Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-01-24
BURLEiGH \ FLYNT, Pubs,
Augusta, Maine.
The War Signs What Does Russia
Want

The peace of Eastern Europe does not
seem fully assured. The stormy petrol
hovers over the palaces of the Gar, and
Austria and Germany li-tru-t Russian
promises. The vast armies Of the three
empires are rapidly being placed in rradi-
ness for immediate possible campaigns GA
gigantic scale. six or eight army corps
have advanced into III" Western provinces
of Russia, and others have marched in the
direction of South Eastern Europe. Aus
tria-IIungarv has matched these move
mcnts of her contingent enemy by send
ing large armies to their Eastern frontier,
aud Germany stands ready at day signal
to put in motion her tremendous military
machine to support her allies against the
armies of the rowcrthati is widely regarded
rs menace 10 European nationalitics.
What does this threatened war between
these mighty nations mean? What i it all
about? The ostensiblc and immediate
bone of contention appears to he, who
shall rule Bulgaria: This country former
ly was ruled by Turkey. Russia aided in
her liberation, aud wishes to be her real
ruler. Bulgaria aspircs to rule herself.
The Berlin Conference guaranteed her in
dependence. bulgaria is small country.
of $4,000 square miles and about 2,OnO.0O
of population. and Eastern Roumclia.
which properly should he united with
Bulgaria, has l3,50o square miles of
territory and a population of $4,000, of
which $50, 600 are Bulgarians. From the
year $50 to l0ls, and again from 1876 to
1850, Bulgaria was an independent king
dom. Russia with her 100 900. 900 of pco-
pie and vast territory cares little for this
limited country and population, except
that il lies across the road which Russian
armies wish to pass to gain possession of
Constantnoplc and of the BoSphoru>.
The natural allies of Bulgaria are NcrNia
with u 600 square miles and 100000
population. and Roumania with $500
square miles and population of 1,l0o,- /
600. Here are more than 100000 of
people. whose liberation from Turkey /
Russia largely aided and who do not wish
to be swallowed up in the dominionS of
the Gar. II is the policy of Germany,
Austria, and England to help these little
nations maintain their independence and
to contribute effectively to prevent the T
domination of Russia in Eastern Europe. +
Thus the icalousies of the four great EN-
pires serve rs shield to little Bulgaria, I
as the iealousies and rival interests of
Germany. France, and England :re the /
security of Belgium and Holland. Russia /
means. Mt the first available opportunity, /
to relieve herself of the obligations of the
Treaty of Berlin, rs she did of the treaty /
stipulatons imposed on her by +
the Allies at the close of the
Crimean war. The generals. the
armies, the diplomatists, and the imperial /
ruler of Russia remember that they were
compelled to yield the coveted advantages
of San Stephano by the pressure of Eng
land. Germany and Austria. Hence the
Car is constantly interfering in the af-
fairs of Bulgaria. and wants no prince or
statesman there TO be successful except
under Russian inspiration and control.
Therefore she is likely TO make the at
fairs of this small but spirited people. the
ostensble reasons for the beginning of
hostilites if war is really at hand. There
are still strong probabilities that the peace
of Europe may be maintained despite the
numerous fears and the darklv threaten
ing clouds.