EUROPEAN SITUATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8986, 25 February 1888, Page 5

EUROPEAN SITUATION.

RUSSIA AND BULGARIA*

INCREASE OF THE ITALIAN ARMY,

GERMAN MISSION TO ST.

PETERSBURG.

BELGIUM AND THE ALLIANCE.

[press association.]

St. Petersburg, February 23. The Messenger Official, in an article on the Bulgarian question, states that Prince Ferdinand's presence and acts at Sofia are a distinct violation of the' Berlin Treaty, and all that Russia seeks to do is to induce the Powers to both declare the treaty inviolable and bring the Sultan of Turkey to inform Bulgaria that the election of Prince Ferdinand is illegal, and that he is merely a usurper of power. It concludes by asserting that Russia rejects the idea of forcibly restoring her legal status in Bulgaria. London, February 23. The Great Powers are inclined to reply to the Russian note asking for the deposition of Prince Ferdinand, that such a course would unsettle everything, and be of no advantage. Italy is increasing her army and militia, owing to the great massing of French troops On the Italian frontier. Rome, February 23.

The massing of French troops on the frontier is causing some alarm here, and is being discussed in the Chamber Of Deputies. St. Petersburg, February 21. Lieutenant - General August Von Werden, Governor of Berlin, who has the reputation of being very close in the confidence of the Emperor of Germany, is at present on a visit to the Czar. The visit is regarded as possessing great political significance, although its precise object has not been allowed to transpire. Lieutenant-General Von Werden is also in high favour with the Crown Prince of Germany. London, February 22. In his speech on the Address-in-Reply in the House of Commons, Mr. Gladstone said that the party which he led did not desire that the Government should prematurely disclose what action they were taking in consequence of the disturbed state of Europe. He hoped that England would refrain from engaging in war unless the real interests and true honour of Great Britain demanded it He expressed sorrow on account of the serious illness of the Crown Prince of Germany. The Hon. W. H. Smith stated that at the present time the most cordial relations existed between England and France.

Count N. Bobilant, the new Italian Ambassador, arrived here yesterday, and to-day presented his credentials to the Marquis of Salisbury. < In doing so he assured His Lordship of the peaceful desires of the Italian Government.

Brussels, February 22. It is officially denied that .Belgium has joined in the Central Alliance.