NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE war-scare of last week has been followed by a torrent of denials. It is denied that the Servian Regents have signed any military convention with Russia; that there is any fear of a revolution in Servia ; and that Russia is making any extensive preparations. The official statement in Servia, indeed, is that the Government is intent upon maintaining -strict neutrality. On the other hand, it is asserted that Count 1Calnoky, who has to ask the Delegations for some more money—only a million sterling this time—will inform them clearly that Austria will not tolerate the expulsion of the Obrenovitch family from the Servian throne. " Denials " from Eastern Europe are worth about as much as rumours—that is, they only show what those who issue them wish to be believed; but there is one serious fact, if it be a fact, in the situation. The German Military Staff is gravely impressed with the preparations Russia is making, and has sent in reports to the Emperor advising that questions on the subject should be addressed to St. Petersburg. The Emperor, who is greatly annoyed at the hesitation evinced by the Czar in returning his visit to St. Petersburg, was at first inclined to act on this advice ; but Prince Bismarck objected so strongly, that the idea is for the present abandoned. There is, however, some cause of " tension " between St. Petersburg and Berlin, and certain orders have been given in Germany to the Railway Companies which would, in the event of war, facilitate mobilisation.
