THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8112, 22 February 1888, Page 2

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

("Br Electric Teleghaph.—Copyuioht.]

(Special to Pbess Association.)

GREAT BRITAIN AND ITALY. Loxdon, February 18, (Received February 21, at 11.20 a.m.)

In the House o£ Commons to-day Mr Thomas Burt, M.P., risked Ul3 Government if Rear-admiral Hewalfc had any authority for stating at Genoa that the friendship I betweon England and Italy might result in the union of the fleets of those countries. Lord George Hamilton replied that Rearadmiral Hewatt had no such authority; but the Government attached no importance to the admiral's remarks, considering they were merely an expression of kindly sentiment. ITALY PREPARING. (Readied February 21, at 10.20 a.m.) The Italian Government are making rapid progress with the work of placing the navy on an efficient footing, Great activity is also being displayed in putting the fortifications in order. Lieutenant-general Matter, president of the Committee on Fortifications, is now inspecting the Alpino fortresses. EXPORT OF HORSES. The English Government are arranging for the registration of horses available for army purposes in time of war. It is intended to subsidise the owners for the use of I the animals, THE BULGARIAN RULER. (Received February 21, at 12.30 p.m.) It is stated at Vienna that Russia has sug- ! geated the immediate deposition of Prince ] Ferdinand as ruler of Bulgaria. To this Austria demurs, until such time at anyrate as another ruler is nominated. In this view Austria is supported by Italy, but up to the present Prince Bismarck lias expressed no opinion on the matter. THE DEFENCE OK ITALY AND j AUSTRIA. The Tivthcr Lloyd states that England's i-ii^r-^.! Mf-tsl willi Italy and Austria to combine witli these Powers in the naval defence of the coasts of those countries is simply a memorandum and not a supplementary part o£ the Triangle Treaty.

(Pint Press Association.) THE FRENCH FIGHTING SQUADRON. Papjs, February 20. (Received February 21, at 1.10 p.m.) | Lo Temps says that the French fighting squadrou is being rapidly equipped in consequence o£ the present outlook of Europe. M. do lv Porte lias been appointed Undersecretary for the Colonies, vice 31. Felix Fame resigned. A DENIAL. Bkklin, February 20. ;lieedved February 21, Rt 1.10 p.m.) It is denied in this city that Germany has made overtures to Switzerland. STRENGTHENING THE ROUMANIAN ARMY. Bucharest, February SO. (deceived February 21, at 1.10 p.m.) The Roumanian Parliament was opened to-day. In his Address to the Senate, King Charles advised strengthening the Roumanian forces in view of the present European outlook.