The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-09-23
FEELING IS MORE HOPEFUL
Effort to Prevent Rebels from
 Crossing the Border.
Premier Petro6 and Ali Ferub Bey Hold Conference and the
 Entire Situation is Freely
 Discussed.

Sofia, Sept. 22.-Within forty-eight hours the question of peace or war will proba- bly be settled. according to authoritative opinions here.
 Premier Petroff had an interview this morning with Ali Ferub Bey, at which the whole situation in Macedonia was dis cussed. As a result of this conference, a much better feeling prevailed and confi- dent hopes are expressed that a satisfac- tory adjustment will be reached. This view is strengthened by report from Constantinople to the effect that the coun- cil of ministers after some days discus- sion Is within measureable distance of an agreement on the chief points at issue.
 The Premier complained to the Turkish diplomatic agent of the situation created by the arrival at Burgas of thousands of destitute and starving refugees from the district of Losengrad. After discussion, an understanding was practically reached that Turkey should guarantee the safe protection of the refugees and take steps to reinstate them in their homes.
 More Hopeful Feeling.
 The general effect of these conferences in Constantinople and Sofia has induced a much more hopeful feeling here, although in Balkan affairs 1t is always possible that the next days happenings may change the entire situation.
 Hc war IhHlDtIy udb btCpS tO strengthen the Bulgarian frontiers and 1t is reported that troops will occupy all the commanding positions thus making 1t al- most impossible for bands to cross the frontier. Some regiments of the second and third divisions have been ordered to the Adrianople frontier, where the Turks have massed strong bodies of troops.
 Revolutionary bands are reported to be active in the district of Raslog, province 4 4R,n., t>oI . tVS passes. The Turkish population is fleeing towards Salonica. The following is the position of the Turco-Bulgarian negotiations: The Porte recently manifested a dspo- sitien to consider proposals for direct understanding and Bulgaria advanced the following eonaftions: First, The Porte to grant a general amnesty ana stop the persecution of the Bulgarians in Mace donia; second, a mixed commission to be formed, the Bulgarian members of which should be dominated by the Bull garian Exarch and never be in minor ity on the commission to elaborate ad- ministrative reforms, arrange for an ex- l tension of local administrative autonomy. insure the safety of the highways and the equality of Christians and Mussul- mans before the courts, reform the tax ation and gendarmeie and provide for
 
 After the accomplishment of these tasks the commission, which would probably ! sit at Salonica, would become the coun- cil of the inspector general and would depute one of its Bulgarian members to report to the Sultan on the progress of | affairs.
 ! Bulgaria also asked that the burned villages be rebuilt with Government as- sistance. the refugees repatriated and an I especial ordinance issued providing for the organization and administration of the Bulgarian schools and churches. These proposals seem to have been ac- cepted In principle. although nothing def- ifite has been decided. Even in the event of an agreement being arrived at. proofs of good faith would be required as a guarantee of the execution of the
 reforms and if not forthcoming the Mac edonians would continue their agitation. A list compiled from official sources is published giving the names and details l regarding twenty-three villages in the district of Malkoternovo, eighteen in the district of Kirk Kilisse. four in Vasiliko and three in Vezene which have been the scene of pillage. murder and outrage by | Turk@h troops