THE STATE OF EUROPE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XX, Issue 1428, 11 February 1888, Page 3

THE STATE OF EUROPE.

(Per Press Association. ) London, January 4th. The new Triple Alliance Treaty is precisely similiar to that of the Alliance entered into by Germany and Auatria in 1879, Italy being simply admitted in the latter treaty.

The publication of the text of the Treaty is considered to be the turning point in the history of the present situation, and is regarded as a last warning to Russia.

Vienna, February sfch. The newspapers here repudiate the idea that the publication of the Treaty has any warlike meaning, and state that the only object was to enlighten and reassure Europe on the matter.

Paris, February sth. The " Press " here commenting on the publication of the Treaty remark that it will happily have the effeot of influencing amicable relations with France and Russia, and creating a deeper abyss between Germany and the latter Power. ' Des Debata ' regards it as the cannon shot of alarm.

St. Peteksburg, February sth. Thfl * Journal de St. Petersburg ' says that tho terms of the Alliance show that Austria and Germany have resolved to maintain peace, and express a hope that they willl be successful in doing so. Berlin, February 7th.

In the Reichstag last night Prince Bismarck made a long speech dealing with the present European situation. He said that the policy of France had been of a pacific oharacter since the election of M. Eadi Carnot to the Presidential chair. He did apprehend a Russian attack, as he believed that the assurance given by the Czar was absolute. Referring to the Alliance, he said it was not entered into as a menace to the other Powers, but was concluded on the ground of common interests, and with a view of averting dangers common to the three Powers. The speech caused an immense sensation in the Reichstag, and the Bill dealing with the reorganisation of the Landwehr was immediately passed, and formally referred to the Loan Bill Committee.

The Right Hon. Anthony Mundella, presiding at the meeting of the New Zealand Mercantile and Agency Company, in London, referred to the existing commercial depression, and said he thought, as far as the colonies were concerned, they had touched the lowest point of the depression, and were now beginning to rise again. New Zealand was already resuming her former activity and prosperity,