New-York tribune., 1903-09-23
STRONG HOPES OF PEACE.
OUTLOOK IN BALKANS.
The Porte Rejects International
Commission Proposal.

Sofa. Bulgaria. SEPT 22.-wi;h'n forty-eirht
hours the question Of peace war viii prob
ably he settled. according 20 authoritative opin-
sons here. Premier Petrof had an interview
this morning with Ali Feruh Bey. at which the
whole situation in Macedonia was discussed
AS "a result Of this conference n much better
feeling prevails. and confident hopes are ex-
messed that a satisfactory adjustment viii be
reached
This view is strengthened by a report from
corstartinople that the Council of Ministers.
after some days discussion. is within measur-
able distance Of an agreement on the chief
roiuts ar issue.
The following Is the position OF the negotia-
,.o-g. The Porte recently manifested dis
rosfttou 90 consider proposals for a direct un-
de-s,audinE. and Bulgaria advanced the follow
ing conditions
First-The Porte 70 grant a general amnesty
and stop the persecution Of the Bulgarians in
Macedonia.
Se0ori-A mixed commission 70 he formed.
fha Bulls garian members Of which should he nom
mated rv The Bulgarian Exarch and never be
fr 81 minority on the commission. 20 elaborate
admin istr8riHe reforms arrange for extension
Of local administrative autonomy. insure the
Fafarv OF the hiEhWays and the equality Of
Christians and NusSulmans before the courts,
reform the taxation and gendarmerie and pro
vide Tor personal security.
After the accomplishment OF these tasks the
commission. which would probably sit At Salo-
MICA. would become the council Of the Inspector
General and would depute one of its Bulgarian
members 20 report 10 the sultan on the progress
of affairs.
Bulgaria also asked that the burned villages
De rebuilt with government assistance. the refu-
gees rapat-iated. and special ordinance issued
providing for the organization and administra-
tou of the Bulgarian schools and churches.
These proposals seem 20 have been accepted
iu principle. although nothing definite has yet
been decided Even ir the event Of an agreement
be.uc arrived ar, proofs OF good faith would he
required as guarantee Of the execution Of the
reforms. and If not forthcoming the Mace
do1lars would continue their agitation.
A Is- compiled from official sources is pub
Eshe1. giving the names of and details regard
irs tweuty-three villages in the district oi
Nalkoterrovo. eighteen I'm the district Of Kirk
Klisee four in Nasiliko and three in Vezene
which have been the scene Of pilage, murder
and outrage by Turkish troops.
The Premier comp ~lained 70 the Turkish diplo
matte agent ol the situation created by the ar.
rival at BurEas Of thousands of destitute and
starving refugees from the district Of Losen
grad. AH uaderstanding was practically reached
that Turkey should guarantee the protection q
the refugees and take steps 10 reinstate them IL
their homes. Official advices say that ten thou
sand refugees have arrived at Burgas. seventy
SIX miles from Adriarople. in the last three
DAYS
The general effect Of the conferences In Con
stsHt-rople and Sofa has induced a much mor'
hopeful feeling here. although IN Balkan az
taifs IL is always possible that the next day
happenings may change the entire situation
The War Ministry has taken steps q
e-~arrerr1.r FgrTrar-lar7 front forces
is reported that troops viii occupy all The com
uar5ne positions thus making IT almost i'm
possible for bands 10 cross the frontier. Som
regiments Of the Second and Third division
have been ordered TO The AdrisnopIe frontier
whore the Turks have n1assed strong bodies q
troops
revolutionary bands are reported TO he ac
tive Iu tho district q Raslog. province Of Seres
whore they hold all the mountain passes tn
Turkish population is fleeing toward Salonica
Carsranunople. Scot. o2-The Porte. afte
several meetings ~ the Nidiz Kiosk 10 discus
tre Bulgarian proposal shat an internationa
commission he appointed 70 deal with Mace
doria. fas dispatched reply, pointing out tha
considers the mission iutrusted 20 Him
Psrra. the inspector general 10 5e equivalent q
The commission proposed Toy Bulgaria. and add
rc thar f the Bulgarian Government is power
less ra re-estahlish and maintain order anon
its population irs suzerain is always ready p
0or~e ro irr assistance.