The Wilmingtonian., 1886-09-04
Russia or Germany.


1t is possible any moment now that we
may again hear of European orders for
American rifles and reyolvers. The rumble
of war thunder is heard again on the Conti
nent German and Russian diplomats are
disagreed as to who shall occupy the Bull
garian throne-a Hohenzollern or Roman
off.
What shall follow tine recent abdication.
or more exactly speaking, abduction of
Prince Alexander of Bulgaria, is but con-
tention between De Giers and Bismarck for
German or Russia prestige. The Bulgarians
and the Bulgar army has declared as unit
for the restoration of their stolen king.
The interesting question is will Russia toll
crate such sDubbing, as she richly de-
serves for her base intrigue in this recent
bit of European history, in the very probable
restoration Of Alexander. That prince if he
be allowed to re- ascend the Bulgarian
throne cannot be otherwise than in the fu-
ture intensely opposed to the Cars govern
ment. His people though of the same Sav-
onic extraction as the Russians have now
suddenly faced round and become bitter
haters of that country.
Russia's move has been a most unfortu-
nate one for her great pan-Slavic theories.
Her name is now detested upon the Balkan
Peninsula.
The great plan of the Russian chancellor,
De Giers, that that has been handed down
from previous chancelors of the Empire,
Gortschagoff and Ignatieff was to combine
all Slavonians in one unified nationality. 1t
comprehended the idea of binding together
Roumanians, Bulgarians, Roumeliaus and
other trans Danubian nationaities as vassals
in the Czar in order that the great dream of
Russian diplomacy, namely the acquisition
of Constantinople might be realized by the
facility of the subtle argument Of racial
affinity.
But Russia's specious methods and trick
cry in Bulgaria has set all the little king.
doms of the Balkan peninsula on the alarm.
They perceive the Russian policy and now
fear for their own independence.
They have once tasted the sweets Of ma
! tional independence and are unwilling to be
tempted to put themselves in yoke under the
Gar. 1t cost most of them almost a CEN
tury Of warfare and internal disturbance to
gain freedom from servituds to Turkey.
That slavery is too recent in their minds to
allow them to tolerate anything less than
entire freedom.
They are now jpiuing hands and giving
all their sympathy to their neighbors the
Bulgarians in opposition to Russian in.
timidation.
Alexander of Bulgaria has received an
ovation throughout Germany. He is the
present pet of the German army. Bismarck,
whatever his policy may be cannot ignore
these facts. Nor can the Russian govern.
ment. The voice OF the German people and
that of their army may when combined be
stronger than that of Bismarck.
1t has happened before this in European
countries that the Premier finds it necessary
to bow to the confessed popular wish.
The German ovation to the dethroned
prince has formulated his misfortunes into
German grievance. Bismarck may be
compelled to consider it so. If forced to
act upon this line it would put the two en-
pires into direct conflict. German soldiers
and their officers are sanguine to try their
military meltle with the soldiers Of the
Gar. 1t has been their dream day and
might for two decades For such a terrific
clash of arms they are thoroughly prepared,