The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-04-01

they admit that M. Rlstics has difficult
game to play between these two great pow
ers. but in another sense the game is easy,
as Servla Is protected by their mutual jeal-
enviOus fear existing between the two great
powers VIII undoubtedly result in an overt
act by one or the other which will precipi-
tate the war so long dreaded. Both powers
are continually strengthening their frontier
forces, and at present each has an immense
army ready TO move at moments notice.
Because nve-slxths OF the present Servlan
Parliament are Radicals a number of the
vlennese statesmen assume they are
also "Russophiles," and that the Radicals
tirely wiped out at the last election, were
mainly preOccupied with measures for
quickly and effectually handing over their
country to the Russians. This is great
mistake, but it may yet be made pretext
for Austrian interference in Seryian affairs.
The fact is the Servians have no special
affection for Russia, and certainly have no
desire to be merged in the Russian empire.
What they do care about is reunion with
the scattered millions of the Servian race
They may be willing to give up all hope of
Croatia and Montenegro. but they decidedly
want Bosnia, Herzegovina, Novi-Bazar and
part OF Macedonia. They regard Austria as
their enemy. because Austria has occupied
| gOvina. and has pushed forward a wedge
| between Servia and Montenegro by her ad-
vance to Novi-Bazar.
The feeling is but natural on the part of
| the Servians, as there cannot be the faint
| est doubt that the chief, though not the
| only, motive of the Austrian government in
| the adoption of this forward policy was to
strangle the greater Servia in its cradle.
| Austria did not want a new, strong and
| compact state to be created on her frontier,
| and so set herself at work to make any such
state impossible. Whether her interest
| really demanded any such interference is a
| point on which it is possible to hold two
| opinions, but there can be no doubt that
| even If she gained any advantage by her
| forward policy, it is an advantage for
which she has had to pay.
! The Servians are neither Pan-Slavs nor
"Russophiles." but they are undoubtedly
| Pan-Serbs and anti-Austrian, and these
only by ex-King Milan's steady influence,
the manipulatiOns of elections, and the
! natural fear of great and powerful neigh
Dor.
The great interest of the present situa-
| tion is that these causes have now very
largely become imperative. The Servians
do not like Austria fOr. the excellent
reasons above mentioned. They further
think that they are exploited by her, which
| is quite true. TwO-thirds of the total Ser
| Wan trade is done with Austria, and NJ
Ristics's first term of Office came to an END
because he resigned rather than yield to
the demands made by Austria in the treaty
hate another more than the belief, well ol
ill-founded. that it is being commercially
| exploited for the others benefit, without
corresponding advantage to itself.
The geographic position of Austria could
| not but have at all times secured to it
great and legitimate influence in Servia
In striving for more she has endangered
l everything.