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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4234, 15 October 1874, Page 2

The English and 'foreign news by the Otago, at the Bluff, which we publish elsewhere, is of considerable interest. The Regency of Marshal Serrano, in Spain, has been recognised by the Great Powers. This will give it a moral support which must be of incalculable service in its struggle with the Pretender. At the same time there is not any immediate prospiect of the suppression of the Cariists, and something like a regular Government has been established by Don Carlos in the Provinces under his control. The contest between Church and State elsewhere on the Continent of Europe, which assumes larger proportions almost daily, has created sympathisers with the representatives of the elder branch of the Spanish Bourbons that otherwise would have been wanting to him ; and that he has been able to continue the struggle so long is undoubtedly owing to the fact that the Uitramontanists, adopting him as their champion against Democracy and free thought, have furnished tho sinews of war. Whether they are right in placing their faith in Don Carlos is beside the question. We have die patent fact before us that the Spanish Claimant is backed by the moral influence of the more ardent portion of the Catholics of Europe. They may be restrained from active participation in Spanish affairs for tho present, but should the German Government push matters much further against the Church of Rome, the chances are in favor of a Foreign Legion taking service under Don Carlos, (materially changing the complexion of the struggle), with the ultimate design of restoring the temporal power of the Papacy. Indeed, a formidable organisation has been set on foot to accomplish that object. It is named tho League of St. Sebastian, and is described in its own British organ, the Crusader, as “ a society formed of those who have “served in the Army of His Holiness “ Pius IX. as active members, in “union with all Catholics throughout “the world as honorary members. The “ League has been established,” it is added, “for the purpose of assisting, in “ every legal effort that can be made for “ the restoration of His Holiness, the “ reigning Pontiff, to his legitimate rights “as sovereign of the Papal States.” Service under His Most Catholic Majesty tho King of Spain against “a disinherited “Savoyard,” as the Crusader styles the King of Italy, would bo a-porfcetly legal and direct effort to accomplish the object of the League. •

Latest London advices are to the effect that a firm tone of advance was maintained throughout the series of wool sales just closed. This is good news for wool growers, whose season’s clip will soon be coming forward for shipment. The prospects for the next series are cheering. Wheat is lower - in price, the quotations for New Zealand being very considerably under those for Adelaide and Tasmanian wheat. The rates of discount are expected to be higher ; meanwhile two loans are announced, one of, £7,500,000 for Hungary, and one for the Colony of Victoria of £1,500,000. An explosion of gunpowder took place, on the Regent’s Canal, which destroyed' several lives and much valuable property. When it is considered that five, tons of gunpowder exploded, the wonder is that so few lives were lost.

The French Government has removed a long-standing cause of irritation to the Italian Court, by recalling tho frigate which had been sent to Civita Vecchia by the late Emperor, and placed at the disposal of the Pope. This ship, it has been said, was forgotten during the troubles that overtook France in tho war with Germany ; and as the Pope has no intention of making his escape from Rome, there was no good purpose to be served by keeping her there any longer. So Italy will be satisfied, and France has not sustained any loss of dignity.

The Cardinal-Archbishop of Vienna, forgetful of Sadowa, and unmindful of what is taking place in Austria, has used very strong language in a pastoral speaking of Prussia. He accuses that Power of “ attempting to extirpate Christianity;” —an accusation which is both offensive and untrue, and may load to unpleasant consequences. The German dominions of the Hapsburcs would round-up the Ger : manic Empire,' and Kaiser William may feel religiously disposed to take possession. Should he be so minded, we hardly think Austria is in a position to prevent him. At all events, Church dignitaries should be more guarded in their pastorals when referring to the Prussian Government, especially if they happen to be incumbents of foreign secs, unless they want tho country in which they live overwhelmed by the greatest military power of modern times.

Prince Bismarck has done a high-handed act, but he is one of those’men who do not scruple at doing anything which may bo necessary to accomplish their object. “Count Arnim,” a Berlin telegram states, “has been arrested at tho instiga- “ tion of Bismarck for detaining docu- “ ments.” Now, this nobleman was ambassador from the Court of Berlin to France until very recently, and undoubtedly ho incurred the lasting displeasure of the great Chancellor for his outspoken condemnation of the laws against the Church, and notably also for preventing a rupture with Marshal McMahon s government on account of the pastorals of the French Bishops. It was notorious that Prince Bismarck wanted a pretext for renewing tho war, but the Prussian Ambassador declined to be a party to his design, and he received the unanimous thanks of the French Press for his moderation and friendly feeling. Ho has now been arrested on a charge of detaining documents, but it is scarcely possible that a man . of his rank and character would detain any papers which ho was not

entitled to hold. Be that as it may, he is in the power of Prince Bismarck, who will doubtless j nstify his act to the nation after his own peculiar fashion.

The public will bo gratified to learn that Mr. Vogel, who is now in Melbourne, has arranged with the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland about the cables, and that these Governments have appointed representatives to act with him at Home in the arrangement of the contracts.

The negotiations with the Sydney Government respecting'the San Francisco service, though not complete at the date of latest advices, wore progressing favorably in Mr. Russell’s Ixands, It is announced, as we notice elsewhere, that a steamer will arrive from Sj dney at Auckland before the end of this month to take the mails on. Let us hope that such arrangements will be made as shall ensure the permanence and efficiency of the San Francisco mail service.