Wairarapa Standard Published Tri-weekly, Price 1d. FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 1887. Affairs in Europe.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2014, 7 January 1887, Page 2

Wairarapa Standard Published Tri-weekly, Price Id. FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 1887. Affairs in Europe.

The aspect of affairs in Europe is not at all satisfactory, arid there is a probability tbat before long a fierce and bloody war will commence. Great events hang upon little things, and it only requires the match to set the whole of Europe in a blaze. Ever since Prince Alexander was deposed from the throne of Bulgaria by the influence of Russia, events have crowded one upon another so fast that it is like unravelling a tangled skein to get at a connected narrative of events. The present condition of Europe is really owing to the quarrels in these small states. The dockyards and factories are turning out war material in enormous quantities, and the people will be taxed heavily to pay for it. The weapons of war arc now so destructive that we could hope that the time to settle all disputes by arbitration had arrived ; but this will not be yet. That it will come we firmly believe.

In Prance during the past year the Royal Princes have been expelled from their native land, and it would not be surprising to hear of internal trouble before long. There have been constant changes of Ministry, and unless the French nation is engaged in war with some out side Power, a revolution will occur, lint Fiance is desirous of being revenged ui mi Germany for the annexation.•! Alsace and Lorraine during the war of Lb7o, and both Powers are arming upon an extensive scale. The German army has adopted the repeating rifle, we are told, and have armed the four divisions of the army nearest to France with the new weapon. It is the Mauser rifle, with the stock enlarged so as to hold ten cartridges. The whole army is to be immediately supplied, and the arsenals are working night and day, the idea being that the army which first obtains the new weapon will possess a heavy advantage in the field. The aggression of Russia is another serious cause of disturbance. She is constantly pushing either in the direction of Afghanistan or on the borders of the Black Sea. Austria is annoyed at her encroachments in the Balkan Peninsula, and is watching events carefully. Germany, too, is on the watch, and it requires all the diplomacy of a Bismarck to prevent running foul of one or other of the Great Powers. Italy has a splendid navy, fully equipped for service, but it is difficult to tell what her action may be. England has trouble at Home. The Irish question is far from settled, and there is every prospect or her being seriously involved should war break out. The winter in Europe is no doubt keeping matters in check somewhat, but a cable message may come at any moment with the intelligence that war has been declared. Our readers will doubtless watch the progress of events with interest, and we would suggest that the youths in our schools should be educated in these matters also.