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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4420, 20 May 1875, Page 2

The English news is so far cheering, that wool maintains the full prices of the March series, foreign competition, especially among French buyers, being keen. The April trade returns also show an increase in the value of British exports.

The Prussian Parliament has voted the suppression of religious orders ; and the Italian Parliament took the Government to task for its leniency towards the Bishops, who certainly do make the most of the freedom of speech and publication guaranteed them by law, to encourage disloyalty to the Italian Government. The Prime Minister of Italy was forced to promise restraining legislative action, when a vote of confidence in Ministry was passed by the Chambers. The Emperor of Russia and his Foreign Minister are : on a visit to Berlin. The great men interviewed Prince Bismarck on their arrival, and we are mysteriously told, on the authority of Reuter, that “it is’ supposed the Czar exercised a “ pacifying influence.” In what direction ? Prussia still wages war with the Ecclesiastical Power; there can bo no cessation of hostilities in that, quarter until victory has been assured ; and as Germany just now does not mean to go to war with any near-lying neighbor, one is at a loss to know what , the pacifying influence of the Czar could possibly have to do with the Gorman Chancellor. When it is his interest to strike, he won’t hold his hand to consult Czar Alexander or Prinde Goktsciiakopp.