EUROPEAN AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1697, 11 February 1888, Page 4

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS.

THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE.

London, Feb. 4.

The new Triple Alliance Treaty is precisely similar to that oi the alliance entered into by Germany and Austria in 1879, Italy being simply admitted in the later treaty. The publication of the text of the treaty is ; considered to be the turning point in the history of the "Assent.Biination, and is regarded as the last warning to Russia, ,

Feb. 7.

The Press generally contrast Prince Bismarck’s warlike actions with his peaceful words recently uttered; ■ ' ; Paris, Feb. 5.

The Press here, 1 commenting on the pnblica ion of the treaiyi remark that it will'happily have the effect ofinfluencins amicable feUtions with France and, Russia, and, deepen the abyss between Germany; and the latter Power, Le Journal des' Debats regards it as k cannon shot alarm. I; i ,: ' ■ " , Feb, 8. ; It is announ.ced that the Government intend to reduce the French squadrons jp foreign stations in order to mer-ase the strength of those. , in. European Waters. , r •

St. Petersburg, Feb. 5,

The V't. says that tho terms of the-Alliance show that Austria and Germany have resolved to maintain, peace, and expresses a hope that they will be successful in doing so. ; . : Feb. 8.

The MosobWlGazette, referring to the Bitaatiopysays that it is impossible for Russia to trust Austria and Germany, and advocates the establishment of an Anglo-French alliance. Berlin, Feb. 7.

In the Reichstag, lasi .night, Prince Bismarck made a long speech, dealing with the present European situation. He said the policy of! France had been of a pacific character; since the election of M-v tJadi Carhot to the 1 Presidential chair. 1 HW did 1 not apprehend aßuesian attaijij^as/he heiieyo}! the assurance by the Czar was absolute. The

pVfe'sfnt JUUalion was<-,not in, any way different from that of 1879,.and'he perceived no cans? or pretext for a BusbiaU’dr f Edfops>i*n war; A war-with France wi>old one, though the latTCf mightinVolve the former. Kef-rrinp to the Aliunce he paid it was not entered into as a menace to the other Powers, but was concluded on the ground of the common interests, and with dangers common to the three Powers, When j thel worjk of reorganising the Landw^nr. wag - .' .completed, ■ .'-Germany could place a million soldiers op each frontier, which/no o,lher- ,Poijrer;wap able

to do, Germany would then;,support Russian c airns tor the revival :ot , the latter’s influence in Bulgaria in accordance with the treaty, i Germany wee snxious.tor peace, but, if attacked , lh< valor of the Teutonic race would pmv irresistible. The speech caused an ;m----menae sensation in he Reichstag and the Bill drawing with the reorganisation of the Landwt br was immediately passed, and formally referred to the Loan Bill Committee, There was a large crowd of spectators in the Chamber at the lime, and the Chancellor was loudly cheered on the conclusion of his speech. Later.

Prince Bismarck has announced that if Russia asked the support of Germany to regain by diplomatic means tin* prepphlerating influence in Bulgarian affairs which she once possessed, the request would be grau'ed.

I ; Vienna, Feb. 7. - Un ambiguous relerences made to the Bulgarian question by Bismarck, in his ,lpeechla?t night, has caused a feeling if disappointment here. The! Government have asked for a vote 01, twelve million florins for the purposi of increasing the Landwebr. I Constantinople, Feb. 5. The IComie de Montebello, French •ambasstidor here, has had an interview with Kiara’d Pasha, the Grand Vizier, and has assured-him that the Damascus incident not disturb the harmony existing between France and Turkey, M. JNn'idoff, Russian Ambassador to Turkey) has threatened to withdraw if Kaizip Pasha is despatched to Sofia.