The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-08
Explanation is Made.

Sofia, Bulgaria, February 7.-As re- suit of Bulgaria's energetic protests in the matter of the searching at Adrianople of the baggage of M. Matef. Bulgarian commercial agent to the St. Louis exposi- ton, in which was made a threat over reprisals, the porte has explained that the officials at Adrianapole had erred in the matter. and would in the future ac- cord every facilltaty to M. Matef.
 The incident was closed, but in the chamber today. in reply to an interpella- tion concerning Turkish interference with Bulgarian commerce, the Bulgarian pre- mier made the following significant state ment:
 Protests Have No Effect.
 This government is fully informed and it has made numerous representations to Constantinople with the view of stopping Turkish prosecution of everything Bull garian, but it's protests have not yet had the desired effect, These acts, committed continuously for several months past have compelled the government to believe that the porte is committing them in- tentionally to provoke conflict with Bulgaria, and thus justify the non-execu- ton of the reform plan.
 s'Fncouraged by Bulgaria's correct and loyal attitude Turkey is becoming more audacious, and making the acts of Bull garia an excuse for the concentration of troops on the frontier with the intention of compelling the principality either to violate peace or lend it's support to the porte in its endeavor to nullify the efforts of the powers on behalf of the reforms" Korea, will your government appeal to the powers?" the minister was asked.
 To this the Korean representative re- piled:
 My advices do not show what action will be taken, except that Korea will re- main neutral"
 Causes Deepest Concern.
 The attitude of France in the presence of this grave Russo Japanese emergency is a subject of the deepest concern among officials. Naturally, no decision of laying down the official policy is forthcoming. although it is understood that M. Del casse during the week made a statement in the chamber of deputies clearly out lining the French position. In the mean time the general line of French policy is gathered from the most authoritative sources, and is as follows:
 France undoubtedly will maintain strict no deep interest involved in the region in way to keep free from all possible en- tanglements. which might draw her into hostilities. This is primarily due to the belief of French officials that France has neutrality and she will endeavor in every dispute; her direct interests in Tonquin being too far from the scene of action to make war matter of special cencern to France.
 The only cause for French participation would be her obligations and sentimental considerations under the Franco Russian alliance. Officials have carefully con sidered just how far France Is likely to become involved under the terms of this alliance. which they say contains two dis tinct safeguards limiting French partiei- patton. The first of these Is that Russia must be attacked, and the second that this attack must be by the powers.
 Caused Russia's Temporizing.
 These were the requirements that caused Russias temporizing as she has not wished to sacrifice the chances of French support. Officials here, however, have be- lived and hoped that Russia would. strike the first decisive blow, as such action would in a measure relieve France from participating in profitless war.
 Concerning the condition in the alliance providing that two powers must attack Rusia before France becomes involved, M. Delcasse has distinctly stated to mem- bers of the diplomatic corps that Korea ana China would not De c0nSldered such powers if either joined Japan against Russia. .s f
 The only remaining powers likely to as sist Japan against Russia are Great Britain and the United States. Regard ing Great Britain, the official belief here Is that she does not desire to become emhroiled owing to her recent experi- ences in South Africa. and possible Rus sian complication in India.
 Would Hold Fleet at Home.
 Moreover. as it was pointed out by leading diplomatist todHy. if Great Brit ain became embroiled she would be com pelled to hold the largest portion of the British fleet at home in order to prevent her ports from being blockaded and he'd food supplies stopped by France, whose participation would naturally follow Great Britain's aiding Japan.
 Furthermore, the recent Franco-B British arbitrtion has been productive of a strong sentiment of amity between the two na- lions. and this is to counteract much of the former sentiment favorable to Rus sia.
 That the United States might. possibly be the second power to attack Russia thus necessitating French action. is re- garded as an extremely remote possibil- ity. and practically impossible.
 Finally. one of the best posted authori- ties said tonight that notwithstanding any alliance. the French parliament would never authorize war in connection with the present dispute. This authority pointed out that after the coup d'etat. of Napoleon III precipitating the Franco German war without consulting the legis-