On

from the various operas houses of Europe by the agent of the American opera company, will sail from Liverpool on September 7, by the Inman steamship Baltic. The new premieres and second dancers will follow a week or so later. Wednesday and Thursday next the trial of voices will take place for the vacancies in the chorus and minor roles. There are already over two hundred applicants, many of whom will come over one thousand miles to be examined. Among the ladies who will be heard on Wednesday is the wife of a well-known Senator, who is very anxious to join the American opera company.

LITERARY.

NOTES. The literary copartnership of Mr. Justin McCarthy and Mrs. CampbellPread has proved so successful that a second novel by the same authors is under way. Mr. McCarthy will finish his portion of the story before his departure for America.. -Charles Scribner's Sons will publish at once, by special arrangement, Mr. Gladstone's latest monograph, entitled "The Irish Question." The book is divided into two parts. Part I is entitled "The History of an Idea," and traces the development of the home-rule idea in Mr. Gladstone's own mind, defends his past course, and defines his present position. Part II is entitled "Lessons on the Election." In it Mr. Gladstone analyzes the election returns, and concludes that Ireland has only to wait with patience and hope. Messrs. Scribner will issue the work in their "Yellow Paper Series." The price will be ten cents.-Mr. Andrew Lang has brought out a second edition of his "Letters to Dead Authors," in which he includes letters to Hawthorne and Longfellow. The late Mary Cecil Hay's last novel, "A Wicked Girl," announced by Harper & Bros., was completed on her death-bed. She knew for some time that she was dying, but persevered in her work up to the last moment. -We understand that the main object of Charles

L. Webster & Co. in suing John Wanamaker for selling the Grant Memoirs was to ascertain the name of the agent through whom he procured the book; and that, this object having been attained, suit has been brought against the agent himself. -The next volume of the "Eminent Women Series," (Roberts Bros.) will be Miss Mary Robinson's "Life of Marguerite of Angouleme, Queen of Navarre and Sister of Francis I."- -Some 30,000 persons attended the recent celebration at Kilmarnock of the centenary of the first publication of Burns's Poems.- -Mr. Lowell's papers on Democracry, "Don Quixote," Fielding, Coleridge, Dean Stanley, Garfield, and (presumably) Gray, will appear this fall in a volume called after the first one in this list.- -After two years of earnest, continuous labor, Miss Juliet Corson has completed her work on " Practical American Cookery and Household Management." The book, which will contain many points from Miss Corson's own experience as a practical cook, will be shortly published by Messrs. Dodd, Mead & Co.- -Mr. Julian Hawthorne's latest novel, "John Parmelee's Curse," is announced for immediate publication by Cassell & Company. This story originally appeared in a syndicate of newspapers, but since its conclusion there it has been rewritten and added to by Mr. Hawthorne.- -Curiosity is piqued as to the authorship of "As Common Mortals." It is reported to have been written by two persons-one a Brooklyn lady, the other a well-known novelist.- -Miss Cleveland has written an introduction for Miss Frances E. Willard's new book, "How to Win," now going through the presses of Messrs. Funk & Wagnalls. Miss Willard will in this work discuss different subjects of interest to woman, as her " opportunity in journalism," "novel reading," at what age she should marry, and a score of similar topics.- In their new series, called "The Riverside Pocket Series," Houghton, Mifflin & Co. will print a collection of short stories and essays by some of their most popular young authors.- -Prof. Calvin E. Stowe, husband of Harriet Beecher Stowe, died in Hartford, Conn., on Sunday, August 22, at the age of eighty-four years. Prof. Stowe was born in Nantick, Mass. He graduated at Bowdoin College in 1824 and at Andover Theological Seminary four years later. He was a voluminous writer upon theological subjects. Among his best known works was a translation of John's "History of the Hebrew Commonwealth," "Lectures on the Sacred Poetry of the Hebrews," " Introduction to the Criticism and Interpretation of the Bible,” and “Origin and History of the Books of the Bible.". -In the House of Lords there are said to be five poets besides Tennyson. -The scene of Jules Verne's new novel, "Robur le Conquerant," is laid in Philadelphia.- "Nord et Midi" is the title given by Daudet to his dramatization of Numa Roumestan."- -Edmund Gosse is going to lecture on "The Profession of Author.". -A sister of the Sultan of Zanzibar, who supports herself by teaching Arabic in Berlin, is about to publish her memoirs.

BOOKS OF THE WEEK.

Owing to the bewildering variety recently introduced into the size and form of printing paper the old designation of books, as 4to, 8vo, 12mo, &c., gives little indication of size; we shall therefore, in order to be of most service to our readers, give the measures books in inches and quarters, the number first given being the length. We shall also add the number of pages and kind of binding.

JOHN PARMELEE'S CURSE. By Julian Hawthorne. Cassell & Co., New York. 7x4, 270 pp., cloth, gilt lettered.

The distinguished author first wrote this as a serial. After having improved it he sends it out in this comely volume. The curse of John Parmelee is opium. It is a strong book. The word "curse" should have been made plural, for with his unfortunate wife and dastardly brother-in law he had more curses than one.

THE NEW MAN AT ROSSMERE. By Mrs. J. H. Walworth. 7x5, 350 pp., cloth, gilt lettered. Cassell & Co., New York.

A novel of decided merit. It is a realistic picture of the South immediately after the war, and the process of reconstruction that has been going on ever since. We like "The New Man at Rossmere." He was a grand man, and all our readers

will be the better if they make his acquaintance. CASSELL'S "SELECT" LIBRARY OF ENTERTAINING FICTION. 6x4%, paper covers. Price, 15 cents. Cassell & Co., 739 and 741 Broadway, New York.

We have received four volumes of this library, which contain about forty shor

stories by as many different authors. We can commend them as being "entertaining." The idea is a very happy one and we wish it success.

THE WORST FOE. By Grace Strong. 8x5%, 385 pp. H. L. Villee, Washington, D. O. Price, $1.50.

This is a good temperance story, well written, intensely interesting, and likely to do much good. MAGAZINES.

THE NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW. New York, 80 Lafayette Place.

The North American Review holds its unique place among the monthlies with firmer grip than ever. For timely questions, discussed by those most interested in them, it has no rival. It offers, in its September number, matter of exceptional interest to the thoughtful reader. Among the contributions are articles by ex-Senator N. P. Hill, who makes a plea for the payment of the national debt as the means of prepar ing for war in times of peace, and by Judge Tourgee, who discusses the Mexican question. Henry George has a second article on "Labor In Pennsylvania," covering child labor, the coal and iron police, and the Pennsylvania conspiracy laws. " 80clalism in England" is treated by H. M. Hyndman, the London socialist, who declares that social democracy is the only growing party in Great Britain, and the only one which has.. genuine faith in its principles.' "Arthur Richmond" devotes the fourth of his letters to Congressman Samuel J. Randall, whom he depicts as the "incarnation of political platitude." "Ouida" makes a bitter attack on "Woman Suffrage," and criticises women, in a most outspoken and unrestrained manner, as the "inferior sex. Miss Kate Field discusses the Mormon question, and Capt. S. H. M. Byers, a personal friend of General Sherman, revives a recent controversy in an article on "Reconstruction Days," in which he publishes, for the first time, some letters from Halleck and Chase to Sherman.

THE FORUM. September. The Forum Co., New York.

Prof. W. G. Sumner opens with an article on the "Industrial War," in which he reviews, in a general way, the discussions on the labor question, and arrives at the conclusion that the only way for workmen to get more wages is by working. Clifford Thompson discusses in a paper on "The Waste by Fire," some questions of interest to the insurance world. "Civilization and Suicide" is the title of a thoughtful essay by Rev. Dr. C. A. Bartol, which is well worth reading. E. S. Nadal discusses the functioLs and rights of the New York Board of Aldermen, with special reference to their power of bestowing franchises. James Q. Howard has an interesting article on "Modern Smuggling," in which he points out the extent to which the customs laws are evaded under our stringent system, a subject with which his long experience as Appraiser of the Port has made him very familiar. Worm," an article by James E. Learned, is a plea for the newspaper editor, and "The Taming of the George Alfred Townsend contributes an interesting biographical and analytical sketch of Jay Gould. The present number is one of the best which we have seen. OUTING. New York, 140 Nassau street.

"Charming, most charming!" we ejaculated as soon as this number came into our hands, and as we looked it through we echoed our opinion with emphasis. There is so much in it that is healthy and inspiring that we feel dissatisfied at being chained to our desk, and long to burst our bonds and take an "outing" on a bicycle, tricycle, in a boat, with a rod, or anything else which Outing makes so very tempting to us.

ST. NICHOLAS. The Century Co., New York.

The special feature of this number is the article by Clara Erskine Clement on "English Arts and Artists." It is illustrated by handsome engravings from Sir Joshua Reynolds, Gainsborough, and other famous English painters; but while we say this it seems unjust to so discriminate, for everything in the magazine is rich and good. The boys and girls will welcome and love it.

THE CENTURY. September. The Century Co., New York.

Opens with a portrait of Liszt, followed by a beautifully illustrated article on a "Summer with Liszt in Weimar." These are especially apropos. For popular interest the magazine has no superior.

WIDE AWAKE. Price, $3 a year. D. Lothrop & Co., Boston.

Wide Awake demonstrates that its publisher. its editors, and its writers are all true to the name they have adopted. This is a beautiful number. It gives us genuine pleasure to strongly commend it.

THE NEW PRINCETON REVIEW. September. A. C. Armstrong & Son, New York. A handsome number this. The contents are timely, varied, and entertaining. The writers are among the best in the world.

JOURNALISM.

ALEXANDER'S ABDICATION.

THE abdication of Prince Alexander, of Bulgaria, almost immediately after his abduction and return, has excited profound interest and elicited a vast amount of press comment.

New York Sun (Dem.), September 7.

THE assumption that every move made by Prince Alexander during the last week was dictated from Berlin only leaves the aims and motives of Bismarck more inscrutable. There is nothing on the surface of events to explain why Bismarck should be willing to surrender at this time the species of hegemony which eight years ago at the Congress of Berlin he was suffered to assert for Germany by the other powers of Europe. He does surrender his political primacy, and seriously tarnish his prestige, when he permits the Czar by his individual fiat to set aside the joint decision of the powers. The Congress, over which the German Chancellor presided, called into legal existence the State of Bulgaria and endowed it with the right of choosing its executive. The choice of Alexander, of Battenberg, was approved of by the Sultan, his nominal suzerain, and ratified by all the powers which were co-signatories of the Berlin treaty. Now, the Czar says that this election, confirmation, and ratification shall all go for nothing; that Bulgaria is his chattel, not an independent nation, and that it is her ruler's business to please him, without reference to the wishes of Bulgarians or of other European peoples represented at the Berlin Congress. If the Czar can speak in such a tone without a word of dissent from Berlin, and if his will is to be law at Sophia as distinctly as at Moscow, it will be immediately recognized not only in the Balkan region, but all over Europe, that the role of arbiter belongs henceforth to Alexander III, of Russia, vice Bismarck, resigned. It will be understood that the persistent effort of the Vienna government during the last eight years to compete with Russia for the Ottoman inheritance has been labor lost. It will be inferred that the whole game concerted between Austria and Germany, and whose first moves were visible in the occupation of Bosnia and the Herzegovina, in the subsequent acquirement of Novi Bazar, and in the displacement of Romanoff by Hapsburg influence at Belgrade, Bucharest and Sophia, is to be definitely abandoned. The hope of constructing a South Slavic confederacy under the leadership of Austria-Hungary is, it will be thought, abjured as essentially impracticable, and King Charles, of Roumania, and King Milan, of Servia, will have to do the bidding of their true lord paramount, the Czar, under penalty of suffering the fate of Prince Alexander. Then, with all protestants silenced, with all obstructions cleared from his path across the Balkans, and with the interposition of an English fleet averted by a counter menace to the Anglo-Indian empire, what is to hold back the Czar from seizing Constantinople? That these grave consequences will swiftly and inevitably follow the acquiescence of the central powers in the present attitude of the Czar toward Bulgaria seems so plain that some observers refuse to credit the indications of the German Chancellor's intentions in the Berlin semi-official press, and suggest that Bismarck may be acting with profound duplicity, meaning to irremediably ruin the Czar in the esteem of his kinsman, Kaiser William, and in European opinion. We shall know in the course of a few days what Bismarck's purpose is, and every one can then judge for himself whether the Chancellor has played a deep game in this Bulgarian business, or whether even for his iron brain the hour of sensible deterioration and incipient senility has come.

Courrier des Etats-Unis (Ind.), New York, September 7.
[Translated for PUBLIC OPINION.]

THE London Morning Post, in its extreme irritation, refuses to believe that Europe will lend its approval to a policy which tends to make the Czar Arbiter for the Continent entire. "Arbiter for the Continent" is a rather strong expression, but that in this affair the Czar has triumphed over Europe in forcibly bringing her over to his plans by the superiority of his diplomacy, is an incontestable fact, proclaimed not alone by the English journals, but by the whole German press. We are not prophets and the future belongs to no one, but for the present the Standard, which is the organ of the London cabinet, is not far from the truth in saying: "It is the first serious check experienced by Bismarck and thus will fill the hearts of Frenchmen with joy and with hope." This is quite plain. We have from the first pointed out the counterpoise which the ascendency of Russia must exercise in the future upon the gravitation movement which seemed to be dragging European politics entire in the orbit of M. de Bismarck. That there should enter a certain feeling of satisfaction on our part, from this observation, it were puerile to deny all the more so as we have no occasion to dissimulate that as between Germany and Russia our predilections are in favor of the last-mentioned if for no other reason than the one of reciprocity. But in the actual situation in Europe happily no one is nor can be the arbiter of its destiny-no more the Czar than the Emperor William or his lieutenant. Europe is so constituted that to-day no power can exercise a decisive weight upon the rest and that each one of them, to make use of an expression which is in vogue, can at a given moment, as upon occasion

This is

Germany has done and as Russia does now, hold the balance of power. the most solid guaranty for the peace of Europe, and for this reason it is not more desirable to see Russia than Germany mistress in Europe. For this reason we applaud with our whole heart the success of Russia because it banishes the illusion of the omnipotence of Bismarck without investing with it any other power, not even one friendly to ourselves.

Chicago Times (Ind.), September 5.

THE whole episode has been a piece of monstrous presumption on the part of Russia. Under the Berlin treaty she has no jurisdiction or authority over Bulgaria, and no relations thereto other or greater than are possessed by each of the signatory powers. It has been the persistent aim of Russian policy to create a powerful Slav state upon her southeastern borders, with a view to its ultimate absorption into her dominion. The Berlin congress thought to frustrate this design by recognizing the independence of Roumania, erecting Bulgaria into a principality under the suzerainty of the Porte, and making Eastern Roumelia a distinct state, tributary to Turkey, but with a large measure of autonomy. It provided that the Prince of Bulgaria should be nominated by the Sultan, subject to the approval of the powers, and it was under this provision of the treaty that Alexander occupied the Bulgarian throne. The union of Bulgaria and Eastern Roumelia a year ago was in defiance of the treaty, but the powers accepted it as fait accompli, although it was a long step toward the accomplishment of the sinister designs of Russia. Another step has now been taken in the same direction, and unless Europe speedily calls a halt it will not be long before the whole Balkan peninsula becomes in effect a Russian province. This would shorten the distance from St. Petersburg to Constantinople very materially, and be a practical abrogation of the Berlin treaty as to its most essential features. It is probable that a conference of the powers will be speedily held to consider the situation. But it is in the last degree improbable that Russia will be induced, by the methods of diplomacy, to surrender the important advantages she has gained.

cate.

L'Eco d'Italia, New York, September 7.

[Translated for PUBLIC OPINION.]

CONFRONTED with internal trouble with the animosity of Russia and sustained by no other government, Prince Alexander has come to the determination to abdiHe departs, as he says, because the interest of Bulgaria exacts it. It would better read: Because such is the will of Russia; and he alone, can do nothing against that huge power. We see Bulgaria then, on the road to become a Russian province, travestied it may be with autonomy in the presence of a puppet who is called, forsooth, its prince. In the presence of all this what will Europe do? It is well to draw a distinction; public opinion is one thing, the policy of governments is another. If in general, the first is favorable to the prince, the second is either indifferent or is opposed to him, since no government wishes to compromise through him the peace of Europe, and all of them are or say they are solicitous for peace. And thus whilst the news of the abdication of the prince has aroused the indignation of the masses, and especially of the soldiers in Germany and in Austria, Bismarck, as the London Standard asserts, has come to an understanding with the Russian prime minister, de Giers, and given him not only carte blanche in Bulgaria, but in the event that England should undertake to sustain Turkey, has promised him the neutrality of Germany and of Austria. The resolution, however, of the situation would seem to give Bismarck as the ultimate factor and the scope the preservation of European peace. For to-day England's position seems one of isolation. To-morrow whose turn will it be to find himself in the same predicament?

Las Novedades, New York, September 6,

[Translated for PUBLIC OPINION.]

THE menaced resistance of the Russian sovereign to the conciliatory telegram of Prince Alexander; the cordiality existing between the cabinets of Berlin and of St. Petersburg, and the practical indifference, if not impotency, of the English government, has induced the Bulgarian sovereign to retire from power and recommend a military regency as the government of the principality. Before the military supremacy of Russia, incontestable on the part of a nation like Bulgaria, resistance to the orders of the Czar could have resulted only in fresh trouble and fresh disaster. And yet it is incredible that the abdication of the prince should deliver up Bulgaria to Russian occupation such as would appear to have been conceived and decided upon in the mind of the Czar. Neither a Russo-Germanic alliance nor internal circumstances, which admonish Austria to the preservation of peace, would suffice for permitting an occupation of Bulgaria by Russia without an armed protest, or else corresponding indemnification at the expense of other nationalities of the Balkans. Of the opposition of England it is impossible to judge. It would be hazardous even to express a conjecture as to the external policy of a nation which, at a recent epoch, has surprised Europe by an unaccustomed tolerance and meekness in the presence of repeated challenges on the part of the Russian govern

ment.

Pittsburgh Commercial-Gazette (Rep.), September 6. THERE is no reason to doubt that the mass of the Bulgarian people are sincerely devoted to the prince, and that, if left to themselves, he would be loyally sustained

by the army. But since the Czar has made known his wishes and determination in the matter, and since every officer must fear the effects of Russian intrigue, all the manifestations of affection and loyalty which have marked the return of the prince must be largely discounted. Nevertheless, the prince abdicates because he is forced to do so. At the same time he is charitable enough to say that the Czar will not permit him to remain because "his presence is inimical to the interests of the country." In other words, he regards his abdication as preferable to Russian occupation, which was the alternative presented. It would be useless to speculate as to the effects of this new movement. A regency is to be arranged for, but that would probably not last long in the present disturbed condition of affairs. So far as Russia is concerned, the occupation of Bulgaria is the ultimate object, and that will be easier under a regency of the Czar's selection than if Prince Alexander remained. When the proper time comes, a very lame excuse will be sufficient to justify the interference of Russia. The most interesting question now to be considered is the probable action of the powers hostile to Russia now that the prince

has been dethroned.

New York Star (Dem.), September 6. ENGLAND'S perplexity is Ireland's opportunity. Prince Alexander, whisked contemptuously out of Bulgaria by a few military cadets, strengthens the hands of Mr. Parnell in Parliament. English statesmanship is crippled by the condition of Ireland. Her rulers can not act nor speak boldy against Russia while Ireland is unpacified. The idea of a foreign war is absurd until the civil war in an important part of the United Kingdom is concluded by the only treaty of peace which the Irish Nationalists will accept. England can not send any troops abroad when, at any moment, her army may be required to suppress an Orange outbreak at Belfast, or an eviction rebellion in Kerry. There is something sinister in the coincidence that the defeat of the Liberal party at the recent elections was accompanied by a renewal of Russian aggressions. The Russians comprehend the importance of the home-rule issue in its relations to the foreign politics of England, and they deliberately begin to push forward their pawns at Batoum, in Bulgaria, and on the Afghan frontier, while Mr. Parnell gives check to the Queen in the debates upon the speech from the throne. With such a fire in the rear from discontented Ireland, the government of Lord Salisbury can make no satisfactory reply to the aggressive diplomacy of Russia. Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Parnell need no longer threaten to impede all the usual Parliamentary procedure until the Irish question is disposed of, because the whole foreign policy of England now turns upon the state of Ireland.

Baltimore News (Dem.), September 6.

RUSSIA has shown her hand distinctly during the past week. The brutal reply of the Czar to the grovelling and snivelling letter of Prince Alexander told the whole story. It was a great pity the young soldier, who had won such laurels and shown such manliness heretofore, should have debased and degraded himself by writing such a slavish and hypocritical screed as he did to the Czar, and the offensive and angry reply of the latter was well deserved. But the correspondence betrays the greedy and unscrupulous Russian, the insolence of the royal ruffian. On its face and between its lines can be plainly read, "I planned to burglarize your house and at the point of the pistol rob you of your throne; I kidnapped your person and sent you out of the state while I stole your possessions; but you have thwarted my scheme of robbery and spoliation by returning and now, since treachery has failed, I give you warning that I am going to rob and if necessary to murder you openly." Being the Czar of a great empire, and the object of the contemplated larceny being a little kingdom, there will doubtless be framed by syco. phants some soft, polite and inoffensive name for a crime like this. It will be conquest, or rectification of the map of Europe, or the readjustment of frontiers, or something equally respectable and euphonious. But to an honest man it will be regarded a cowardly and infamous act of assassination and robbery, the perpetrator and the abettor of which should be hanged like other thieves.

Springfield Republican (Ind.), September 6.

PRINCE ALEXANDER has veritably announced his intention of resigning the throne of Bulgaria into the hands of the people, on the simple ground that the independence of the country can not be insured in any other way. His speech was marked by devotion to the interests of Bulgaria and gratitude for the support of the Bulgarian army, and the officers remonstrated with him on his determination, urging him to remain and go forward, and pledging him their fidelity. But he remained of the same mind, saying, "The independence of Bulgaria requires that I should leave the country. If I did not Russia would occupy it." He proposes, on consultation with the chief army officers, to establish a regency. Undoubtedly some will characterize his act as cowardice, but there seems no reason to doubt that it is his honest conviction that there is no alternative except war with Russia. That he hopes to avoid by removing himself. Perhaps he is in error. It may be that Russia will just as much resent the independent attitude of Bulgaria after he is gone; and in that case his personal sacrifice will have been made in vain, and will at the same time have deprived the country of his services just when they would prove most valuable, but it is reasonable to believe that he is acting from his honest judgment. The present temper of the Bulgarian army, at least, is bitterly against Russia.

Brooklyn Union (Ind.), September 6.

THE National Assembly, which has been summoned to meet next Saturday, will probably have the formal privilege of choosing Alexander's successor. The Czar is said to have provided against any trouble on this score by indicating as his choice a member of the Oldenburg family, now in the Russian service, apparently the Duke Alexander, who commands the first brigade of Cavalry of the Guard. His "electon" would be very nearly equivalent to a formal transfer of Bulgaria to the government of Russia. How important a step this would be toward the closing of the Muscovite grip on Constantinople, a glance at the map will readily show. The Black Sea is virtually a Russian lake already, and the addition of Varna to the ports open to Russian ships of war, would mark another advance toward the

complete Russianizing of the Euxine. The powers which signed the treaty of Berlin, have put up with a good deal in the way of Russian disregard of the letter and spirit of this treaty already, and it is hard to say how much farther they may be disposed to go without offering more than a formal protest. To make Bulgaria a mere Russian province would certainly not simplify the problem of the partition of Turkey. On the contrary, it would suggest the growing nearness of the time when the ultimate settlement of the Eastern question will be effected amid fire and slaughter. New Yorker Staats-Zeitung (Ind.), September 7.

[Translated for PUBLIC OPINION.]

THE abdication of the Battenberger is still in the foreground of international political discussion. On all sides, people are endeavoring to discover an explanation of this unprecedented, and, in the highest degree, unexceptionally surprising event. Some make England responsible for it, whilst English channels of information ascribe it to Bismarck's express advice; others see in a sudden moral and physical weakness of Alexander the basis of his extraordinary resolve. The fact that one is obliged to rest upon the absolutely ludicrous explanation last mentioned, suffices to indicate the difficulty of every endeavor to discover a plausible reason for his act. The fact, however, stands as indisputable that it is in obedience to the wish of Russia alone that the Battenberger has been compelled to yield; and no one doubts that, to-day, neither England nor Austria, nor even Germany herself, dare venture resistance to the will of the Russian. The only question which remains to consider is whether the Russian dictate originated merely in the personal hatred of the Czar toward the prince, or the practical desire of Russia to remove out of the way the greatest obstacle to her absolute supremacy in Bulgaria.

New York Evening Post (Ind.), September 6.

THE positive announcement that Prince Bismarck has recommended Prince Alexander to abdicate is the only thing that will adequately explain the abdication. As our cable correspondent says, Prince Alexander must have known for a great while that Russia wanted to get him out of Bulgaria. So that, if it was Russian hostility only he feared, he would not have come back after his kidnapping experience. Moreover, if there had been in his own mind any doubts as to the loyalty of the Bulgarian people, he would not have come back either. Therefore, if Prince Bismarck had not advised him to go, his conduct would be most mysterious. What the arrangement is which leads Austria and Germany both to sacrifice him to Russia it is hard to say as yet. Austria has the strongest possible interest in not allowing Russia to cross the Balkans, and it has always been understood to be Bismarck's policy to keep the road for her open to Constantinople, so as some day to get her wholly out of Germany, and set her up as a Slav power. It is, therefore, not likely that either Austria or Germany anticipates any serious increase of Russian power in the Balkans as a result of sacrificing Prince Alexander. It may be an attempt to satisfy Russian amour propre by what seems to Bismarck a very petty concession. Brooklyn Eagle (Dem.), September 6.

PRINCE ALEXANDER, of Bulgaria, continues to share with the devoted city of Charleston the uncomfortable distinction of being the prevalent-one can not say ruling or reigning in the light of Saturday's occurrence-sensation of the day. The two earthquakes, political and social, have not a few features in common, the most salient of them being their unexpectedness and their revelation in parts of the world unsuspected of seismic tendencies. The parallel holds still further in the recurrence of the shock and the general confusion which has been brought about. But there it ends, for whereas every hour increases in a geometrical ratio the number of theories advanced to account for the material earthquake no sane person pretends to look for any other than the most obvious to explain the political revolution. The one was preceded by a fearful rumble, while the other owes its existence to the welcome ruble. The subterranean forces of the Czar are oc cult only to those whose blindness is voluntary; the hand of this particular earth shaker, unlike his Jovian prototype's, is distinctly visible. How far the convul sion is to extend is the question now debated with the utmost seriousness, since the after effects are plainly capable of making the whole civilized earth vibrate. Boston Globe (Dem.), September 6.

IT is a matter of very little importance whether Alexander stays up or comes down so far as he is concerned. The matter is chiefly interesting as showing up the great actors in the play behind the scenes. England, which by every consideration of justice and the dignity becoming a great power should protect Alexander, is faltering behind the fence. Austria waits to see what England will do, while Bismarck squints cunningly at all the parties, intent on holding the windward tack at all events. Meanwhile the sick man of Turkey is out of the fight and has nothing to say. It it evident that Russia is the standing terror of Europe. Bismarck has long known this, and would gladly find an opportunity to crush her. All that is wanting is a first-class fight; but all the great powers hesitate to knock the chip off the other's shoulder. One of these days the diplomatic beasts will fasten into each other's flanks in earnest, and then there will be a rattling of bones and an upheaval of things in general that will change the whole face of European civilization. One would say that it can not come too soon were it not for the ghastly scenes that must attend it. When the empires get each other by the throat

the people may get a chance to abolish them altogether.

New York Times (Ind.), September 7.

DURING the last five years Prince Bismarck has given many indications of his willingness to see Russia go southward, provided Austria would go with her, reaching Salonica and the Ægean as Russia arrived at Constantinople and the Bosphorus. Such an arrangement would, of course, involve an enormous extension of the Austrian dominions in the Balkan peninsula, not impossibly including Servia and Macedonia as well. But this would be an extension away from the German border, and the prince may easily believe that it would bring weakness rather than strength to Austro-Hungary. It would certainly vastly increase the difficulty now existing in the government of that empire arising from variety of races in the

population. It would loosen the ties that bind the strictly German provinces to Austro-Hungary, and hasten the time when it would be possible to draw or snatch them to the vast Teutonic realm which Bismarck has established but has not completed. And it would tend to transfer to Russia and Austria the chronic danger of war which it has been one of the chief aims of the prince to avert as between Russia and Germany. In such a scheme Austria would, of course, see only the fulfilment of its latest and most cherished design.

New Orleans Times-Democrat (Dem.), September 5.

THE European press-English, French, German, and Austrian-is unanimously of the opinion that the lately-returned Prince Alexander, of Bulgaria, has destroyed all his chances for the future and assured his abdication by his unfortunate letter to the Czar. Prince Alexander has proved himself a courageous and able leader for the Bulgarians in the field but a very poor diplomatist. He has certainly never studied American politics and learned the fatality of writing letters. Had he read up on the last Presidential campaign and learned how fatal to the cause of Blaine were those unfortunate epistles to "My Dear Fisher," he would have been saved the mistake of writing to the Czar that humble letter which afforded so fine an opportunity for an imperial rebuff and which made inevitable his own deposition and ruin. There is no art more fatal to the diplomatist and politician than letterwriting. It killed General Scott for the Presidency, it defeated Blaine and half a dozen others. The shrewd politician of the future will put nothing on paper and avoid the mistake of the Bulgarian prince. When he falls as he must-history will record him as a young man of nerve and considerable military ability, but a poor diplomatician and a bad letter-writer.

Hartford Times (Dem.), September 6.

PRINCE ALEXANDER has abdicated again. The Russian note informing him that the Czar was not pleased at his return appeared to end his reign; and when Germany sent word to him, Sunday, that he had only ten days to stay in Bulgaria and that he must retire in that time in order to " fulfill the desire of Germany and Russia," his fate was sealed. England appears to be left out of the question, and her public journals are bitterly denouncing the bold act of Russia and the subserviency of Germany to the Czar's decree. The position of Germany seems to be anomalous. She advised the prince to write that humiliating letter to the Czar which he curtly and almost brutally spurned. Then Germany turned to the other side and gave the prince ten days to get out, “to meet the wishes of Germany and Russia." Now Germany don't care a straw for Bulgaria. But she has feared an alliance between France and Russia. To conciliate Russia and make friendly relations with her, Germany readily takes sides with the Czar in the Balkan controversy. This gives Russia full swing there in spite of the ill-feeling of England and Austria. The interesting question now arises, can England remain quiet very long under this state of things?

Baltimore Sun (Ind.), September 7.

THE abdication of Prince Alexander immediately after regaining his throne is believed to be due to intimations from Berlin and Vienna that an independent Bul garia was not included in the policy discussed and adopted at the recent Gastein conference. This policy, it is said, contemplates with equanimity the absorption ultimately of Bulgaria into Russia, and the unopposed advance of the Czar to Constantinople, provided Austria-Hungary, by way of compensation, is permitted without opposition to annex Bosnia and Herzegovina and extend her territory to the Mediterranean at Salonica. The consent of Servia to this arrangement is said to be already assured and Greece may be counted upon to aid in the spoliation of the Turk. Berlin and Vienna have no great interest in helping England to keep Russia out of Constantinople, feeling that the latter power, after attaining the wish of centuries, will be more vulnerable than she now is. Prince Alexander's conception of the role of Bulgaria being inconsistent with a policy based on these ideas, and his people being too weak to fight Russia with success, it is held to be best for them that he should abdicate at once, and permit some more pliant spirit to take his place.

New York Mail and Express (Rep.), September 7.

ALEXANDER, of Bulgaria, is a man of slow perceptions, a somewhat thick-witted prince; but he does perceive at last that the primary condition of prosperity for the ruler of a Balkan province is to be on good terms with the Emperor of Russia. If Alexander had kept this fact in view from the first, he would never have had any trouble. If he had comprehended his relation to what was going on when, the other day, he was so softly lifted across the frontier, he would not have made his position ridiculous, as it is now. As a prince who was the victim of violence and a midnight conspiracy, there was a certain heroic interest in his case, and the world could sympathize with him. As a prince returning to an enthusiastic nation he loomed up somewhat grandly even, and appeared likely to become of moment in the world as the founder of a militant monarchy, around which some of the vigorous elements of the Byzantine Empire might group themselves for new chapters of Oriental history. But as a prince spurned by the imperial foot that he endeavors to kiss, and prepared to depart tranquilly from the throne to which he had just returned with so much clamor, he is not a figure of first-class dignity.

Philadelphia Record (Ind.), September 7.

WHAT Course England may pursue is problematical. Her desertion of Prince Alexander at a most critical moment, and without a word of protest, was a most reprehensible act which could only be justified by her fear to stir up any foreign complications in the presence of troubles and perplexities at home. But her very silence has produced an effect which she certainly never expected. A few firm words from her might have altered the complexion of affairs, or at least have given a check to the autocratic Czar's schemes. It is useless for England to lay the flattering unction to her soul that anything which increases Russia's interest and absorbs her attention in Europe will divert it in some measure from Asia, and that on account of this England will have more time in which to make her own

arrangements to counteract Russian machinations there. The near completion of the Transcaspian railroad, which has been built by Russia, uniting the oases of Turkestan, ought to teach England that Russia has not abandoned her advance on Central Asia, and that the present move in Bulgaria is undoubtedly only the forming of another link in a vast chain of prospective conquest.

Brooklyn Times (Rep.), September 6.

WHAT will be the result of Alexander's voluntary retirement? Will the Bulgarians quietly acquiesce in the appointment of a docile servant of the Czar to rule over them, or will they resist and trust to the intervention of the powers to save them from absorption? Will England and Austria consent to see the nominal independence of Bulgaria destroyed and Sophia converted into a Russian outpost ?These are among the questions that are puzzling the European brain at present. The abdication of Alexander precipitates the crisis. It unsettles everything that was settled by the treaty of Berlin, and revives the gravest complications of the Eastern question in their most alarming shape. The gravity of the situation may be estimated by the reasons advanced for Prince Alexander's abdication. It is not because he mistrusts the loyalty of the Bulgarian people, but because he knows the country is overrun with Russian agents and Russian money, and that his powerful enemy means business. He is in a position to know the earnestness of the Russian purpose, and his retreat from the unequal contest bodes no good to England. New York Tribune (Rep.), September 7.

THIS triumph of Russian diplomacy tends strongly to promote the interests of European peace. The Northern Power regains its influence in Bulgaria without a military march across the Danube that might have opened the way for a disastrous war. The rival sentinels, Austria and Russia, return to the posts of observation in the Balkan to which they were assigned under the treaty of Berlin. If a small self-governing State be overthrown, or its independence be menaced, it is an ulterior loss to general civilization, but an immediate gain in the interest of European peace. As for western Europe, it has ceased to have anything at stake in the Balkan. France, which dragged England into the Crimea, now thinks only of conciliating Russia; and England, while irritated and humiliated by the collapse of Lord Salisbury's efforts to protect Prince Alexander, has no idea of resenting his enforced abdication. "It is Austria's battleground, not ours!" exclaim the cynical London journals. "It matters to her very much what is the strength of Russian influence in the Balkan peninsula. To us it matters comparatively little."

Pittsburgh Chronicle-Telegraph (Ind.), September 6.

A BELIEF exists in government circles at Vienna that the abdication of the prince will not prevent Russia from occupying Bulgaria, a proceeding which Austria must object to in decided terms. Then England must certainly speak, and indeed, act, if she would curb Russia's ambition, and maintain her place in the councils of Europe. The kingdom of Bulgaria was created by the Berlin treaty, at the instance of Beaconsfield, the late leader of the Conservatives, who are again in power, and the prince, Alexander, is connected with the English royal family by the marriage of his brother to the Princess Beatrice. Besides these considerations, the "balance of power," which has so long been deemed of paramount importance to maintain, would be considered in England to be seriously disturbed by such a disintegration of Turkey as the absorption of Bulgaria by Russia. All these things point to a renewal of serious disagreement on the Balkan questions between Russia and the other Great Powers, and the end cannot be foreseen.

Boston Journal (Rep.), September 6.

THE bravery of the young prince is not to be doubted, and if only considerations of his personal safety were involved it is probable that he would assume all risks and remain where he is. But in this case the peace of Bulgaria and the permanence of the institutions which he has so earnestly sought to establish would be in peril. The purpose of the Czar to be rid of him could scarcely have been made more clear if it had been the subject of an imperial proclamation. Alexander's position was isolated. The great powers stood aloof Germany cynical, Austria indifferent, and England unable, even if willing, to assist. By his voluntary abdication, Alexander anticipates by only a few days a policy which would certainly have been forced upon him; and he may reasonably hope to avert, for a time at least, disaster to the Bulgarian people. There have been many crooked and discreditable things in Russian diplomacy, but nothing in recent times which exceeds the kidnapping of Alexander and the events which have followed it.

Chicago Tribune (Rep.), September 5.

MOST beloved and venerated Sire: Humbly thanking your Majesty for kicking me half way across Europe, as I needed the exercise, permit me to assure your Majesty once more of my unalterable devotion to your august person and my sincere joy at being able to return and be kicked again if it is your august Majesty's pleasure to indulge further in such demonstrations of fatherly care toward one who will ever hold the most gracious sovereign of the Russias in loyal and grateful remembrance. ALEXANDER,

You Insignificant Whelp: Nothing but the regard I feel for mankind at large, and the veneration in which I hold the memory of Peter the Great, restrain me at this moment from jerking you bald-headed.

Thanks, most gracious Sire.

New York World (Dem.), September 7.

THE CZAR. ALEXANDER.

IN the vain hope of averting war between Austria and Russia Bismarck is making one concession after another to the latter-concessions which must necessarily constitute a severe sacrifice of his well-known and rigid notions as to the sacred character of international treaties. He has advised the abdication of the Bulgarian figurehead. The terms of Germany's alliance with Austria bind him to help that power in case of war, and whether it be on account of possible eventualities in France, or in consequence of the deep-rooted aversion of the old Emperor