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Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2433, 14 February 1888, Page 2

Tiie situation in Europe grows more and more intense, auil the complications are advancing towards that stage when one of the chief actors in the coming drama must overstep the mark where the torch will be applied that will kindle a fearful conflagration. Russia is still moving her troops towards the west, and she is also actively preparing for sonic great design south of the Caucasus. Although Lord Salisbury makes use of friendly expres sions of reliance on theassur.mees for peace yiven by the Powers, yet there is apparent in his utterances a suspicion of dis trust in their good intentions towards each other. Whatever Russia may attempt in the east of Europe, it is quite clear that England will not be taken by surprise, and it will be found siie is or the alert to thwart the Muscovite iu that direction. This is the construction to_!>e put upon this morning's telegram, which siys that the Neue Frio Pres&s of V ienna makes the important statement that Eng land has undertaken to defend the Austrian and Italian coasts from Russian or French attack. Iu the event ot any movement by Russia in the direction ■if Turkey, it is safe to assume that a British fleet will be early in possession of tho Dardenelles and Black Sea, whilst another squadron will co-operate with the Italian fleet in the Meditcranncan. Such is the nature of the eiitciutc cordials be ween Great Britain and the Triple Alliance.