New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-02-23
A BULGARIAN CONSPIRACY
MAJOR PANITZA TO PLAY THE PART OF
BRUTUS.
PROM An OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF TIE TRIBUNE


BRUTCS.
PROM An OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
Vienna, February g.
Strange and alarming rumOrs are circulated
in connection with the latest kilograms from
Sofia Pcssmists predict an early revival OF the
Eastern question, and talk as if the Russian
armies we're in possession Of the Balkans. OF
course the slightest incident in that question may
suffice to light the match destined to explode
the powder barrel upon which Mr.. Gladstone
declares Europe is seated. But there are reasons
TO believe that any serious trouble which may Oc-
cur in the Balkans Will be the outcome Of inan-
cial and commercial questions, rather than of
small political conspracies like the one now re-
ported.
Panitza, once the friend Of Alexander of Bat
tenberg, has now become an agent of the Russian
Panslavsts. lie has taken such an active part
in all Bulgarian upheavals since the revolt which
had led to the expulsion from Rumelia Of the
Turkish Governor in 1883 that he was kept
under the constant surveillance of Prince Ferdi.
nand's police. lie known as personal enemy
of the PREMIER VI. Stamboulon, and on the first
alarm the Premier ordered his brother-in-law.
Colonel Montkouroff, TO arrest the suspected
Major The latter had been seen more often
than was usual in the cafes, where he freely
spent great deal Of money treating his brother
officers and indulging in violent attacks on the
Government.
The police watched him very closely and sue
ceeded in bribing his orderly This however.
was scarcely necessary, for Major Panitza was
most indscrcct in his conversations with his
brother officers, especially in his remarks 70 Major
Botchch. the commander of the regiment Prince
Ferdinand, who threatened to blow his brains
ont if ne did not at once cease his mutinous talk
ing Panitza went then to Major Kissof, the
Governor Of Sofia, and asked him what he would
do in case the whole garrison should revolt and
march on tie palace Of Ferdinand. OF course,
kissof answered that he would do his duty, and
Immediately aftcrward apprsed the GOvernmenu
of Panitza', injuries The latter now
watched with increased stringency. and it was
soon learned that a few young officers met at his
house, and that a plot had been Matched TO take
place on tie occasion Of the next Court ball The
Major was to Kill the Prince, while his accom-
plces were 10 take charge Of, that is also 10
Kill, the Minister'S and then they would take
Possession Of the Government
ON the day before thar appointed for the ball.
Prince Ferdinand gave the War Minister writ
ten order, j. required by the law, TO arrest
Panit2a The ball took place and was brilliant
affair. more than 100 officers attended II. lnclld-
ing those who had been in the habit of attending
th" nocturnal meetings at PanitZas house. lie
bail. which lasted until , in the morning Al
I Pani;za had been arrested: he made no re-
~staucc and quietly followed his friend, tho
CIict Of Police, and the military Governor Of the
city. His papers were searched, seized and all
sorts of stories duplicating the Russian Hoyern-
mcnt are now circulated in regard 10 the docu-
mentS But no positive statement about them
han, rs Yet been received here.
This frustrated conspiracy Is. however. nut or
small importance when compared with the sue
COS, of Prince Ferdinand in floating the Bulgarian
Loan through the I.acudcr Bank and in the con-
clu>i0n Of convention with England. THESE
two proceedings indicate that Prince Ferdinand
considers himself as being quite an independent
sovereign and no longer vassal Of the Sultan.
The Sofa Treasury has, however, hitherto re-
Trained from stopping tho payment Of tribute 70
the Porte for the Province Of Eastern Rumclla.
BIT this will shortly boz terminated. The Turk
i>h Commissioner of Railways in Rumela has
been compelled TO withdraw.