The Temuka Leader. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1888. THE COMING STORM.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1688, 19 January 1888, Page 2

The Temuka Leader. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1888. THE COMING STORM.

Theme are at present rumors of war, and the war itself will in all, probability follow soon. Russia is amassing troops on the frontier, and has recently assumed a very menacing attitude. Russia bas of late threatened to go to war so frequently that we are beginning to doubt whether she is not having a bit of fun with her neighbors, especially as the Czar bas just stated that he expects that this will be a year of peace and prosperity. None of the Great Powers show any disposition to go to war with the exception of Russia; and Russia cannot enter upon sueh an enterprise until the Czar authorises it. If the Czar is peaceably disposed the whole world will be so, for it does not appear that any of the other Powers, though all are evidently prepared, has any great desire for war. A few months ago the relations between Prance and Germany were somewhat' strained, but the visit of He’ Lesseps to Bismarck appears to have smoothed over the difficulty; and the recent choice of President is calculated in a still greater degree to ensure peace between the two, nations. Still, notwithstanding all this, it is impossible to say what moment hostilities may break out. It is characteristic of Russians to he, and possibly their ruler is as venal in this respect as his subjects. It may be when the Czar said,he expected peace he meant the opposite things At any rate, to continue massing his troops on the frontier is not at all consistent with his utterances. We are warned not to put trust in Princes, and when the Prince is a,' Russian it appears to us that we pught to be still more careful when dealing with,him,, The peaceful professions of the Czar do not harmonise with his actions, and therefore are not deserving of much confidence. We may expect war at any moment, and, without doubt, if peace is once broken *. fierce struggle will ensue. The greater part, if not the whole, of Europe will be mixed up in it, and as all the Powers are well prepared it willprOve onebf the most memorable events in history. Now what is the pretext which Russia has for thus disturbing the peace of Europe? Simply that the Bulgarian people prefer Prince Ferdinand to a ruler of Russia’s choosing. Russia wants to treat Bulgaria in a benevolent, motherly sort of way, and provide for her a prince, but Bulgaria prefers to make her own choice. It appears that nothing will satisfy Russia except to annex Bulgaria altogether. Prince Alexander’s sister was married to the Czar, and yet that was not sufficient. Russian intrigue resulted in Alexander having to leave the--country. By the treaty of Berlin Bulgaria was given the right to elect her own Prince, but evidently this right Russia wishes to deny her.. Russia tolerated the election of Alexander to the throne of Bulgaria because he is the brother of his sister, but when he refused to become a pliable tool to further Russian ends he was cast of. Bulgaria ha's now chosen Ferdinand, but Russia is desirous of having one of her own tools in his place, and hence Ihe cause' of all the trouble. Poor Bulgaria! She has fought hard and nobly for her liberty—and she bought it at a tremendous cost—and it is very hard on her now that she is to be disturbed in the'enjoyment of it. Only a few years' ago she was the scene of : the most fearful atrocities recorded in history, but she gained the right to choose her own ruler, and under the government of Prince Alexander her / prosperity attracted the attention of neighboring States, Roumelia made a most determined effort to unite with Bulgaria in 1885, but was not successful—and it was because Prince Alexander countenanced this union that he was dethroned. Russia feared that united Roumelia and Bulgaria would form too strong a Power on her highway to Constantinople, and hence her . opposition. Prince Ferdinand appears to be a worthy successor to Prince Alexander. He has proclaimed his determination to die for his, country, and resist foreign aggression. We wish him success, and we sincerely trust the,tyrannical Czar will be defeated. Bulgaria, however, has not now her great r friend—the friend of liberty—the friend' of all struggling nationalities—W. E.. Gladstone to render her assistance as he did before. His place is filled by Lord Salisbury, who has no sympathy with any popular movement, and who will render no assistance if it does not suit his own book.