New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-11
LIE PoKERS hND THE Tux.

The days news from the East is full Of sound
aud fury. some Of which may signify some
thing. but most OF which signifies nothing The
settlement OF the Macedonian troubles depends
chiefly upon the attitude Of the European pow
ers and that attitude at this time presents a de-
cided contrast 10 that Of a generation ago. That
of Greal Britain. now marked with Indifference
and caring neither 10 protect Constantinople
from the Russian Bear nor 10 turn the Turk
out Of Europe bag and baggage" is almost
enough TO make both Beaconsfeld and Glad
stone turn in their graves The reason OF the
change is largely. Of course, that BeacoGsfeld's
policy has triumphed. Great Britain is now
mistress OF Egypt and therefore can afford 10
neglect Oonstantnople. The Suez Canal, not
she narrowing Symplegades." is the key to
India.
Germany. too. is Indifferent. In that there is
not so great change FOR Il was IN article OF
Bismarck's creed that the whole Balkan was
not worth the bones OF a single POmera MAN
grenadier. Now. since he has secured so strong
a hold upon Turkey in Asia. from Propontis 10
the Persian Gull. the Kaiser is the more minded
70 let others burn their fingers as they VIII in
the lumber room OF Europe" France too.
with her vastly Increased empire IN Asia and
Africa, is quite willing 10 retire with her Brit
Ssh and TeutOnic rivals from the Balkan field.
leaving her interests there 20 he safeguarded by
her next friend, Russia. Italy maintains more
interest IN the problem. owing partly 70 her
proximity 70 the Illyrian coast and partly to her
6ynastic relations with Montenegro. But even
she is not sufficiently concerned TO take any ac-
tive part.
To Austria-Hungary and Russia therefore. the
mandate OF Europe 10 dispose of the Turkish
question has practically been given. That is
fitting, in the case OF the former. because OF her
proximity 10 the Balkan States and her very
direct and extensive commercial relations with
them: and in the case Of the former because 50
many 81 the inhabitants OF the Balkan are OF
Slavic stock. Itisalso well known that both those
powers have long cherished designs Of terri
foriaI acknowledgement AZ the expense Of Turkey
Austria Hungary means 60 have Salonica. am
Russia's heart has been set upon Constantin0ple
ever since the time Of Peter the Great Neither
Is quito ready now. however. 10 take posses
sion but both would much rather have the
status quo prolonged. Thus Il was that the two
, united a little while ago in urging upon Turkey
certain reforms in Macedonia. which they vainiy
hoped r-ould establish a modus vivendL Those
reforms were quite futile. But the two powers
maintain. with general Rcquiescence. their
ground as the arhiters Of Turkish fate.
The attitude OF the smaller powers is patent
Bulgaria is forcing the fght which her brigands
and outlaws provoked. in hope Of making al
Macedonia hers and thus making herself the
dominant power IN the whole Balkan Greece
Is endeavoring 70 win. by her own good be
havior. the favor OF the great powers. hoping
that when Turkey is finally partitioned she msy
set a part OF Macedonia and OF Thrace. 10 which
fhe is certainly entitled on racial and historic
grounds. Servia would like TO get parts OF Al
ban.e and Macedonia. but has greatly com
promised herself by her recent crimes and mis-
oenesnOrs as 10 put herself out OF court. Ru
mania maintains her alliance with Austrla-Hun
gary, and Is content TO play the part OF baTriei