NEWS BY THE MAIL.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 809, 6 May 1871, Page 2

NEWS BY THE MAIL.

THE LONDON CONFERENCE. The Protocols of the proceedings on the Black Sea Question will he laid on the table of the House of Commons to-night March 17. They are signed by the plenipotentiaries of seven powers. Their general features are conciliatory in tone on the part of Russia, and show a willingness on the part of Turkey to accept the semi-neutraliza-tion of the Black Sea, and deference of the Convention to the wishes of either power. The Conference met Jan. 17th. Lord Granville was chosen president. He regretted the absence of the plenipotentiary from France, and declared that the object of the Conference was to examine the Black Sea Question without partisanship, to discuss with perfect liberty the Russian proposals for the revision of the treaty of Paris. Baron Brunow made a statement which contained no trace of imperative tone. Gortschakoffs circular, and Brunow's speech, were most conciliatory throughout, and were reported in the sarae spirit by Musurus Pa.ha. The Conference then went to work on the declaration to the effect that plenipotentiaries recognise it as an essential principle of the right of nations that no power can shake off engagements of treaty or modify its stipulations, except with the assent of the contracting parties. On this a friendly understanding was arrived at, and on March 13th the Due de Broglie gave his adhesion to it. A S3Cond meeting took place on January 24th, when Brunow more fully stated that changes had taken place since 1856, and urged that all treaties be judged by the considerations arising in the interval. He contended that the treaty of Paris really perpetuated irritations by wounding Russia's national sentiments.

The Turkish ambassador combated the arguments of tho Russian ambassador and declared that Turkey was fully satisfied with the treaty, but if other powers thought right to admit the Russian demand on that Government, and would give guarantees equivalent and compatible with the rights and security of the Ottoman Empire, ho was authorised to concur with other Pleni otentiaries, while recognising the justice of the Turkish objections to adhere to their former expression that Turkish consent must be devoid of equivalents. At the third sitting. February 3rd, od the treaty, four articles were proposed by Earl Granville. The second article gave to Turkey the power to introduce ships of war of the ncnriverian powers into the Black Sea, only if compelled to do so for the security of the Ottoman Empire. Musurus Pacha objected to the phraseology " non-riverian," as restrictive to Turkey and offensive to Russia. A long debate, generally in opposition, followed, the representative of the Turkish Government pleading his instructions as very peremptory. At the same meeting, the secondary question of the Danube commission was first mooted, and it was agreed to insert the arrangement therein in the principal treaty. At the fourth meeting, February7th, no instructions had been received by the representatives and nothing was done. At the fifth meeting, which was held 13th instant, the Due de Broglie was introduced. He declared that the French Government saw no sufficient reason to modify the treaty of Paris, but now willingly accepted the arrangement which had been partially concluded. The Italian Minister met the objection of the Turkish Minister by proposing a new article, in which the words "Friendly and allied powers should be substituted for non-riverian powers." This amendment was accepted freely by Turkey and the other powers. There were no differences on other circles after their completion. The Turkish and Russian powers to conclude a convention abrogating the stipulations of the treaty of Paris, relative to the number and strength of their respective fleets in the Black Sea.