EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 37, 15 June 1878, Page 2

EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.

(From the latest Colonial Papers.) London - , May 2, The British Ironclad Squadron at tho entrance of tl e Dardanelles has hecn ordered to proceed to the Gulf of Isiuid, in the Soa of Marmora, in two days. Baker Pasha has declared that if Russia attempted to seize Stamboul, the Turks would resist. Eighty thousand men occupy the lines of defence. Tho military position of the Turks grows stronger daily. The Sultan's position ia precarious. Palace intrigues continue. It is feared that a Revolution at Stamboul would precipitate a collision between the British and the Russians. The Russian Ambassador at London has gone to St. Petersbarg on an important mission.

Tho visit of Count Schuvaloff to St. Petersburg is construed favourably, lie takos tho definite proposals from the British Government which they are to adhere to before entering Congress. England wishes to remove all chances of misunderstanding. It is reported that the Council of State at St. Petersburg, under the presidency of the Emperor, have adopted a conciliatory decision for the renewal of Congress negotiations. The insurgents in the Balkans number 30,1)00 strong, and are gaining ground.

Relations between Russia and Turkey are estranged, owing to the refusal of the latter to evacuate Batonm, Schumla, or Varna. All that Russia surrenders is Adrianople. The principal provisions of treaty negotiations now pending refer mainly to the limits of Bulgaria and the cession of Armenia. England and France strongly object to the extension ot Bulgaria to the Sea. Hopeful views prevail on the Continent, that Russia will make the required concessions be ore the Congress meets. It is reported that the basis of an ngreeI nicnt has been submitted to the English I Cabinet, on behalf of the Czar, who personally declared that Servia refused to I join Russia in n war.

Liberal.; in tho House of Commons complain of the employment of Indian troops without the sanction of the Parliament. Sir Stafford Northcoto defended it as an Executive moasurc.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reply to a question put in the House of Commons, said that active negotiations were proceeding with Russia, and that under these circumstances a discussion would be injudicious. He said also that the British Government bad some time previously resolved to employ an Indian expeditionary force, but bad not thought it necessary to inform the House of their determination. May 4.' The Home Secretary, on the 2nd inst., in a speech said that England was bound to exhaust every effort for the maintenance of peace before entering Upon war, but she insists that tho existing treaties cannot be annulled at the will of a single Power. Count Babanoff has been appointed the Russian Ambassador at Constantinople. May !). The Turks have only partially evacuated Schumla, because Russia lias ouly withdrawn her forces from San Stefano to San Georges. The principal differences between Russia and England have regard to Batoiim nnd Bulgaria. Russian troops are inarching on Batoum. Negotiations relating to peace and the Conference are more active. Hopes of a favourable isßue arc increasing. Sir Stafford Northcotc, at Oxford, hoppr. we had now approached the end of the difficulty. Tho Russians have removed their <l> - pots to lehalodgi (?)• May 10. Knighthood has been Conferred on Judge Williams, of Victoria, an I Mr. Thomas Elder, of Adelaide.

The race for One Thousand Guineas took place to-day—Pilgrimage first. Nini borsst started. May 13. Lord llartingdon submits a formal motion condemning the Government for the unooos&tational employment of Indian troops in Europe without the sanction of Parliament. BERLIN May 11. The Emperor of Germany bus been shot at. Ho escaped unhurt, and the would-be assassin has been arrested. Sr. Petersburg May.". It is scmi-oflieially stated here that the principle of direct negotiations between London and St Petorsbnrg has been adopted. It is expected that Russia will issue letters of marque to the United States in the event of war. May 7. The desire for peace is increasing. General Todlcben shortly retires to livo at Tchauialdwa. May 11. It is authoritatively stated here that it isimpossible to commence the withdrawal of the Russian troops from the neighbourhood of Constantinople until the Turks hare evacuated SSchumla, Varna, and Botoum, and the British squadron has quitted the Sea of Marmora. May 13. Appeals nre made to the people fe>r the formation of a Volunteer lleet. The Grand Duke Alexander has opened a subscription list for tho purpose of forming an Underwriters, Association. Constantinople May C. Servi:t is increasing her armaments. The President of the Ottoman Council of State has declared that Turkey will observonoutrality, as between Britain and Russia. The Russians have occupied Pravady, and cutoti'all communication between Varna and Schumla, which, together with Batoum, they are urging the Turkish Government to .surrender. May 7. The Russians offer to retire in a straight lino from Dedegotoh (?) to Adrianople if the British ironclad squadron withdraws. The insurrectionary [patriotic] movement in Rouuielia increases. Washington, May 3. The Fenians arc active in the United States.