The Evening Star. MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1871.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 395, 17 April 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star. MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1871.

Ik the history of modern ti joes there has never been a half-year so eventful as that which closed over Europe in January. In suddenness of events it haa more resembled the clays when hordes of barbarians swooped down on the old Latin races, leaving mourning and desolation in their train; the absence of warning from the limited intercourse among the nations of antiquity, and the wholesale butchery from the merciless savagery of the invaders, being paralelled in results by the facilities of rapid locomotion and horribly destructive character of the instruments of modern warfare. "Within six brief months, war lias been declared, thq two most magnificent armies ever seen on earth have been hurled against one another ; a dynasty has been overthrown that recently overshadowed Europe, and was regarded as controlling the issues of peace and war among civilized nations, and the proudest and most warlike people in Europe has been trampled in the dust. In the overthrow of the military power and prestige of France, and the consolidation of a Grerman Empire, this short period has altered the whole aspect of politics in Europe. "What may be the ultimate result, or how long a period may elapse before the troubled waters of international relations are wholly calm, it would be difficult to predict. The terms of peace forced on the conquered people of France, may or may not be reasonable, but though within the three years specified, the conditions may be wholly complied with, it is easy to see that the recent conflict is but the prelude to more terrible events when the re-collected power and the concentrated vengeance of the people of France will again be hui'led against the people from whose hands such ignominy has been borne. It is satis-

factory to see that the Eastern question has been solved, and in a manner affording grounds for general congratulation. The two powers more immediately interested are satisfied ; though the new arrangements for the Black Sea will entail a system of rival armaments terribly exhaustive to the resources of both Turkey and Russia, and from which the intervention of the western powers would have saved them. The American difference has not made much way ; the limited powers of the representatives to deal with the compensation question being alleged as the cause. The amicable manner, however, in which the negotiations have been undertaken, affords a guarantee that this, as well as the fisheries question and the various other causes of irritation, will prove ephemeral. The new bond of connection between us and our American cousins is now complete, the Postmaster-General of New Zealand having gone on to England, after having placed the mail service in working order. The Nevada is already far on her way for our shores as the pioneer boat of the new service, and, leaving Honolulu to-day about the hour when this meets the eyes of our readers, may be expected to steam into the Waitemata in a fortnight, the largest commercial steamer ever seen on our coast.

The s.s. City of Melbourne took six boxes of gold, containing 7,561 ozs., for Sydney.

Our extra (published on Saturday within a few minutes after the arrival of the City of Melbourne had dropped anchor in our waters), contained a very extensive digest of tho European news. We do not, therefore, give so much of the . recent.intelligence as we should otherwise have given in to-day's issue.

The time of allocation of the shares in the John O'Q-roats drold-minuig Company lias been extended to Wednesday next, when the shares will be allocated. No applications will be entertained after noon to-day.

J. R. Home of tfee Duke of Marlborough Hotel gives notice that he intends to apply for a transfer to James Palmer.

The anniversary services in connection with the Wellesley-street Baptist Cbapel were held yesterday. The Rev. P. H. Cornford preached in the morning, and the Rev. J. 3. Lewis in the evening. The anniversary tea meeting in connection with this place of worship will be held to-morrow evening.

A meetingof the creditors of George Evans, bankrupt, is fixed for the 22nd inst.