The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-05-17

! support the Macedonian revolutionary
cause is hopeless. Turkey IL amply able
to crush any rising, while the avowed
aim to carry on guerrilla warfare and
to incite he Turks to commit QUIT ages
must fail Of its purpose to provoke gym
pathetic interference from any part OF
Europe.
Russia really expests nothing from Tur-
key In the way OF reforms, She has plans
In the Far East which demand her atten-
ton before the settlement Of the Balkan
| question
Moreover. the pursuit OF her ultimate
deAisns in Turkey and the Balkans would
! involve q severe strain OF her alliance with
France. bond which Is already showing
some signs Of weakening. 1t is even pos
sible that Russia Is not without hope OF
reaching come understanding with Eng
land before the fate Of the Ottoman Empire
In Europe is finally decided
| The further development OF pan-Ger-
manic designs and the strong British feel-
ing thereanent might conceivably bring
an Anglo Russian entente within the range
Of practical politics. There 10 undoubtedly
| feeling Of change and reimbursement IN
the political atmosphere of Europe.
The Sultan clearly believe. that the
German Emperor Is his best relianN and
| the coming arbter OF events. Certainly
the Kaiser has shown moro skill In dealing
with Turkey than ever England or any
other Power exhibited. German influence
In Constantinope to-day is remarkably
| strong and is being exploited for all ii il
worth.
There Is nothing more cold -blooded than a
German political friendship Sometimes
this Is recognized instantly and instinct
lively, as recent events familiar to SEN
readers will certify but the Sultan has yet
to discover 1t.
In the matter of the Basdad railway
Germany a gift Of almost incalculable
value. 1t is pity that this great enter
prise cannot be carried out as a purely
commercial undertaking,
II Is asserted in London and some other
uniformed quarters that such line can
not be self-supporting and that it will
never be built except for strategcal and
political purposes, The testimony of
every one in this part of the world who has
any knowledge OF the country TO be ira
versed is precisely the reverse Of this.
No spot on earth is more richly endowed
Win NATURAL RESOURCES.
The Euphrates Valley is the ancient gran
airy OF the world. Its soil 10 richer than
that Of the American prairies. Only the
most rudimsntary planting and harvesting
are necessary for the production Of enos-
NOUS crops,
An American physician who has recently
explored extensively in the unmappsd
portions Of the country tells me 1t rs the
common practice for pea 50 nts to burn great
quantities OF corn and wheat annually.
They keep all they have use for and de-
stroy the rest in order to escape taxation
thereon.
There is abundant mineral wealth in many
sections, including coal, iron. oil, copper,
DC. Bad government and absence Of trans
port have locked up what is really treasure
land for scores Of generations, 1t is quite
possible that political mismana cement will
ruin what u really a commercial oppor-
tunity OF the first magnitude. but the
worla should not he deceived by the sour-
grapes attitude Of the British Government
toward this enterprise.
The decline OF British prestige has been
the most striking development in Con-
stantinople during the past few years. as it
has been in some other parts OF the world.
Yet Britain has been truer friend OF Tur-
key than ever Germany will be. 1t IL
possible that some pending developments
may result in revival OF British influence
here.
1t is believed, with ample reason by
Turkey. however, that Great Britain
would not now fire y shot to keep Russia
out Of Constantinople. There is some con-
hdence that Germany might do SO. There
il no basis whatever for the hope.
1t is the Sultan's intention thoroughly
to subjugate Macedonia, but 10 avoid as
far HI possible arousing European protests
by atrocities. There is no doubt the atrocity
cry will he raised. The Turk Ia a demon
fighter and difficult to control, especially
when engaged in q religious. or holy, war.
He hopes to settle the Macedonian question
much more thoroughly than Russia desires
him TO do.
The day is not very far distant when Russia
will he ready to settle the Balkan question
in her way. To do that it is necessary that
there still shall he a Balkan question 10
settle. IF the Sultan Is a. clever as he
usually shows himself to be, he will make !,
it difficult for Russia TO fnd an excuse for
future interference.
After all. however, the question OF |
cas,is belli does not matter much. The |,
memorable logic OF the situation is that !
Russia must and will seek an outlet to the |!
sea
A, the present moment i, does no; seem |
possible that she can gain her ohjec, except
by bloody duel with the Turk. Whether /
she would he satisfied with a mere gateway !
to the Mediterranean or whether her am |
billions beyond would clash with those Of !
other Powers is larger aspect Of tho ques-
ton to which present information furnishes
no key.
Before any army starts or any sword ia
drawn. there remain to be made the de- !
cisive moves In the most dramatic and
campaign OF modern diplomacy. /
Skill more than might is likely to control
the game.
Two Of the competitors are well mat ched.
Russian astuteness, patience and unscrupu-
|ousness are pitted against the brilliant
genius of the German Emperor. The
wonderful cleverness OF tho Sultan NAV
rircumvent them both.
The inadeQuaoy Of British Representative
in the pending struggle 10 exasperating
aven TO an impartial looker-on. viaor and
vitality and statesmanship have died out
of British policy But Enelsnd's great
nt nrastG IN tho East NAV vct Al =.