NEWS OF THE WEEK.
FRIDAY'S news from the Near East is distinctly better. In the first place, the reply of the Austro-Hungarian Government to Russia's Note concerning the terms of a Conference, which was communicated on Thursday, is stated by the St. Petersburg correspondent of the Times to mark a departure from the hitherto irreconcilable attitude of the Vienna Cabinet. As he remarks, it is possible that this may simply be an act of diplomatic tactics, but the general impression seems to be that the situation has improved and is improving. This favourable view is confirmed by the fact that the Austrian newspapers generally are assuming a peaceful attitude, especially in regard to an agreement with Turkey. For example, the Neue Freie Presse goes so far as to say that "a pacific agreement with Turkey would be worth the greatest sacrifice." If this means that Austria will not attempt to pick a quarrel over the boycott, and will agree to reasonable monetary compensation, a better understanding will soon be achieved. Speaking generally, we can only say that everything depends upon Austria. She can if she will give the world as a Christmas gift the incomparable blessing of peace.
