Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-07-11
INTENSE SUFFERING SOUTH OF
THE RHODOPE MOUNTAINS.
HORRORS PEKPETRATED BY THE
BuLGARIANS AND COSsACKs.
A SEEMING DESIGN TO EXTERMIN
ATE THE MUssULnEN.
FIFTY-THREE VILLAGES BURNED
AND PLUNDERED.
How the Anglo-ruIkish Treaty il Re.
ceived in English Circles.

LONDON, July 10. The Times Berlin special
says the date for the publication of the Ang To-
Turkish treaty is supposed to have been selected
with Il view to avoid ulterior complications. If
the Berlin peace treaty is signed by Russia, with
the knowledge of the existence of the Anglo
Turkish treaty, the latter cannot hereafter be al
legged by Russia as reason for inpugning the val
ldity OF the Berlin instrument, whereas should
Russia now decline to adhere to the Berlin treaty
unless the treaty is modified tos suit the position
which has supervened since the publ alton of the
ADgo-Turkish treaty, she must prepare for troub-
les that she wished to avoid when going to the
Congress.
1t ls understood the French government Is 60
ing to ask, or has already asked Russia whether
she does not prefer abandoning the idea of Asiaic
annexation, rather than the Cypress treaty car
ried into effect. Should this question be mega
tived, France, it is thought, may adopt 4 more
tive policy.
A Constantinople despatch says Mr.. Fawcett
has returned from Lagos, and reports that in
tense suffering exists among the population south
OF the Rhodope mountains.
The numerous horrors perpetrsted by Bulgari-
ans and Cossacks, and sometimes by regular Rus
sian soldiers, whose design seems to be the exer.
minatiDn or utter dispersion of Mussemen, and
Christians favorable to them.
10 the Rhodope district tifty-three villages have
been pundered and burned by by the Russian and
Bulgarian troops in The last Two months.
Twenty-Five villages have been equally laid
waste and burned in the district Of Hoskiev, and
in Philipopolis district twelve villages have been
burned.
In numerous villages there has been wanton
destruction attended by deeds of unhesriof bar
barity. Cases Of men and women deliberately
burnt alive, have been frequent Nothing more
horrible than the particulars Of this report be
imagined. Its veracty rests the official au-
thority OF one OF the most respected OF Her Aajes
TVS servants aud of men employed by him, upon
his pc rsonal knowledge of their perfect trustwor-
thlness.
Fawcett il tends to lay his report before the
English, Austrian and French ambassadors, with
view 10 sending out a commission of inquiry, TO
endeavor to put end to such crimes, which dis
grace humanity.
Lord Beaconsfeld's coup has thrown into the
shade all other topics, but il is yet too soon to
Judge what direction the current OF public opinion
here and on the continent will take.
The Times Berlin correspondent SAYS when the
Anglo Turkish convention first announced
there, English diplomacy enjoyed a prestige rs il
haa not enjoyed for long time, but later some
dissentient voices are heard. The coup, said some,
Is undoubtedly clever. but it is a question wheth-
er in the long run it will work to the honor and
interest Of England. Others speak of the event
W ith unqualified admiration.
The Times Paris correspondent represents that
public opinion there is about equally divided.
While the press comments very conflicting.
some OF The critics say that France ought to be
satisfied, rs 1t is now shown that England has no
designs on Egypt, while others declare that Eng
land virtually has possession of Egypt in securing
Cyprus.
BERLIN, July 10. 1t is uncertain whether the
subject OF the Anglo-Turksh convention W i'll be
brought before the Congress, but its discussion by
the latter Is not considered improbable. Should
this be the case, it is believed the question will
not raise material difficulties in the Congress. II
is thought, in fact, that discussion of the treaty
will be OF great advantage In promoting under
standing smong the powers.