The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-23

SOFIA, Sept 22-Within forty-eight
hours the question of peace or war prob
ably will be settled, according to authori-
tative opinions here. Premier Petroff had
an interview this morning with Ali Ferrugh
Bey, at which the whole situation in Mace
donia was discussed. AS a result of this
conference a much better feeling prevailed
and confident hopes are expressed that a
satisfactory adjustment will be reached.
This view is strengthened by a report from
Constantinople to the effect that the coun-
Gil of ministers, after some discussion, is
within measurable distance of an agree
ment 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 a discussion
an understanding was practically reached
that Turkey should guarantee the safe pro-
lection Of the refugees and take steps to
reinstate them in their homes. The general
effect of these conferences in CONSTANT
nople and Sofia has induced a much more
hopeful feeling here, although in Balkan
affairs it is always possible that the next
days happenings may change the entire
The War Ministry has taken steps to
strengthen the Bulgarian frontier forces,
and it is reported that troops will occupy
all the commanding positions, thus making
1t almost impossible for bands to cross the
frontier. Some regiments of the Second
and Third Divisions have been ordered to
Adrianople frontier where the Turkish have
massed strong bodies of troops.
Revolutionary bands are reported to be
active in the district of Rasloug, province
of Sores, where they hold all the mountain
toward Salonica.
Ten thousand refugees from the district
| of the Losengrad arrived at Burgas during
| the last three days, according to official
| advices.
| Following is resume of the position of
the TurcO-Bulgarian negotiations:
| The Porte recently manifested a DISPOSE
| ton to consider proposals for direct un-
Outstanding and Bulgaria advanced the fol-
| lowing conditions: First, the Porte to grant
general amnesty and stop the persecution
| of the Bulgarians In Macedonia; second, a
| mixed commission to be formed, the Bull
garian members of which should DE norni-
mated by the Bulgarian exarch and never
be In minority on the commission, to elab-
! crate administrative reforms, arrange fol-
| an extension of local administrative auton-
omy. insure the safety of the highways
| and the equality of Christians and Mussul.
mans before the courts, reform the taxa
ton and gendarmerie and provide for per-
sonal security.
/ After the accomplishment Of these tasks
the commission. which probably would sit
| at Salonica, would become the council OF
| the Inspector general and would depute one
of its Bulgarian members to report to the
| Sultan on the progress of affairs. Bull
| garia also asked that the burned villages
| be rebuilt with government assistance the
/ refugees repatriated and an especial ordin.
| ance issued providing for the organization
| and administration of the Bulgarian schools
| and churches.
These proposals seems to have been &C.
| cepted in principle, although nothing def.
| mite has yet been decided. Even in the
| event Of an agreement being arrived at
proofs Of the faith would be required as
| guarantee of the execution of the reforms
| and if not forthcoming the Macedonians
| would continue their agitation
| A list complied from official sources is
| published giving the names of and details
| regarding twenty-three villages in the dis
| trict Of Malkoternovo, eighteen in the dis.
| trict of Kilk-Kilisse, four in Vasiliko anC
three in Vezene which have been the scenes
| of pillage, murder and outrage by Turkish
| troops.