The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-08-19

Constantinople, Aug. 19.-The Russian
demands on Turkey, growing out Of the
recent murder of the Russian consul at
Monastir M. Rostkovski, were formally
presented at the Yildiz palace yesterday.
Notwithstanding the warning which
Russia addressed to the Bulgarian gov
ernment it is generally believed here that
the Russian naval demonstration in Turk
ish waters will dangerously encourage the
Macedonians, who it is asserted, will in
terpret Russia's action as being the first
step towards Intervention in their be-
half.
The INSTRUMENTATION of the Turkish
troops Is regarded as being one of the
greatest dangers Of the present Balkan
crisis. The lack Of discipline among the
soldiers Is marked. It is found necessary
to humor them to prevent conflicts be-
tween the soldiers and their officers. For
instance a regiment while on the way
from Uskub to Monastir demanded that
the train be stopped at Salonilsi for twelve
hours, instead of for the scheduled half
hour, SO that the soldiers might amusc
themselves in the town. After futile en-
beavers to prevail upon the men to allow
the train to proceed, the officers were
obliged to grant their demand.
INSTRUMENTATION of Troops.
The killing of Bulgarian workmen who
were repairing the railroad track near
Uskub is another grave instance of the
characterization Of the Turkish troops.
Details of the affair show that train load
of Turkish soldiers, soon after leaving the
railroad station at Uskub not only fired
on and killed three Bulgarians who were
at work on the road and left the bodies
lying on the line but some Of the soldiers
left the train and pursued other Bulgarian
workmen to a neighboring station where
the Turks murdered them all In cold
blood.
Consular reports received here from
Salonlki continue to emphasize the danger
of an outbreak of Mohammedan fanatic
ism there. The consular representatives
have asked for protection. and the ques-
ton of again dtspatching warships to
Saloniki is being discussed by the rep
resentatives of the powers.
Dispatches from Turkish sources say
the insurgents have destroyed another VII
lage in Macedonia.
Squadron Due To-day.
The Russian squadron is expected this
afternoon It will lanchor in the bay Of
Miadia off the coast Of European Tur-
key, between Boargas and the entrance Of
the Bosporus, eighty miles from the latter.
The attitude Of Indifference hitherto as
sumed by the Turkish officials towards
Kussia's action is giving way to one of
marked concern. The porte fears that
Russia contemplates making still more
important demands than those contained
in the recent note Of M. Zinoyieff, the
Russian ambassador, such as the appoint
ment of Christian governor general Of
Macedonia. This idea, however, does not
| find support In diplomatic quarters, where
| the conviction prevails that Russia is
working in a full agreement with Austria.
| No resistance Is expected on the part
| Of Turkey to the Russian demands, with
| the possible exception Of the appoint
ment Of European officers to command
! the gendarmerie. This Is likely to arouse
opposition and it is thought Russian an
| ticipation thereof led to the dispatch Of
the squadron, the presence OF which was
hardly required to enforce fulfillment
of the other terms
Fear a Massacre.
| The ambassadors Of the powers have
| again drawn the earnest attention Of the
porte to the fears of massacres at Sa-
loniki and have demanded the adoption Of
| immediate and effective measures for the
protection of the foreign consulates and
the subjects of the various powers.
| Letters received here from Uskub say
there is evidence there Of great feeling
Of unrest. The mosques are guarded by
troops and it is feared they may be at
| tackled
| The monastery Of the Holy Virgin, near
Kitchero, has been burned by Albanians,
after a determined struggle between the
defenders of the monastery and the insur-
gents, during which both sides lost heav-
| lily. Servian refugees are arriving at U.s.
kub from Dibra, having fed from that
| place owing to fear Of a massacre. The
! Albanians in that district have burned a
number Of Bulgarian villages.