NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THERE is no improvement in the general condition of affairs. The Government still affirms, through Mr. Cross, that its first Abject is peace ; and through Mr. Hardy, that Great Britain is the beat of all kingdoms under the sun ; and through the Attorney- General, that Russia cannot be trusted even on her oath ; but it does not explain in the least what it ia doing, or what it wants, or why it is making such preparations. On the other hand, the Russian Government is still forwarding troops southward, still calling out Reserves, and still seeking to bind petty States like Servia more securely to its alliance. Moreover, Turkey is showing a strong disposition to renew the war, trusting to Lord Beacons- field and Mr. Layard to protect her from its consequences. A gleam of light appeared on Friday, a telegram being forwarded all over Europe that the Czar had held a great Cabinet Council ; that, in the illness of Prince Gortschakoff, General Jomini, his secretary, and a man supposed to favour peace, had been consulted ; and that a most conciliatory proposal had been forwarded to London. That statement is probably true, but to make it important we require to know,—first, what the concilia- tory proposal is ; secondly, whether Turkey will agree to it ; and thirdly, whether Lord Beaconsfield wishes that it should be accepted. If he does not, we may be certain that his Cabinet will agree with him, that his majority will follow him, and that in this self-governed country the resistance of every man with a heart or a head will make no manner of difference.
