The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1876.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 127, 28 June 1876, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1876.

The European nows last to hand is not only of the utmost interest in itself, hut cannot fail to excite deep and anxious reflection as to what the future may bring- forth. Up to the time of writing, the latest nows is some twentyfive days old, recent enough, in all conscience, to obtain from the other side of the world a few years ago, but old to a degree in these telegraphic days, when people are accustomed to hear one day, what happened at the ends of the earth on that preceding it. The items to hand are startling indeed, and it is pro - bable that they are only forerunners of more of equal or graver moment. The portents of old times are reproduced strangely, and what will be the end remains to be seen. The plague is hovering round the outskirts of Europe, threatening a reproduction of the horrors

of two centuries ago; cholera is prevalent in many parts of Asia, thrones arc falling, at least that 01 tne late Sultan .'of Turkey has slipped from under him, and another monarch reigns in his stead; a congregation of all nations, ns represented by their fleets, has assembled in Turkish waters, and what the result of their gathering will 1,0 no one can tell. What may be deemed the end of Turkish independence has arrived, and it is in the highest degree improbable that, be the late oi the Ottoman Empire what it may, Great Britain will again pour out her blood or treasure in propping up so potion a political edifice. The (Treat Powers are, .as it were, baililts iu possession, and though the new Sultan will enjoy nominal power, ho must conform rigidly to the conditions that may ho imposed on him, in order to retain over the shadow of his sovereignty. That these will be hard to observe, from a Mussulman point of view, there can bo no doubt, and, however convinced the chief may be, of the necessity there is for virtual and absolute .submission to the dictates of Europe, still bis ignorant and barbarous subjects are not likely to be canally enlightened, and much bloodshed'’and anarchy are likely to reign, before anything like peaceable conformity with the reforms insisted on is observed hy the bulk of the Turkish race. Though generally these reforms have been" notified, and embrace religious toleration, retrenchment, and other matters equally unknown and unintelligible to the followers of Mahomet, it scorns that on these all the Powers arc not agreed, England, on some, differing with other States. Whether the variance is of importance or not, the telegrams do not tell us. The declaration of 'the Premier, ~to the effect that England’s policy is firmness and peace, is assuring, did the tonus not somewhat clash with each other. Eirmness would imply a resolute stand on the points arrived at, winch might be so antagonistic to those of the other nations as to endanger the second condition of peace. That some show of force, to maintain the position is needed, would apparently be implied by the disposition of the available Jieet, as well as ot many vessels, ironclads and others, to the Bosphorus or Mediterranean. It is therefore likely, though the dethronement of one sovereign and the exaltation of another, has been brought about without bloodshed, and a peaceful revolution has so far been achieved, that there are causes lor uneasiness, and at least the possibility of war. Should it break out at all, it may be one of the most general that has desolated Europe since the early part of this century, and it will he hard to guess where it will end. The news arriving daring the next few weeks will determine the question one way or other, and all will pray thntpeacoful counsels may prevail. Should Great Britain he involved in war, the colonists will not bo found wanting in rendering all aid in their power, little though that may be, and iu the fortunes of the old country, whether good or evil, her distant children will gladly share. At the same time it ‘must he confessed that they stand in the somewhat unpleasant position of having everytning to lose, and nothing to gain. Their commerce must suffer, their vulnerable points may lie attacked, whilst defences must bo maintained that will involve great and increased expenditure. The dangers that threaten will have one good effect in attracting; the attention of the Assembly to the lamentably weak position that all the chief towns of this colony arc in, in case of attack, and may cause preparations to ho made to meet any evil days in store, even though they may not be as imminent as now appears possible. Another matter, of equal or greater consideration, will be brought prominently forward in the hour of danger, and that is the urgent need there is for an Australasian confederation, not only for the purpose of facilitating the peaceful pursuits of commerce and intercolonial reciprocity, but also for the purposes of mutual aid in defending’ the colonial shores from the arms of any hostile invaders. If the present disturbed state of Europe has no other end, it will at least bring these questions to the front, and may cause action to be taken respecting them. The cry of wolf will not affrays be a baseless alarm, and the sooner means for protection are . taken, the better for all who may some clay sorely need it. In the meantime we can only hope and wait.