THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1842, 16 May 1888, Page 2

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

(PBB PEBSS ASSOCIATION.)

London, May 14. A Committee has been appointed to report on the quantity and condition of the military stores and material. The Continental Press approves of the steps taken by England to place her defences and army m a proper condition. In the House of Lords to-day Lord Wolseley admitted that Mr Stanhope had during his administration muoh improved the condition of the defences of the country, although, m his opinion, the defence system was still unsatisfactory both at home and abroad, and he was unable to guarantee the safety of London m the event of attack. Lord Wolseley regretted that the expressions of his opinion as to the defectiveness of the defence of the country should have brought on him the censure of the Premier, and said he was prepared to tender his resignation to the War Office. Lord Salisbury, m reply, said he felt bound to adhere to his former remarks as to the impropriety of Lord Wolseley's action m expressing the opinions he did on .such a grave subject m an afterdinner speech, but he added that Government would regard his retirement as a great blow to the service. He further promised that Lord Wolseley's statements as to the inefficiency and defeo tiveness of the defence should receive tho caroful consideration of Government. London, May 15. A great meeting is being arranged to take place m the city on the sth June, to protest against the inadequacy of tb,e Jefenqes. Berlin, May J4. There is increasing irritation m Go • . vernment circles at the Russian financial measures, and legislation aimed at Russian securities is impending. Vienna, M»y 15 The Government organ declares that . tho situation m the East is intolerable, and that the Powers must soon take decisive measures to end the suspense, with or without the assistance of Russia. Sofia, May 16 M. Stambouloff has made a formal somplaint to Servia of the incursions of irmed bands on the frontier.