AN IMPENDING STORM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2400, 15 January 1909, Page 2

AN IMPENDING STORM.

WILL THERE BE AVAR? According to the St.Potorsburg correspondent of the ljondon ‘'Daily Telegraph” the question'of a EuroD ean war is acquiring increased actuality, owing to the growing conviction in journalistic circles that an agreement between Austria ancl the Powers of the Triple Entente is becoming less and less likely. Russia s reply to Austria’s Note was presented a few days ago to Baron von Aehreiitlial by the Russian diplomatic representative at Vienna, but nothing is yet known as to the impression proctnc. ed there. A feeling is gaining ground, he says, that all the developments. diplomatic and other, which have taken place .since the annexation were lorseen and reckoned with by Baron von Aehrentlral, all excepting the ruinous boycott of Austrian exports by Turkey. This one serious check, it is believed, may necessitate action for which the Austrian Foreign Secretary’s original plan made no allowance. But, abstraction made from this new factor, nothin" has happened, and nothing is likely to happen, to induce or compel Baron von Achrenthal to accept a compromise. The Russian press, however, continues to regard the question seriously. nay tragically. All the. more remarkable, therefore, is an article from the pen of the influential political writer, Menshikoff, published in the “Novoye Vremya,” and entitled, “A Storm is Impending.” Tbe author main-' tains that Russia’s only safe attitude during the pending struggle is rigorously to refrain from attacking Austria or Germany. “AVo do not possess in an adequate measure a navy nor air entirely trustworthy army,, nor great leaders, nor money,nor that source of strength which is termed patriotism. I would consider myself a traitor to the Fatherland if I counselled the government to pursue an aggressive policy. Defence is a different matter; every nation, strong or weak, should lie ready Co defend itself ; and I insist on defence to the very end, to the last breath.”