THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1777, 27 February 1888, Page 2

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

(PER PABSB ASSOCIATION . )

St. Petersburg, February 23 There has been a heavy fall m Russian securities on the Continental Bourses. No reply hag yet been received to the note sent by the Czar to the Powers, urging the deposition of Prince Ferdinand.

February 24. The " Messager Officiel," m an article on tho Bulgarian difficulty, says the Berlin treaty is the only guarantee of the stability of the Balkan States, and that the assumption of the throne of Bulgaria by Prince Ferdinand was contrary to tho conditions of that treaty. The artier goes on to say that Russia doea notu^i|sider it necessary to conceaT whatw^on should be taken m the' event of the removal of Prince Ferdin=anclj that Bulgaria owes her existence to the efforts and sacrifices of Russia, who continued to sympathise with her m her sorrows and trials, solely desiring the welfare of her people. The article concludes by stating that Russia will await the desire of Bulgaria for the restoration of relations between the two countries based on mutual confidence.

Replying m the House of Lords to a question from Lord Stratheden and Campbell, Lord Salisbury expressed the opinion that the Bulgarian Government was working fairly well, and that the legal complications m connection with the election of Prince Ferdinand were not responsible for the present difficulty. Tho Berlin Treaty provides for the unanimity of the Powers m dealing with Bulgaria, and. m this rgppect he thought the treaty would prove unworkable. Failing settlement of the questions now raised by Bussia, a conference of the Powers had been suggested, but such a course did not meet with his approval, as he feared it would only accentuate the difficulty. In conclusion the Premier said he hoped tho difficulties would be overcome by diplomacy.

February 25. It is believed that tho Sultan of Turkey will not agree to inform Bulgaria that tho election of Prince Ferdinand 15 illegal, and that he will not comply with the Russian request unless the Powers direct him.

It is considered m Berlin and Vienna the article m the " Official Messenger " is intended to incite rebellion m Bulgaria, where tho internal situation is already restless.

The Czar agrees to announce (renounce?) civil and military agents m Bulgaria if Prince Ferdinand is removed from the throne.

Bkbun, February 25 The " Nord Deutsche Zeifcung states that Germany supports the Russian proposals m connection with affairs m Bulgaria, and considers that tho Porte will also be compelled to support them. London, February 26 The European Press doubt tho peaceful assurances put forth by Bussia, as another division of Infantry is advancing m the direction of the Western frontier.