PEACE OR WAR?

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 241, 11 February 1888, Page 1 (Supplement)

PEACE OR WAR?

Berlin, February 2. A great sensation has run through Europe by the official publication by Berlin, Vienna, and Pesth newspapers of the full text of the Triple Alliance. The document emphasises the declaration that the alliance was contracted for purely defensive objects. The first article provides that the combined forces of the contracting Powers shall resist any hostile movement made by Russia on either of the three contracting powers. The second article provides that if another Power, meaning France, attacks either of the contracting Powers, and Russia joins that Power, or • threatens either of the allied Powers, the latter shall assist the Power attacked or threatened by placing the full strength of their}, allied forces in the field against i the aggressor. The second article also contains a stringently-worded proviso, to the effect that in the event of the allied forces taking the field, peace shall not be concluded unless two of the contracting Powers formally>ignify their assent to such a course. The hird article accepts the peaceful assurances of the Czar, but provides for giving proper warning whenever the allies consider that an attack is contemplated on either of the contracting Powers, or whenever a Power outside the alliance assumes a menacing attitude.

Beblin, February 3. It is stated that Prince Bismarck has had an interview with the leaders of parties in the Reichstag with reference to the Army Bill, which is now before that body. He explained to them privately the present situation of affairs in Europe, and pointad out that it would he impolitic to have at present the information he disclosed to them made public.

February 4. The Berlin semi-official organs declare that the publication of the text of the Triple Alliance is a warning to disturbers of the peace, and will have the effect of subduing any belligerent spirit that might otherwise have manifested -.itself at St. Petersburg or at Paris.

5. There has been a sharp decline on the Continental bourses in Russian, Austrian, and Italian stocks. The pp t *ess of Europe generally considers the publication of the full text of the Alliance Treaty as the last warning to Russia, and expresses the opinion that the warning will probably result peacefully. Prince Bismarck has privately expressed a similar opinion. It is expected that Prince Bismarck will address the Reichstag on Monday.

February 6. M. de Blowitz, the "Times" Paris correspondent, says an opinion prevails that the probabilities of a Russo-French alliance are remote.

St. Petersburg, February 3. Notwithstanding the protest made jointly by Germany and Austria, that the cuiiLifi'i^d war preparations by Russia woihd not only be regarded as threats by the other European Powers, those preparations are continuing, and increasing in their significance.

February 5. A gloomy view of the situation is taken at Moscow since the publication of the Alliance Treaty. The press in this city adopts a tranquil yet cynical tone in connection with the treaty revelations. The "Novoe Vremya" says Russia will calmly await proofs of Germany's peaceful intentions.

London, February 3. In diplomatic circles here the publication of the Triple Alliance is regarded as Prince Bismarck's answer to M. Floquet's hint of a desire for reconciliation between France and Germany, and also as an answer to the distrustfvil tone recently assumed by the Hungarian press towards Germany. The " Times " thinks the publication of the text of the alliance at the present juncture must bring matters to a crisis,, and that Russia's pride must feel itself called upon to resent the revelations made by the publication. It declares that in the face of the menace contained in the treaty, Russia cannot with honour reverse her present provoking policy, and hence the increased activity in that country in war preparations.

London, February 4. The new Triple Alliance treaty is similar to that of the alliance entered into by Germany and Austria in 1879 j — Italy being simply admitted. In Rome, the public opinion of the text of treaty is considered to be the turning point in the history of the present situation,, and ia regwded as * Iwt warning to Kntata. ' .

Rome, February 5. The Italian press state that the Alliance treaty provides that in the event of France attacking either of the allied Powers, the unassailed Powers will send 400,000 troops to assist the Power attacked. It is stated here that the Italian troops are to be recalled from Massowah in March. The Negus, it is said, is much hampered by the hostility of certain sub-chiefs and dervishes, and is now inclined for peace. Signor Crispi, the Premier, declared in the Chamber on Saturday that the European situation was less serious than imagined, and that.the publication of the treaty was intended as a warning and not as a monace. The allies, he said, were firmly resolved to defend the peace of Europe. Tho Chamber passed a vote of confidence in the Premier at the close of his remarks.

Vienna, February 5. The " Peather Lloyd" says the Triple Alliance will extend much beyond benevolent neutrality in the interests of either of the allied Powers assailed.

; Paris, February 5. The presss hold that the Czar cannot now turn back from the policy he has been pursuing.

Vienna, February 5. The newspapers here repudiate the idea that the publication of the treaty has any warlike meaning, and state that its only object was to enlighten and reassure Europe on the matter.

St. Peteksburg, February 6. Publication of the Triple Alliance Treaty has been received with tranquillity here, but the speech of Prince Bismarck in the Reichstag to-night is anxiously awaited.

Berlin, February 6. Europe has been waiting with abated breath, as ib were, to hear Prince Bismarck's opinion of the present situation. The German Chancellor spoke ab the Reichstag tonight. He said that since the eleotion of Carnofc, as President of the French Republic the policy of that nation had been pacific and he did not apprehend a Russian attack on the Central Powers since he believed the Emperor Alexander's pacific assurances were to absolutely relied on. The situation is not different to that which brought about the Austro - German Alliance of 1879. He perceived that a French war did not necessitate a war with Russia, though the lattor Involved the former. Germany could not ask Russia to explain her reason for massing troops on the frontier. Germany had only a secondary interest in the European Question. Bismarck went on to say that the Alliance of Germany, Austria and Italy was not menacing. They are bound together by common interests and were seeking to avert common dangers. When the Landwehr was reorganised Germany would have a million soldiers on both Russian and French frontiers. No other Power possessed such military strength. Germany would support Russia's claims to a revival of influence in Bulgaria in accordance with the terms of her treaty with tho Czar. Germany was anxious for peace, but if attacked, the valour of the Teutonic race would prove irresistible, The speech created an immense sensation in the Reichstag, which passed tho vote for the Landwehr immediately and formerly referred the Loan bill to a committee. After the rising of the Reichstag immense crowds of people cheered the Chancellor.