Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-02-06
EUROPEAN WAR CLOUD.

says The probability of the mainte-
nance of peace in Europe beyond the
next few weeks is less that the probabil-
ity of war; This grave conclusion is
the deliberare judgment of statesmen
and private observers alike who are ac-
quainted with the latest developments
in the crisis in the near East. There
have been perennial war scares over the
Balkan question for many years until
diplomatists, as well as the world at
large, have come to regard the cry OF
wolf with indifference. 1t is impossible
to ignore or belittle the alarming nature
Of the present situation.
The London Times says: "Every
European chancellerie is aware that
there is most imminent danger OF a
revolt in Macedonia on a totally differ
ent scale from the usual disturbances
and an opening-up of questions that
may lead to struggle, the limits and
issues of which wise man will not pre-
tend to forecast. "
The preparations of the Macedonian
revolutionary committee for a general
rising in the spring are so extensive that
it is impossible to keep them secret.
The Sultan's atrocious misgovernment
of Macedonia, despite all warnings and
protests, has at last aroused both the
Christian and Ottoman populations to
revolt.
The Bulgarian government has given
formal assurances that it will do every
thing in its power to avoid interference
in the coming quarrel. 1t is quite be-
yond its power to prevent the Bulgarian
people from crossing the frontier and
making common cause with the Mace
donian revolutionists. Seryia also pro-
fesses its intention to stand aloof, but
there also no governments strong enough
to keep the country long out of the field
after the fighting begins.
1t would have been better, as the
London Times observes, if Europe had
taken the whole population under its
protection, instead ofonly the Christians,
inasmuch as the Ottomans are suffering
equally from the atrocious misrule of the
corrupt governing class.
1t would be unfair, perhaps, to ques-
ton the sincerity of the efforts which
Russia and Austria, as the powers chief
ly concerned, are now making to avert
the crisis. 1t has been decided to press
on the Sultan certain reforms, the prin-
eipal being the appointment of a Chris
tian Governor of Macedonia, with practi-
cally full powers. This concession, if it
could be offered to Macedonia as an ac-
complished fact, even at this late day,
might avert a resolution.
The concert of Europe, as has been
many times demonstrated with appalling
consequences, is a useless machine for
any emergency requiring prompt action.
Moreover, Abdul Hamid has successful
ly resisted its efforts more than once,
when it was unanimously in earnest. 1t
is almost hopeless to attempt to wring
adequate concessions from him now in
time TO induce the Macedonians to aban-
don their revolutionary programme.
1t is clear that this is fully understood
by the powers proposing these reforms,
but Russia and Austria have already
begun massing troops on the frontier
for campaign which they consider in
evitable early in the spring.
There is no doubt that the Gar will
endeavor to divide the spoils of war with
Austria alone. Russian troops are now
massing along the Roumanian frontier.
In all probability they will strike at
once for Constantinople. Austria is
pouring troops into Bosnia, ready to
advance at days notice through the
Sandjak of Novi-Bazar.
The Sultan himself is by no means
idle. He is preparing to put down in
his usual savage fashion any rebellion in
his dominions. There is no doubt of the
result. If, while struggling with the
revolving provinces, Abdul Hamid is
confronted by the troops of Russia and
Austria, the Turk will at last be driven
out of Europe. But what will be the
effect of Russian seizure Of Constanti-
nople? A few years ago it would have
been the signal for general European
war.
This is less probable today, but to
again quote the London Times, wise
man will not pretend to forecast the
limits and issues of the question which
would be opened up. Great Britain
might now content herself with full
sovereignty in Egypt and the Nile Val
lev. All the powers would strenuously
oppose her further ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, but
what about the demands Germany and
France would certainly make for share