NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE event of the week in foreign affairs has been the rise of a rumour, as yet unverified, that the situation in Europe has been suddenly and seriously changed. Prince Bismarck, it is said, has offered terms to the Czar which have been accepted, and these terms leave Russia a free hand as regards the Balkans, while Germany regains a free hand as regards France. Austria, thus left alone, will not resist Russia, and peace is maintained by the total sacrifice of Bulgaria. We have tried elsewhere to show the few circumstances which give this rumour probability ; but it is not traceable to any authentic source. It was first started by the Paris correspondent of the Times; it has been caught up by all Russian agents ; and it may be, in reality, nothing but a " solution " invented to prevent the passing of the German Army Bill. The story is, of course, entirely opposed to Austrian interests, and if it truly describes the arrangement, must go far to weaken the Austro- German alliance. That something has occurred seems clear, but for its nature politicians had better wait in doubt.
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