THE BERLIN CONGRESS.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2977, 30 August 1878, Page 3

THE BERLIN CONGRESS.

Ori July:'j)t3 the .Congress held its last sitting," and all the Plenipotentiaries and members were present in full dress, as at the opening sitting. The proceedings commenc£lat2.3op.m., and lasted until 4 p.m., afldHhe Treaty was signed by all the Plenipotentiaries. Ihe first secretaries and delegates had already proceeded, at 1 p.m. to .the Congress Hall to affix the seals of the Plenipotentiaries to the several copies of the Treaty. The Plenipotentiaries signed the Treaty in the alphabetical order of the countries they represent. " After the signing of the document had been completed Prince Bismarck delivered the following address :—" I declare the labors of the Congress to be terminated. I regard it as the last duty of the President to convey the thanks of the Congress to those Plenipotentiaries who formed part of the commissions, and especially to M. Desprez and Prince Hohenlohe. I likewise thank the secretaries in the name of this illustrious assembly for the aeal of which they have given proof, and which has contributed to facilitating the labors of the Congress. I associate in the expression of, this gratitude the functionaries and officers who have taken part in the , special studies Of the illustrious assembly. Gentlemen, at the moment of .our separating I do not hesitate to affirm that the Congress has deserved well of Europe. If it has been impossible to realise all the aspirations of public opinion, hist.ory in any case will do justice to our intentions and our work, and the Plenipotentiaries will nave the consciousness of having,- within the limits of the possible, restored and assured to Europe the great benefit of peace wbifih was so seriously in jeopardy. Ihe result cannot be diminished by any criticism of which party spirit may inspire the publication. I entertain a fitfm hope that the European understanding will, with the aid of God, remain durable, and that the personal and cordial relatious which have been established among us during our labours will strengthen and consolidate

good relations between our Governments. I once more thank my Goiltagues for their kindness towards me, and in retaining the impression of this profound gratitude I close the last sitting of the Congress." Count Andrassy then rose and warmly thanked Prince Bismarck, in the name of the Congress, for the services he had rendered in bringing its great work to a j satisfactory issue. The following is the text of his speech :—" Gentlemen, at the moment when our efforts have resulted in a general understanding, it is impossible that we should not render homage to the eminent statesman who has directed our labours. He has invariably kept in view the idea of securing one consolidating peace, and with this object he has devoted all his efforts to reconciling the divergencies/which existed and putting an end as rapidly as possible to the uncertainty which weighed so grievously upon Europe. Thanks to the wisdom and indefatigable energy with which our president has directed our labours, he his contributed in a high degree to the prompt success of the work of pacification which we had : jointly undertaken. I am, therefore, sure of meeting with the unanimous, assent i of this illustrious assembly in proposing to j tender to bis most Serene Highness Prince | yon Bismarck the expression of our war-1 mesfc gratitude. As we are on the point | of separating, I also think I shall best respond to your feelings by testifying our respectful recognition of the great kindness and gracious hospitality of which we have been the objects on the part of his Majesty the Emperor of Germany and the august Imperial Family." In reply to Count Andrassy, Prince Bismarck said-:—"I am deeply sensible of the words Count Andrassy has just spoken in the name of this illastrious assembly. I warmly thank the Congress for havibg been good enough to, join therein, and I beg to express my entire gratitude to my colleagues for the indulgence and friendly sentiments they have displayed towards me in the course of our labors. The spirit of conciliation and mutual good will by which all the Plenipotentiaries have been animated has facilitated a task which, in the state of my health, I scarcely hoped to carry on to its conclusion. At this moment, when, to the satisfaction of the Governments represented and the ■ whole of Europe, the Congress attains the hoped-for result, I beg you to retain a kindly recollection of me. As for myself, the memorable epoch which has just passed will remain indelibly engraved on my, memory." The proceedings then terminated.

A medal to commemorate, the emancipation of the Bulgarians has just been struck at Moscow. On one side is a Erofile of the .Emperor, crowned with Lurels, and having the inscription—* ' " Alexander 11., by the grace of God, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias ; " on the reverse is represented'a Greek cross, surmounted by an aureole, and surrounded by the inscription— "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Psalm cxxvii, v. s)—the device of the Bulgarians during their first attempt to free themselves from the Turk's; at the bottom of the cross is engraved in minute characters,, "In memory of the liberation of our brother Bulgarian's, 1878." The medal is the design of Herr Besemarn, of the Academy of Arts at St. Petersburg. The Antonelli lawsuit is still progressing. Dame Gervasi, who assisted professionally at the plaintiff's birth, has given depositions before the tribunal in presence of counsel for both sides. - The depositions taken with closed doors lasted two days. The cross examination only' strengthened the plaintiff's case. Witness, questioned- whether ' any attempt had been made to bribe her to silence, answered " Yes," and disclosed the names of different emissaries who came to her from the brothers Antonelli for that pur* sose. The mother's name will be revealed, if necessary. The opinion in legal circles is in favor of the plaintiff's suit. A telegram from Alexandria says that a decree has been issued by the Finance Minister ordering the payment of one menth's arrears of Goverement pensions, being the first instalment of twenty-four months, overdue.