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Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 36, 13 February 1878, Page 2

The mtelligenee that th c Eussians are in' occupation, of Constantinople is of so startling, a character that pending eomfirmatory intelligence a little scepticism is pardonable. It is well known that Constantinople is so singularly strong m its defences, that a hasty reduction of it seems an impossibility. It was fully believed that Russia, would find it the toughest morsel that her legions were ever called upon to attack, and the idea of its capture vi et armis m so short a space of time is quite untenable. The favorite idea appeal's to be that some collusion existed between, Russia and Turkey and that this is the outcome of it. But it seems to us that Turkey has nothing to gain by a collusion that would so operate. -Had Turkey maintained a stout defence at this last strong hold it is more than likely that. such measures would have been takeu by the European powers as would have insured the continued possession of Stamboul to Turkey. But no w that the Muscovite is m actual possession, and the calculations of the neutral powers have been altogether upset' it is hard' to say what will be the next turn of events. What concerns us most is the attitude that England will now assume. If there is any truth m the intelligence to hand, a few hours more will serve to supplement it by other of a most homentous character.