The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-12-05
TESTING PUBLIC SENTIMENT
Many RumOrs Regarding Turkey and
the Powers started for a Purpose.

Downright, 1895, by the Associated Press.)
CONSTANTINOPLE. Dec. g. via Sofia.
Bulgaria Dec. 4.-The Eastern question is
passing through a period OF rumors, set
adrift as ballon d'essai to test the temper
in which this or that movement would be
received by the powers. Thus. a few days
ago. a story was fioated to the effect that
Great Britain had proposed the dismem-
berment of Turkey to Russia and that the
latter had refused to take part in such
a partioning of the Ottoman empire Soon
after this story had been digested IL was
denied from a number OF sources. Then it
was reported that Russia, after the Sultan
had made direct appeal TO the Car. had
consented to waive her demands for an
extra guard ship in the Bosphorus, and
that this had been one OF the causes of
Great Britain withdrawing the Dryad from
the entrance of the Dardanelles after the
Sultan had refused to issue permit for
her to pass in. Lastly, yesterday, after
the meeting of embe ssadors, it was rumored
that Sir Philip Currie, the British embas-
sador, had notified the Porte that Great
Britain gave the Sultan until Saturday next
in which TO issue the tirmans demanded
and that If they were not forthcoming
by that time an extra British guard ship
would pass the straits without the Sui
tan's permission. This report was coupled
with the statement that Italy indorsed the
action of Great Britain in the matter
Some color was given TO it by the unpre-
cedented activity of the Italian arsenals
and by the fact that the runlor was cur
rent at Rome, Berlin, Paris and this city,
but dilgent inquiries here among the dip
lomatic corps and in Turkish government
circles failed 10 obtain confirmation OF
the report. Sir Philip Currie undoubtedly
seems to have made some important COM
munication, the nature of which is not
known TO Tewfk Pasha, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs.
1t was intimated in these dispatches,
however, that there is an era OF surprises,
and it was limited that another one is in
store. This, like all the other forecasts OF
the situation made from here. turns out to
be correct. The Sultan has all along be-
lieved and the palace coterie has been ap-
parently equally convinced. that Russia
would not act in accord with Great Britain
and that therefore Russia. France and
even Germany might be counted on, IL IL
came to decisive crisis. 10 oppose any
active interference on the part OF Greas
Britain in the Turkish empire. In fact.
this belief almost general in the politi-
cal world and all assertions TO the con-
trary were received with polite smiles of
incredulity. 1t became known to-day. how
ever. TO the surprise OF the skeptics, that
Russia is really In accord with the powers.
and that the Sultan need look for no SIM
pathy from the Czar or his advisers in any
thing In any way, tending to thwart the
determination of the pewers to have order
restored throughout the Turkish empire,
and measures taken for the protection OF
the lives and property Of all the Christian
subjects TO the sultan. This news has cast
dismal spell over the iildix Kiosk and