Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-09-08
THE BALKAN WAR CLOUD.

Russia ana AusIfld HdNS PiOPOSou
that the powers take coercive diplomatic
action at Sofia, with the aim Of seyering
the relations now existing between Bull
garia and the Macedonian insurgents
Germany has assented, but several OF the
powers have objected, and the Russian
and Austrian proposal, it is said, has
probably fallen through.
The Russian and Austrian representa-
tions regarding the necessary action
against Bulgaria reveal the attitude OF
these powers toward Turkey and the
whole Balkan question. They affirm
that Bulgaria has been acting in bad
faith in giving secret countenance to the
insurgents and giving them hope of ul-
innate success, thus rendering Turkey 5
task Of pacifcation more difficult and
delaying yet longer the execution Of the
programme of reform accepted by Tur-
key.
The language of the joint proposal as
sumes that settlement OF the Balkan
troubles is attainable, if Bulgaria is
forced to cut off all connection between
the two sides Of the frontier.
No official confirmation is obtainable
of the Constantinople report that Austria
and Russia will ask the signatories OF
the Berlin treaty to sanction their joint
military occupancy of the disturbed ter
ritories, but such proposal is not con-
sidered improbable.
The Pope's refusal to appeal to the
powers to act save i'll the direction OF
stopping the massacres in the Balkans,
is accepted as evidence that even the
pontiff appreciates the inadyisability OF
Intervention at this time.
Turkey is largely increasing the num-
Der of her troops in Macedonia, in spite
of her depleted treasury, and appears
determined to suppress the revolution be-
fore the powers can intervene.
In the yilayet of Monastir the rising
has been suppressed, the Turks having
bnrned many villages and committed
grave excesses.
War between Turkey and Bulgaria Is
now regarded in COnstantinope as inevi-
table. 1t is even believed that the out
break of hostilties will occur before the
end of September, when the reinforce
ments from Asia will have been cOncen-
trated in Macedonia and in the vilarel
ofAdrianople tits not thought that there
will be any formal declaration of war, in
view of BulgSria's vassal status, but
that some frontier incident will precipi-
tate hostilites.
The Bulgarians and Macedonians re-
siding in Constantinople are in terror OF
massacre. A large number OF them were
arrested few days ago as preventive
measure" and they have not yet been
released. Tie fear of massacre is prob
ably exaggerated although, in view oI
the present excited state of Mussulmar
feeling, an insignificant incident might
perhaps lead to a massacre.
The terrible accounts received regard
ing the conduct of the Turkish troops
have not surprised European circles III
ConstantinOple, but many who have
hitherto been optimistic in their views
now accept the prevailing belief tha
Turkey is on the eve Of catastrophe.
A consular dispatch from Salonic'
says that, according to authentic in
formation, the insurrection in the dis
trict of Monastir has been PRACTICAL,
stamped out Bashi Bazouks assisted th
regular troops in the work of repression
which is said to have been carried on
with ssnguinary ruthlessness, the objec
of the Turks being apparently to ex
terminate not only the Bulgarian inhabi
tants, but all the Christians of whateye
nationality.