NEWS OF THE WEEK.
IN the earlier part of the week the European situation stood at the highest point of danger reached since the war began. Writing on Friday, however, we are able to record a. great improvement. Unless something untoward happens we have every right to expect that the Great Powers will now pursue their joint policy without serious dissension. If they can do this there is, of course, no fear of a catastrophe. The local peace in the Balkans will soon be assured, and the dread contest between Teuton and Slav, with all its appalling con- sequences, will, for the time at any rate, be avoided. The situation at the close of the week is as follows : Vice-Admiral Burney, in command of the International Squadron off the coast of Montenegro, has proclaimed a blockade of the coast extending from A_ntivari to the month of the Drin river. The blockade began on the morning of Thursday, but forty-eight hours was granted to foreign vessels in port to leave. More important than the local effect of the blockade is the proof it affords that the Powers are all acting together, and that the rope is not cut, and will not now be cut. At the same time the assault upon Scutari, which it was feared would take place in order to anticipate the blockade, has not been made, and apparently the military status Quo inside and outside the town is maintained.
