RUSSIA AND ENGLAND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 105, 8 April 1885, Page 3

RUSSIA AND ENGLAND.

In his opening lecture at Melbourne, Mr George Augustas Sala, after detailing his numerous visits to Russia, said tliay all knew how Russia advanced upon Byzantium, and would have entered the city of Constautine had it not been for the courage of Betijamine Disraeli, who held the Bear by the throat, and gave us peace for the time— alas only for a time. Peace with honor. Would we had statesmen now who would give us, if not peace with honor, war with glory. (Loud applause.) In reference to the present position of affairs m regard to Russia, he would say, take care of the Russians ; they hate us, and if they are strong enough they will go to war with us. Experience had taught them that if they burned the Bear's snout with a red hot poker he would retire. Austra- | iia need not be very much afraid of the Russians, for her navy was a delusion, a mockery, and a snart ; but m any caac Australia should make her defences as ptrong as she could, and get the Mother Country to help her. It was the duty of the British Government to see that thesa waters should bo covered with British cruisers. He trusted the British Government and statesmen would not forget the duty they owed to these Colonies. (Per s.B. Tarawera at the Bluff.) (UNITED PRESS ASB«TIATION.) Mblbouenb, March 31. The.Government, during tho last wouk received warning of the movements of

Russian cruisers. Mr Service had b«eu furnished with a telotfr.un from Singapore, stating that sewra! Russian cruisers left that p:>.t north wan! on Fri-I iy. Mr Service also r.-cohvd a id. -grim from the saui". platv, ad. smiis; thrf do < vfruiucnt to look out for the lt>Msia:i ironclad tiie General Admiral which wan at the Capo. Lifor.nation wra sent m cypher to all ihe oilier Australian -Colonies. In aouor-l uic<: with thu news, it w is thought a.K'isaljitj to take tjvery precaution for tho tlutunue of Port Phillip H.-irnor. Inquiries are now boinsr undo by Mr Service, with the vi-w of ascertaining the source of tho message from Singapore. Sydney, March 3U Earl Derby, Colonial Secretary, has assured Sir Saul Samuel, tho AgentGeneral for New South Wales, that steps will bo taken to ensure the safely of the submarine cabins should war bo tlvclared between England and Russia. Earl Derby is desirous o£ an engagement being entered into by which all submiriiio cabins shall bs noutralisttd: Baptaiti Bridget, of 11.M.5. Kspicgle, received a telegram ou Sunday containing secrat orders to prepare for sea immeiliately; destination unknown. The blue peter was at oiioe hoisted, arid pre parations were immediately carried out for speedy departure. It is rumoured that tho Government proposes organising a Militia Force iv cane of an outbreak oF hostilities. The war news is the topic of conversation to day. A. meeting of the Cabinet was held yesterday, when tho question of making arrangements for the defence of Sydney, Newcastle, and Botany was under consideration with the Naval adviser* to the Government, Major-Gener-al Scratch ley, and other Naval authorities. The works will commence to-day, and all else that can now be effected will be entirely completed within fourteen days. The channels at all ports accessible to an enemy will bo protected by torpedoes. Complete torpedo defences for Sydney, Newcastle, and Botany will be completed within ten days. The powder hulks now at Broken- Bay and Middle Harbor are under orders to bo towed to a place of safety at any moment. Adelaide March 31. Acting Secretary Playford states that every necessary precaution is bping taken by Government for tho dufenco of the Colony. War communications will be exchanged with the .Governments of other colonies, subject to the advice of Admiral Tryon, for the protection of Port Darwin, as every man-of-war carries appliances for raising cables, though tho Imperial Government will, m the contingency of war, order one or two vessels to cruise m the neighborhood. Arrangements have been made with the Customs Department to watch and report tho arrival of any foreign ships of war, and other steps have been takcu which aho.v that ihe Government stc danger m the situation. Mr Playfotd says there is an atnplo supply of arms m the colony, and efforts aro being, made to expedite the despatch of the ammunition recently ordered.

(el' ctric telegraph. — copyright.) (REUTERS' TELEGRAMd. ) Bombay, April 6. The Maharajah of Nepaul has offered a force of fifteen thousand Ghoorkus, m the even of hostilities with Kijaia.