BULGARIAN AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 766, 5 November 1886, Page 26

BULGARIAN AFFAIRS.

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.

(reuter’s TMEGRAMS.)

St. Petersburg, October 28. The Russian press, in discussing affairs in Bulgaria, state that the troops on board the two Russian cruisers which have arrived at Varna will occupy that town unless the Russian subjects who were implicated in the arrest and deposition of Prince Alexander are forthwith released from custody. Sofia, October 29.

The Bulgarian Government have declared the city and town of Varna in a state of siege, which General Kaulbars has demanded to have removed. _ , , Sofia, October 29. The followers of M. Zankoff, one of the authors of the arrest aud deposition of Prince Alexander, are endeavoring to overthrow the Government of M. Stambouloff. It was in consequence of this movement that this city and the town of Varna were declared in a state of siege. General Kaulbars Has renewed his complaints as to the manner in which Bulgarians who favor Russian views are being maltreated and coerced by the supporters of the Regency. The Russian agent much emphasis on the gravity of the situation iu Bulgaria. Sx. Petersburg, October 30.

The dispatch of the Russian war vessels to Varna is for the purpose of demanding the release of all the persons implicated in the arrest and deposition of Prince Alexander. It is generally believed that this foreshadows Russian _ occupation of and entry into Bulgaria. SoFrA, October 30. General Kaulbars has presented an ultimatum to the Government, complaining of the treatment of Russian subjects in Bulgaria, and of the general terrorism which prevails m that country. The ultimatum declares that, if sufficient answer is not returned within three days, the Russian agent will leave Bulgaria, taking with him the Consular Staff, and that the Regency will be held responsible for the consequences. In reply, the Government have requested General Kaulbars to supply them with the names of the Russian subjects wbo have been molested. Sofia, October 31. In order to satisfy the demands of Russia, the Government have ordered the release of the prisoners implicated in the arrest and deposition of Prince Alexander. General Kaulbars has evaded replying to the request of the Bulgarian Government that he should name the Russian subjects who have been maltreated, and has retracted the ultimatum he recently delivered, but he declares that he will leave Bulgaria if the complaints made by Russian subjects are repeated. The Sobranje was formally opened to-day. Iu the speech of the Regency, which was somewhat brief, proposals are made for the election of a Prince. Sofia, November 1. The Bulgarian Government have been advised to yield completely to Russian demands, thus avoiding a Russian occupation of Bulgaria, and to declare their inability to deal with the situation. The onus of the position will then rest with the Great Powers. „ , - - Sofia, November 1. The Grand Sobranj6 will be occupied for many days in verifying the legality of the elections.

(SBECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, October 29. The Russian Consul at Varna threatens to have that town bombarded. , , London, INovember l. The Russian men of war at Varna have been reinforced, and it is said that 40,000 Russian troops are at Odessa ready to embark. Austria is showing signs that she will not resist Russian occupation of Bulgaria. Per Mararoa, at Auckland.) (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) San Francisco, October 1. Despatches of the 30th say that a deputation of prominent Bulgarians called on General Kaulbars to endeavor to induce him to withdraw or modify his circular. General Kaulbars, in reply to the spokesman of the delegation said, “ The Bulgarians know very well that the Czar ha 3 their prosperity at heart, but they must confide in the Czar and carry out his wishes.” Dr Voultcheaff, the spokesman, interrupted the General at this point, and said, “IE that is all you have to say we will retire.” The deputation then withdrew. ~ _. . „ The Prime Minister, M. Tisza, made a speech in the Lower House of the Hungarian Parliament on the 30th, in which he said that Austro-Hungary intended to prevent any single Power from establishing anything , like over Bulgaria. Theexpres-

sion was received with tremendous applause. The latest despatches from Vienna report an extremely excited feeling there. The general impression is that unless Russia backs down and recalls General Kaulbars, it is difficult to see how a collision is to be avoided. Turkey is massing troops at Adrianople as earnestly As if war had begun.

(AGE SPECIALS. UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

(Per Manapouri, at the Bluff.) London, October 21. The opening meeting of the newlyelected will take place on the Ist November. Gadban Effendi, who has been despatched to Bulgaria by the Porte, with the object of effecting a settlement between Russia and Bulgaria, is cordially co-operating with General Kaulbars, diplomatic representative of Russia. It is understood that i Germany and Austria have mutually agreed Ito decline to recognise the legality of the recent Sobranj6 elections, provided that the Russian Government consent to give an adequate guarantee that she will not attempt to occupy Bulgaria. It is rumored that the Czar has resolved upon making an important statement on Tuesday next concerning the relations between Russia and Bulgaria. The German and Austrian press discredit the rumor which has gained currency that Russia and Turkey have arrived at an agreement, under which the latter Power is to be permitted to occupy Roumelia and Russia is to be allowed to fortify the Dardanelles, the Russian Government at the same time commuting the old war indemnity owing by Turkey in respect of the Russo-Turkish war, and agreeing to recognise the integrity of Turkey. That portion of the alleged agreement which relates to the Russian fortification of the Dardanelles, the commutation of the war indemnity, and the recognition of tr.e integrity of Turkey by Russia is ridiculed, and regarded asjio improbable as to furnish in itself proof that the report is a mere canard. r October 24. Apprehensions of war in Europe are still abroad. It is asserted that Turkey and the Powers generally distrust England. The London Times deplores the deadlock that has oecurred, and urges that the longer the solution of the difficulty is delayed the more difficult it will be to effect a satisfactory settlement. It declares that the extensive preparations for war that are being made by Russia are ominous of a resolve to fight. Taking all the circumstances into account, The limes says that the peace of Europe is simply at the mercy of an accident which General Kaulbars, late diplomatic representative of Russia in Bulgaria, is apparently endeavoring to hasten forward.