New-York tribune., 1901-11-12
RELGARL4N RESPONSIBILITY.

That is q timely warning which Consul Cen
oral Dickinson is reDorted to have given TO the
Rulperian Government 70 the effect that il will
be held responsible for the death Of Miss Stone
in case her captivity shall thus tragically be
ended Technicalities of diplomacy and OF inter
national law aside, there can be little doubt
that such responsibility would in such case be
charged against that government by the general
opinion of the civilized world. That would be
so for two maj jor reasons, either Of which would
alone be sufficient. One is that the kidnapping
was done by a semi-crimnal organization for
the continued existence of which. rs we have
hitherto made plain, the Bulgarian Government
is Inouestionably accountable. The other is
what has been made unhappily plain in the dis
matches of the last few days. namely. that the
Bulgarian Government. by its movements of
troops and in other ways is seriously embar-
RAISING Mr. Dickinson In his efforts for Miss
Stones release and is greatly adding TO the
danger that unfortunate woman is in. Attempts
at sharp practice upon brigands have hitherto
more than once resulted disastrousy, and there
can be no justification for their present renewal.
Doubtless ii IS not pleasant for the bulgarian
Government 70 be charged with responsibility in
tbis matter. But if II wished to keep free from
such unpleasantnesS il should not have cOun-
tenanced but should remorselessy have sup
Having tolerated and fostered that organization,
IT cannot shirk accountability for its acts
Doubtless too. the Bulgarian Government would
like TO do itself whatever capturing Of the brig
ands NAV be done and it may be reluctant to
have the world know all that Miss Stone may
be able to tell concerning her captivity. But no
such desires on its part must he permitted to
interfere with the one paramount duty, which is
the rescue of Miss Stone from captivity and her
restoration 10 friends and freedom safe and
sound. The Bulgarian Government may be In
an embarrassing position, with a revolutionary
movement at home with which 1t would not
dare to take issue If it were inclined, and
with an irresistible foreign power exerting
pressure upon it. Nevertheless, such circum-
stances cannot absolve it from the first plain
duty of a government which is TO govern with
iustice and with authority and to fulfil its inter
national obligations.
A government which has failed TO perform
this duty is Bulgaria's suzerain, Turkey and
the result of such failure has just been seen, TO
the edifcation and pleasure of smost of the
world Turkeys refusal-or failure, it is all
one-to meet just French claims led to the
strongest OF diplomatic action and that fail
ing to action by the militant arm of the
French Government. The effect followed the
cause with startling and gratifying promptness.
A week ago TO-DAY Inc ffencn meet arrived at
Mitylene. On Sunday, five days later, It was
ordered 10 depart thence, with its mission
accomplished Not a gun was fred, unless In
peaceful salute but the work was done as
surely as that at Navarino. There is, of course
no idea anywhere Of proceeding to such
extremes with Bulgaria There is no thought
of there arising any occasion for it. But the
example OF Turkey is profitable one for all
nations which in any circumstances may be
tempted to depart from the strict road Of Jus,
tice and Of fulflment of obligations to their