New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-16
PETROFF NOT ALARMED
Bulgarian Premier Thinks ReUoh
VII Soon Cease.

Sofia, Aug 15-Premier Petroff has Just re-
turned from visit to the Macedonian frontier
where it touches the district of Dubnitza and
takes a somewhat optimistic view of the sit
uation in Macedonia He believes that the out
break will be confined to the vilayet of Monas-
tir, where the Turks will probably succeed In
suppressng the instruction.
Regarding the reports that Bulgaria was re-
sponsble for the outbreak. he pointed out that
the centre of the disturbed area at present was
nearly two hundred miles from the Bulgarian
frontier, and was separated from it by country
largely inhabited by Turks. Consequently, he
said, 1t was foolish to say that the movement
was aided by bands from Bulgaria, and that it
was equally unreasona bic to suggest that the
arms Of the insurgents came from Bulgaria. AS
a matter Of fact, he said. the guns used by the
rebels were all of French manufacture and
most Of them had been bought from Turkish
officers and men, who, receiving no pay. had re-
sorted to the sale Of their guns and ammunition
to obtain money.
The instruction, he said. was entirely a
national Macedonian movement organized by
the Macedonian Internal Committee. which in
itself was proof of the shocking condition of
affairs due to the excuses of Turkish soldiers.
who. the pretext of searching for arms
tered Macedonian villages to plumber and de-
stroy.
The situation in the villages was rendered
more desperate by the refusal of the Turks to
permit the unemployed to depart in order to
cure work elsewhere. This goaded the popula-
ton to the most desperate measures. Premier
Petrof declared that the Bulgarian Government
doing its utmost to maintain peace. He
said
Not only is the frontier carefully guarded to
prevent the crossing of individual bands, but
rigid inspection also exists at interior points,
and it is absolutely certain that no bands, large
or small, are passing the frontier at this time.
few individuals may Of course, be crossing.
Bulgaria now, but should the unexpected hap
pen and a massacre of Bulgarians occur, or
should the movement assume alarming proper
lions, the population of Bulgaria would naturally
become greatly excited, and. while the govern
ment is most anxious to maintain peace it would
OF course, be forced to consider Bulgarian pop
ular sentiment. Thus a most critical situation
might arise It appears now, however, as if the
movement would be confined, Notwithstanding
the reports of it's extension.
NJ. Petron said that the Turks were pouring
overwhelming forces into Monastir. and that
they were sufficient not only to suppress the
present rising but to destroy the entire revoIu-
tionary movement unless the powers interviewed
to prevent Turkey from taking rigorous meas
ures Upon the whole, the Premier believed
there was no immediate cause for alarm. On
the contrary, he was of the opinion that the sit
uation will soon change for the better.
An enthusiastic meeting of Macedonian syrnpa-
thiZers was held here this afternoon at which
resolutions were adopted in favor of arousing
sentiment in the country in favor of bringing
pressure to bear upon the Bulgarian Govern
was appointed to collect money 10 aid the in
surgents