THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.
GREAT SENSATION IN EUROPE.
PUBLICATION OF THE TERMS OF THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE.
(Per Press Association.) London, February 1. It is stated here that Roumania has failed to get a guarantee from either Austria or Germany to protect her interests in the event of a Russian invasion, but a promise has been made offering her assistance on certain conditions. February 3. A great sensation has been created throughout Europe by the publication of the terms of the Triple Alliance. In diplomatic circles tho publication is regarded as Prince Bismarck's answer to M. Flourens' hint of a desire for reconciliation between France and Germany, and also as answer to the distrustful tone recently assumed by the Hungarian press towards Germany. The Times thinks the publication of the text of the alliance at the present juncture must bring matters to a crisis, and that Ilussian pride must feel itself called upon to resent the revelation made by tho publication. It declares that in the face of the menace contained in the treaty Russia cannot with honour reverse her present provocative policy, and hence the increased astivity in that country in war preparations. February 5. M. de Blowilz, the Times' Paris correspondent, says the opinion prevails that the probabilities of a Kusso-French alliance are remote. St. Petersburg, February 2. Great activity is still manifested in military matters, and daily meetings are being held here. It is reported here that General Gourko will be appointed to the command of the army in Poland. February 3. Notwithstanding the pretests made jointly by Germany and Austria that the continued war preparations by Russia would only be regarded us threats by other European powers, tho.se preparations aro continuing and increasing in their significance. February 5. A gloomy view of the situation is taken at Moscow since the publication of the Alliance Treaty. The press in this city adopts a tranquil yet cynical demeanour in connection with the treaty revelations. The Novoe Vremya says Russia will calmly await proofs of Germany's peaceful intentions. Paris, February 3. Russia is arranjrinpf to float a 300,000,000 rouble (about £50,000,000 sterling) loan in this city. February 5. The French press hold that the Czar can not now turn back from the policy he has been pursuing. Amsterdam, February 3. A Russian loan of 15,000,000 roubles has been oilcred in this city. Constantinople, February 2. Tho Porte expresses satisfaction at the appointment by Russia of Kaiziin Bey as representative of the Russian Court at Sofia. February 3. Forty-one insurgents have been arrested for entering Roumelia with the object of instigating" a revolt at Bom-gas, a city which has rccenUy boon the scene o£ several serious disturbances. The plotters were arrested by order of the Turkish Government. Berlin, February 3. A great sensation has run through Europe by the oflicial publication by the Berlin, Vienna, and Pcslh newspapers of the full text of the Triple Alliance. The document emphasises the declaration that, the alliance is contracted lor purely defensive objects. The first article provides that the combined forces of the contracting powers shall resist any hostile movement made by Russia on cither of the throe contracting powers. The second article provides that if another power (meaning France) attacks cither of the contracting powers, and Russia joins that power or threatens either of the allied powers, tho latter shall assist the power attacked or threatened by placing the full strength of their allied forces in the field against the aggressor. The second article contains a stringently - worded proviso to the effect that in the event of the allied forces taking the field, peace shall not be concluded unless (wo of the contracting powers formally signify their assent to such a course. The third article accepts tho peaceful assurances of the Czar, but provides for giving proper warning whenever the allies consider that an attack is contemplated on either of the contracting powers, or whenever a power outride the alliance assumes a menacing attitude. February 4. The Berlin semi -official organs declare that the publication of the text of the Triple Alliance is a warning to disturbers of the peace, and will have the effect of subduing any belligerent spirit that might otherwise have manifested itself at St. Petersburg or Paris. February 5. There lias been a sharp decline on the Continental Bourses in Russian, Austrian, and Italian stocks. The press of Europe generally consider the publicat ion of the full text of the Alliance Treaty as the last warning to Russia, and expresses the opinion that the warning will probably result peacefully. Prince Bismarck has privai e!y expressed a similar opinion. It is expected that Prince Bismarck will address the Reichstag on Monday. 'Vienna, February 5. The Pest her Lloyd says the Triple Alliance will extend much beyond benevolent neutrality if the interests of either of the allied powers are assailed. Rome, February 5. Tho Italian press states that the Alliance Treaty provides that in the event of France attacking cither of the allied powers, the unass.ulcd powers will send 400,000 troops to assist the power attacked. Sinner Crisni. Premier, declared in the Chamber on " Saturday that the European situ i' ion was less serious than was imagined, aii'i in" this jmblicaiion of the treaty was intended, as a warning and not as a menace.
The allies, he said, were firmly resolved to defend the peace of Europe. The Chamber passed a vote of confidence in the Premier at the close of his remarks.
(Special to Press Association.) Berlin, February 1. Prince Bismarck in a speech expressed full confidence in the desire of the Czar for peace, and said that the situation, though prolonged, would develop peacefully. It is generally thought that the design of Russia is to harass Austria and render her position so intolerable as to force her to, take action, and thus imperil the alliance. The Roumanian Minister of Public Instruction is on a visit to this city, and has had an interview with Prince Bismarck. The object of his visit has not transpired, but it is believed to be in connection with the Triple Alliance. February 3. It is stated that Prince Bismarck has had an interview with the leaders of parties with reference to the Army Bill which is now before the Reichstag. He explained to them privately the present situation of affairs in Europe," and pointed out that it would be impolitic to have at present the information he disclosed to them made public. Vienna, February 1. Count Kalnoky has delivered a speech in which he allirmed that the sympathy of Roumaniawas with the Triple Alliance and in favour of peace. Paris, February 1. The French and Turkish Governments have decided to appoint commissioners to inquire into the Damascus " incident." An ironclad was got in readiness to proceed to Syria, but as an amicable settlement of the Damascus incident is expected, it is not probable that she will be despatched. London, February 4. The Standard to-day states that both Germany and Austria have jointly represented to the Russian Cabinet the danger of continuing preparations for war, which are only construed as threats.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 1890, 10 February 1888, Page 16
Word Count
1,185THE EUROPEAN SITUATION. Otago Witness, Issue 1890, 10 February 1888, Page 16
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