New-York tribune., 1908-10-05
FERDINAND NAY DE.
CLARE HIMSELF CZ1R.
Rumclia Inciuded-44uStria plans to
Soioc ProriHccs-Grarc Fears
of Uar.
of IIar.

rot fei 10 bring matters 20 a crisis and per
haps force an immediate war. one is the proc
la-nation by Prince Ferdinand Of the indepen-
denoe of Bulgaria. which viii include Rumelia
~ taking for himself the title Of Gar The other
is an announcement by Austria Hungary Of the
practical annexation Of the provinces OF Bosnia
and Herzegovina as appanages of the Austro-
Hungarian crown.
Either action viii be equivalent to tearing UP
the Treaty OF Berlin. while Prince Ferdinand-s
course seems almost certain to precipitate war
between Bulgaria and Turkey. Before these pos
tibilities the quarrel over the East RumeIian
section Of the Oriental Railway sinks into insig-
ni7canoe
Both armies are reported 10 be quietly and
swiftly 1robilizing near the borders. Bulgaria is
said - he buying up munitions and horses on an
extensive scale The Bulgarians have faith in
their army. which has reached a high state Of
efficiency. although it is perhaps lacking in
officers. and the war, for which Bulgaria has
long been suspected Of preparing. could be
fought with more advantage to her than
unen the new Turkish government has had time
10 reorganize its forces. which have become
enervatea by the corruption and neglect of the
old system
The Emperor Of Austria. It is understood, has
sent letter 70 the President of France, setting
forth his intentions regarding Bosnia and Her
zegovina although the contents OF the letter are
kept secret. and he is sending similar notes to
the other powers.
Il seems incredible that Emperor Francis Jo-
serh who always has been scrupulous observer
Of forms should reveal his plans TO the rulers of
other nations before he has communicated them
to his own parliament. One explanation is that
the letter was not intended for delivery until
Tuesday. when identical notes would have been
presented 70 the ether powers
While Austria's action regarding the two
provinces may not technically be called annex
aton il Is believed ii will amount TO that,
whatever il may he called. Apparently the En-
peror - -aepermIned that the destiny of these
provinces shall be Austrian, not Turkish. For
thirty rears they have been administered by
austria Hungary. but they have always re
mained theoretically Turkish territory, and Aus
tria pledged that her administration should not
derogs1e Turkish rights.
English public opinion is with Turkey in the
Bulgarian dispute as that of all the powers ex-
ccpt Austria seems 10 be. and it remains to ne
seen What the English attitude viii be toward
annexation # that becomes a fact
Austria is suspected Of encouraging the recent
Bulgsrian-Turaish trouble for her own interests.
brt the British government has made proposals
10 the two countries looking to the settlement of
the railway case. and the other powers have
agreed TO give support to the plan which con
templates The temporary restoration Of the rail-
vse 20 Turkey. to save her face" and then its
f-ansfereHce from the company to the Bulgarian
government.
Tho English press expresses surprise that
Austria and Bulgaria should plot against Tur
Icy and asks If the great powers viii submit
20 having obstacles placed in the way Of the
regeneration Of Turkey
Paris, oct 4-Of1cial advices which have been
received here lead the Temps TO announce that
- Trnoya tomorrow Prince Ferdinand, the
reigaiar prince Of Bulgaria. viii proclaim the
Independence Of Bulgaria and viii assume the
'.''a - Gar Of the Bulgars."
-R1mcua viii be included in the procIama-
ton says the Temps" .-but probably Turkey
7-n not acquiesce. ana Turco- Bulgarian war
IS Therefore likely. The only thing to interfere
"i'h this programme is Prince Ferdinand's pos
-fhle Hesitation at the last minute. but this
morning his resolution appeared definite"
Thr Temps adds that Austria is ready TO
compensate Turkey for the definite seizure Of the
provinces Of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the
retrocession Of the sanjak Of Novi- Bazaar. which
is under partial military occupation by Austria
Hungary in virtue of a convention between that
power and Turkey concluded in 1919.
Inquiries in competent circles seem fully to
eoahrm the -'Te,nps's-' information President
Faluercs. Premier Clernenceau and NJ. Pichon.
'ae Foreign Minister, held consultation to-day
relative 20 letter from Emperor Francis Jo-
seEd which was transmitted 10 the President
yester.lay by Count Khevenhuer Metsch, the
Austrian Ambassador. and is understood TO be
identical with letters which have been trans
Aitied 70 other chiefs Of states. informing them
q. AustFia's intention IA view Of the change in
'i5a situation .n the Balkans, to tighten the
Londs~ which unl.e Bosnia and Herzegovina to
Austria
France Is disposed to act cautiously in this
matter. If the Treaty of Berlin Is TO be torn W.
ihe main fear is that this viii 5e followed by 4
s,ian1blc FOR compensation" Greece claiming
rete. ItaI; Albania. and other powers seeking
similar Acquisitions