Heads of Intelligence.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2810, 15 February 1878, Page 2

Heads of Intelligence.

Immediately after the fall of Pierna the Porte addressed a Circular Note to. the European Powers, intimating its willingness to accept mediation, with a riew to an equitable peace with Kussia. This suggestion if favourable regarded by England, wan declined by the other European Powers on the ground that the Note contained no satisfactory basis for mediation.

Since then—Dec. 29—it was announced tbat Her Majesty's Ministers had consented, at the. request of the Sultan, to approach the Czar, with a view to making* arrangements for peace between the Porte and Russia.

In pursuance of thia announcement the English Government communicated to the Cj?ar their willingness to act as mediators between his Government and Turkey. . The offer was dccliped, and the forte was referred by Russia to the Russian generals in the field. In some quarters the failure of these

negotiations is considered likely to be attended by serious results as to the relations between England and Russia. Several Cabinet Councils have been held of late, and it has been decided to call Parliament together on the 17th of next month.

This announcement Las caused much, sensation, and there are many rumours as to the policy wl ich the Cabinet intends to propose to the Legislature. On Saturday, Dec. 15, the Queen paid a visit to Lord Beaconsfield at bis country house, Hughenden Manor.

The prrqpect of a war with Bussia is regarded with extreme arersion by the English trading interest, and the Manchester and Edinburgh ' Chambers of Commerce have memoralised the Govern' merit, praying them to adhere to their policy of strict neutrality. It is reported that Italy has catered into an alliance with Greece, and a Garibaldi expedition into Albania is thought to be likely. Christmas Pay and Boxing Day were duly celebrated as holidays in London, the weather being fine and the holidaymakers orderly. The royal bounty to necessitous and deserving persons living in London and its environb was distributed on Christmas Ere among 1250 recipients. A severe north-westerly wind raged on Christmas Eve on the British coast, and many shipping disasters have been'reported. ; Obituary of the Month. —Lord Mid* dleton; Sir W. R. P. Geary, Bart.; 9. G. Getty, late M.P. for Belfast; K. A. Gray, J.P. and D.L. for Surrey ; A. R.>, Adams, Q.C., Recorder of Birmingham; Dr Collier; T. Wright, F.S.A,; Archdeacon C. C. Clerke, or Oxford; Lady Hamilton; Lady fi. Yaughan; Viscountess Forbes; Sir Robert Strnford; r the Hon. Mrs Dawson Damcr.