The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-10-05
May Change the Map of
 l Europe.
'wo STROKES ARE IMPENDING
Turkey and, Bulgaria Are the Con tending Forces.
Prince Fefd,napA Expected to Pro- claim Himself aCzar of the Bul- sars,--Power. are watch-
 ing the situation.

London. oct. 4.--Events which threat en to change the political lace or Eu- roue are crystalizing with Hghtning raodity. Almost overnight the hori- xon of the near East which seemed gradually to be assuming a peaceful apuearance, has become crowded with war clouds.
 Newe has reached here from several sources that two definite strokes are impending which cannot fail to bring matters to a crisis, and perhaps force an immediate war. One is the proc Iamation by Prince Firdtnand of the Independence of Bulgaria. which will include Rumelia, taking Tor himselt tht title of "Czar.' The other is an announcement by Austria Hungary Of the practical annexation of the prov { inces of Bosna and Herzegovina as ap- panages of the Austro-Hungarian crown.
 Either action will be equivalent to the tearing up of the treaty of Ber- , lin while Prince Ferdtnands course seems almost certain to prectpitate war between Bulgaria and Turkey. Be- ! fore these possibilities, the quarrel over the East Rumelian section of the Orient Railway sinks Into insignin- canoe.
 Both armies are reported to be quiet Iy and swiftly mobilizing near the borders. Bulgaria Is said to be buy Hing up munitions and horses on an extensive scale.
 Tine Bulgarians have faith in their army which has reached high state of efficiency. although it is, perhaps, Hacking in officers, and the war for which Bulgaria has long been sus- 4pected of preparing, could Do fought with more advantage for her now Sthan when the Turkish Government .s sfM saynfCl1 Shave become enervated by the corrup- ztion and neglect of the old regime.
 The Emperor of AustriR, 1t is under stood. has despatched letter to the President of France setting forth his intentions regarding Bosnia and Her zegoyina. although the coutenf& ot the better are kept secret. and he is send~ tns similar notes to the other pow sra.
 It seems incredible that Emperor Erancis Joseph, who always has been
 scrupu1ous observer of forms. should reveal his plans to the rulers of other nations before he has corn- nunicated them to his own Parliament. Zone explanation is that the letter was not intended for delivery until Tues hay. when fdenticaI notes would be presented to the other powers.
 Action of Austria.
 While Austria's action with regard ko the two provinces may not techni- nally be called annexation 1t is be- ieved 1t win amount to that. what ever it may be called. Apparently Inc Emperor Is determined that the destiny of these provinces shall be Austrian, not Turkish.
 For thirty years they have been ad- ninistered by Austria-Hungary, but hey have always remained theoreti- eaiIy Turkish territory, and Austria pledged that her administration should hot derogate Turkish rights.
 English public opinion is with Turk ky in the Bulgarian dispute, as all
 he powers except Austria seem to be, hnd it remains to be seen what the En9lish attitude will be toward en- aexation if that becomes a fact.
 Austria is suspected of encourag- nx the recent Buigarian-Turklsh
 rouble for her own interests, but the British government has made pro- ,osals to the two countries looking to
 he settlement of the railway case. inder which the other powers have agreed to give support to the plan, which conteninlates the temporary restoration of the railway to Turkey
 Ito save her face" and then transfer lnce of the company to the Bulgarian Government.
 The English press expresses sur prise that Austria and Bulgaria should blot against Turkey and asks if the great powers will submit to having Obstacles placed in the way of the Eegeneration of Turkey.