The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-06-17
TURKEY AND ENGLAND.


TURKEY AND ENGLAND.
While Turkey IL deferring action on the
treaty of peace and putting OF the powers
from day to day, It II at the same time
strengthening the army to "a enormous
extent. 1t Is reported that $4,000 Aauser
rites have been pur. hased and the army
war footing raised to 7oo,oO men, The
Mauser rifle Is the German weapon, which
has recently been adopted, and Is said to
be one OF the most deadly weapons ever
welded by soldiers. Twenty new cavalry
regiments have been formed In the Salon
lea and Elassona districts. Gen. Miles
pays a high compliment to the Turkish
army, declaring that the troops are flne
lot Of men. His Judgment in this respect
Is better than II can be as to the Qualifca-
tfons Of Edhem Pasha or Of the coast de-
lenses Of Austria, Italy and France, be-
cause as TO all these data he had TO de-
pend upon information. but he had an OPP
portunity OF inspecting the Turkish troops
and could form his own opinion.
There Is no doubt that Abdul Hamid Is
determined 10 maintain his position In
Greece, and will there challenge the pow
ers. In no other way can his actions IL
strengthening the European army and
continuing to call to arms the reserve OF
his Asiatic provinces be explained. The
expense must be enormous. and In the
present condition Of the Turkish treasury
there will be great difficulty In meeting 1t,
even If Greece should be compelled to pay
the large indemnity demanded by Turkey.
The government of the sultan would not
take such risks unless IL was satisfied OF
the cooperation of one OF the other great
powers, and that power must be Ger
many.
England foresees what the probable end
of all this warlike preparation must be.
The great channel squadron has been sent
around into the Mediterranean, and while
part Of 1t is controlling the straits of Glib
raitar the remainder is patrolling the
route thence to Malta. where an immense
amount OF stores OF every kind. alto
gether out of proportion to the wants OF
the ordinary garrison, has lately been ac-
cumuiatsd. Turkey responded to this by
sending her fleet out through the Darda-
nelles. The British troops at Malta and
Gibraltar have been increased to such an
extent that within forty-eight hours
probably an army corps OF from 35.edo to
10 go could be landed on the coast Of
Greece or Of Turkey or Of Egypt.
II war should break out between Tur-
key and England the possession of Egypt
would be as much in controversy as the
possession OF Thessaly. and England
would endeavor to make 1. very decisive.
From dispatch which comes from st.
Petersburg 1t is learned that the Indian
squadron OF the English navy has been
summoned from its station TO the Red sea.
and has taken up its stand of Suez. Yet
these powerful squadrons are inferior to
the ordinary Mediterranean fleet OF Great
Britain. which is the largest and heaviest
ever assembled In those waters. In addi-
ton to these forces. too England is busy
fitting out a flying squadron. as II Is cali
ed. an auxiliary made up OF fast-sailing
vessels. to be sent from place to place as
occasion requires Replying to an inquiry
made In the French legislative body few
days ago NJ. Hanotaux very significantly
intimated that some OF the deputies did
not appear to realize what an immense
naval power England is.
II tho French fail TO realize IL. the en-
peror OF Germany. who Is surrounded by
able naval and military advisors. does
not. That knowledge accounts for the
frantic efforts he is making 10 increase
the strength Of the German navy. All
signs indicate get determination on the
| part OF Turkey 20 assert herself once more
| IN the councils of Europe and Germany
| is undoubtedly urging that on. England
| is as determined that Greece shall not De
| deprived OF any territory. or that Egypt
shall be again brought into subsection to
| tha Turks. IL may be accepted as certain
! that IL England has succeeded in frsur-
ing the neutrality OF Russia there will be
| very determined attitude taken by Eng
| land. and the war Will be g. battle OF
| giants. Unless Turkey receaes there must
| lie war. because England is perfectly con-
| scloas Of the purpose Of the German en-
! rsvor. and viii not permit the struggle 70
/ he postponed until the German navy is re-
| lnforred. AL depends upon the under.
/ standing between England and Russia.
/ -