The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JANUARY 20,1887. THE SITUATION IN EUROPE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1461, 20 January 1887, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1887. THE SITUATION IN EUROPE.

Perhaps one of the most singular of the incidents of the European situation was the construction put by the French press upon the recent minatory speech of Prince Bismarck. Curiously enough, m view of the touchiness of their nation, vs readiness to take offence, the Parisian journals at first failed to perceive the menaces oi the man of blood andiron, and indulged m congtatulations over the declaration that Germany did not intend to commence hostilities. But m verification of the proverb that outsiders see most of the game, a more just appreciation of the real meaning of the great German Chancellor was arrived at m other quarters, and the reflex action of outside public opinion has speedily led to a change m the views of the French journals, which are now writing m a less optimist tone and, m some instances, showing si very natural resentment at the attitude of Bismarck and Von Moltke. That Bismarck looks for an early struggle with the military power of France, which Genera\ Boulanger has been so assiduous m developing to the highest pitch of efficiency, is clear from the action taken m dissolving the Reichstag, for he is not content with an increase of the German war establishment for a period of three years as agreed to by the Legislature, but is determined either to have the period increased to seven years as proposed by himself, or to carry out his threat or acting as he thinks best tor Germany, whether with or without the consent of the representatives of the people. Then the Emperor's declaration that it was impossible to accept an increase of the army for three years only is further confirmation that a long aud desporate struggle been France qnd Germany is believed to be impending which is, m other words, equivalent to saying that it has been determined upon. While, then, it appears evident that these two Powers will certainly be m collision ere long, it is also equally evident that Austria anticipates the: necessity of unsheating the sword m resistance of Russia designs. We are told on the one hand that most extensive armament is being carried on by the Austrian Government, and on the other that General Gourko, m a recent speech to the Russian garrison at Warsaw, assured them that they would soon have the opportuuity of revenging; past insults. Russia, it is well known always makes her own opportunities, and she has been for months past and is still busy manufacturing the opportunity she now desires m connection with the affairs of Bulgaria. France has, it seems, been asked to mediate between Russia and Bulgaria, but has refused, and now Italy ha 9 been asked to do so. Possibly the latter Power may consent, but even if she should undertake the task, we have no faith m her being able successfully to dispose of the difficulty, because we are assured that the aim of Russia is to make difficulties and her desire to provoke a conflict. A very unsatisfactory feature of the position is the apparent willingness of Turkey to play into her hands, as evidenced by her interference m declaring the Bulgarian regency illegal and asking the Bulgarians to resign the Government into the hands of the Great Powers. For " Great Powers," we may safely substitute Russia, as what is really meant. In all probability the next move will be the placing of either Prince Nicholas of Mingrelia or the other Prince Nicholas (he of Leuchtenberg) on the throne of Bulgaria against the wish of the Bulgarians. Then will come revolution, and then the pouring m of a Russian army ostensibly merely to keep the peace, but with the ultimate view of permanent occupation and annexation. All this is plainly oa the cards and must lead to a collision with Austria, and once the flame of war is lighted it is impossible to predict how far the conflagration may spread. But that trouble is brewing between Russia and Austria, as well as between Germany and France, these seem to be the plainest possible indications.