The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1889-09-17
THE PEACE OF EUROPE.

Bulgarian Politics Source of Danger
That Note of independence.
The recent report that Bulgaria
has decided to proclaim her indie
pendence, comes by way cf ST. Peters
burg. It may be true or false, but
if true, Russia would probably have
the first knowledge of the fact. Bull
garia is a tributary principality
of Turkey. But by the treaty of
1887 its autonomy was to be pre-
served. The treaty also stipulated
that Bulgaria should have the priv
ilege Of choosing her own ruler.
Prince Alexander was chosen by the
people. It was not necessary that
Russia should approve the choice.
But as soon as it was found that this
ruler was determined to act indie
pently of Russia, the trouble began.
That ruler was at first acceptable to
the Sultan He was finally driven
off by Russia. The present ruler is
Ferdinand. But he has never been
confirmed by Turkey, and is, per-
haps no more acceptable to Russia
than was his predecessor.
The position long ago taken by the
latter power was that no ruler will
be tolerated in Bulgaria that is not
acceptable to Russia. Ferdinand is,
therefore, a ruler by sufferance. He
has threatened to set up as an in
dependent ruler. He is well aware
that he cannot make Roadway
against Russia in his present con
dition, but has been looking for aid
from some of the European powers.
None of those have given him any
encouragement Russia would only
be too glad if some such advances
we're made, as it would furnish just
the occasion desired on her part to
disregard the Berlin treaty.
While Bulgaria is tributary to
Turkey, her influence is far less in
that province than that of Russia
The latter not only drove Prince
Alexander out of Bulgaria, but TO
mented the trouble which resulted
in driving King Milan out of Servia
Milan had Russian wife, who was
intent on promoting the interests Of
the latter. Neither Bulgaria nol
Servia can long maintain ruler
who will not be absolutely subser
Went to Russian interests.
Ferdinand of Bulgaria has an
nounced that he will fight before he
will go. He owes nothing to Tur
key because her support has beer
withheld. Bulgaria, fighting for in
dependence in the face of the Berlir
Treaty and against Turkey, would
make poor show without the help
of Russia. The latter can just nov
point to the grievance that the Der
lin Treaty has been violated by the
liberation of ruler in Bulgaria who
is not lawful one until he has beer
confirmed. The threat to set up al
independent government would be ;
sufficient pretext for a forward move
ment on the part of Russia.
IF the news were confirmed, that
Bulgaria had, or was about to de
clare for independence, Russit
would quickly put the Berlin Treaty
under her feet and move on. Bull
garia and Servia have long been thu
objective point Of view for all who
have been watching the drift o
events toward war in Europe. There
is enough in the present situation t.
stimulate extensive preparations no
only on the part of Russia, but OF
the part of all the other European
powers who are pledged to the main
tenance of the treaty. The situa
} ton is strained But that condition
has been chronic for many years
The difference just now is, that TIL
movements in Bulgaria as we'll as il
Crete diminish the assurance Q
peace. The theory has been accept
: ed that Russia would make no fo1
ward movement until France wa
) ready to cooperate with her. Blu
there is no new evidence that til
latter is ready for any forward move
ment of that kind America
Paper.