The very important; though little noticed, Conference of the Powers
upon the navigation of the Danube, held in London, came to a conclusion on Saturday, when a Treaty of nine clauses was provisionally signed. By the terms of this agreement, which was described to the Reuse of Commons on Monday by Lord E. Fitzmanrice, the con, trol of the European Commission created by the Treaty of Paris over the navigation is extended for twenty-one years,. that is, to April 24th, 1904, and for such additional time as may elapse without any Power demanding a fresh Conference. The management of the river for such distance as its banks belong to Russia and Roumania is confided to the delegates of those two States ; but the European Commission is to be informed of everything done, and if any dispute arises in consequence, the matter is to be referred to the Powers collectively. Russia may levy what tolls she pleases on the Kiln month, but she must inform the other riverain States, so that they may take what action they please. There is no doubt that the Treaty is a compromise of grave importance to the peace of Europe, or that its arrangement is mainly due to the impartiality and tact of Lord Granville, who saw from the first that the question touched the pride as well as the interests of the ?ewers very closely. Under the arrangement, pride is satisfied ; but Europe continues to regulate the Danube, the control of which would otherwise be settled by a savage war. It is just the question that the North and South Slays would select for their battle-ground.
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