon. secretary, to read the report of the past year's operations. The report, after referring to the public meetings and conference held in the district, dwelt on the success the two visitor?, Mr. J. (J. Smith and the hon. secretary, had met with in their house-to-house visitation, the result being that several had joined the Blue Ribbon Army, and signed the total abstinence pledge, who would not have done so had they not been waited on. The pledges taken at the meetings, and at the homes of the residsnts, numbered 102. The report closed with an exhortation to all abstainers to help in the work, and thanking God for the success so far attained. Interesting, lively, and eloquent addresses were delivered by the chairman, and Messrs. Randerson, W. Crosher, and W. R. Cook. Miss Schnackenberg kindly officiated at the organ, and on the motion of Mr. Wm. Hanson, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the trustees of the church, the speakers, and the chair* man. At the close of the meeting nine persons more signed the pledge. Mr. Seaman, as returning officer, reports the following farther riding nominations for representation in the YVaitemata County Council:—On Monday, 31st October, for Wainui riding, Messrs. Charles Hardy, Andrew Jaok, jun., and John Moffatt, Mr. Inglis, who had announced his candidature, being ten minutes too late ; for Helensville riding, Messrs. Isaac MoLeod, and James Alexander MoMahon; and on Tuesday, November 1, for Kaukapakapa riding, Mr. Robert Sinclair, being the only candidate, was declared elected. As already advertised the pollings will take place on Wednesday, 16th inst. Bank of New Zealand Shares were inquired \ for yesterday at £11; holders are wanting ' £12. A firmer feeling is noticeable,

At the Onehunga Police Court before Drs. W. G. Scott and W 77''J.P's Mary Brown wa. fined 10. aidj for being drunk, Ah Brown laid an in£. mation against hie wife, Mary Brown ft using threatening language, and Blinking;!! on the head with an axe. Defendant w« bound over to keep the peace for th months, herself in one surety of £20 two others of £20 each, or (in default) 'th months' imprisonment. The sureties ««!! being forthcoming, she was removed to Mom!! Eden. ""Juqh At the request of the Rev. R, q 0 headmaster of the Newton East School th* district committee have decided to hold public inquiry on Friday evening next into the circumstances attending the fWeino the child Katie Sheard, whose case had ex cited so much comment.

An inquest will be held this afternoon at half-past two o'olock, at the Junction Hotel Epsom, into the causes of the fire which d stroyed the dwelling of Mr. Charles Aickin' at Mount Eden, on the Ist of September last At a meeting of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, held at the Y.M.CA Rooms yesterday afternoon, the petition which is being signed throughout the world praying for prohibition in respect to the liquor traffic, was discussed, and it Wj agreed that % communication be forwarded to Miss Willard, at the headquarters of th Union in America, asking for further detail' and information on the question. 9 There was a fair attendance at the Art Exhibition last night, and much indignation was expressed by the visitors at the vandalism of the scoundrel who destroyed several v»i a able works by affixing gum tickets across their faces. During the day a large number of school children visited the exhibition under the supervision of their teachers, 220 from the Beresford-street school and' 200 from Newton Kant. To-morrow evening tb« supplementary art union drawing will take place at nine o'clock

A meeting of the committee of the Auckland Political Financial Reform Association was held yesterday evening at the rooms Victoria Arcade, to consider the Financial Statement. A sub-committee was appointed to deal with the Budget and draw up a report, to be submitted on Friday. 'i'he opinion was freely expressed that the Minis, try had done good service in affording the public so clear an exposition of the colony's financial position, and in having placed itself in unison with the prevailing desire for retrenebment. The sub-committee ia to meet this afternoon, and the adjourned meeting of the committee is to . be held on Friday, at 4.30 p.m., when the question of calling a public meeting for the discussion of the Financial Statement will be considered. Daring the hearing of a case against Mr. M. Woodward, of Mount Albert, for a breach of the railway regulations, the evidence brought out the fact that the road leading to the crossing where the offence took place was enclosed in such a manner by a high bank and wall that the line was not visible from it except from a spot not a couple of yards from the rails. It was also stated that the whistle of trains passing is frequently not blown until the engine is right upon the crossing, and sometimes it is not sounded at all. The Resident Magistrate in commenting upon these facts said that it was clearly the duty of the Government to remedy the crossing so that the residents could use it with safety, and Mr, Theo. Cooper, who was prosecuting on behalf of the Railway Department, replied that it was bis intention to bring the matter under the notice of Mr. E. Mitchelson. who was both the member for the district and Minister of Publie Works. His Worship hoped that Mr. Cooper's representations would be the means of getting some alterations made as the place in question was clearly unsafe.

At Abbott's Opera House last night a grand double bill was presented to a rather poor audience. The first part consisted of the amusing comedietta " The fairy of the Glen," in which Miss Georgie Smithson sustained the part of Lady Conyers, with much verve and " go." The second part of the performance was the Hibernian drama "The Green Lanes of Erin," a rather lachrymose representation of the wrongs and sufferings of the Irish tenantry of the present day. The plot bristles with sensational situations and "tableaux." The principal characters in the piece are "Judy O'Trot," a character sketch which gave Miss Smithson abundant scope for the display of her abilities ; "Dan O'Carolan," a greyheaded Irish patriot, creditably sustained by Mr. J. J. Walsh "Ragged Pat," played by Mi Lachlan McGowanis his most comic style ; and Connor O'Flaherty" (Mr, Makanini), a capita! impersonation of a merry and lightheartel young Irishman. " Mr. Stone "(a middleman), and his associate "Mr. Slang," two companions in villainy, who bring much suffering upon the tenant farmer "Neil O'Carolan (Mr. F. Simmonds) and "Honor O'Carolan," his wife (Miss Anderson), were represented by Mr. Herman and Mr. Fisher, Miss Gertrude Esdale took the role of " Florence O'Carolan," the daughter of Neil, and played it in a pleasant unaffected style that pleased the audience. The absentee landlord, " Mons. Voyage," a Frenchman, was well portrayed by Mr. Laurie Dunbar, his broken English being very good. The same programme will be repeated this evening. The Mohawk Minstrels repeated their ex« cellent performance at the Agricultural Hall, last night, before the usual large audience. To-night there is to be a grand change of programme, which will be well worth seeing of it is as good as its predecessor. The third annual meeting of the Barns' Club and Literary Society is to be held this eveaing at half-past seven o'clock, at the Masonic Hall, Karangahape Road. Mr. Harry Bennett, the new proprietor of the Pier Hotel, has met a want that will be most acceptable to business men and others, by securing a grill, from whioh chop*, steak, etc., can be done to a turn at a moment'! notice.