Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1908-02-20
HAVE A WARScARE|
All Classes Of Russian Society Be-
lieve a Contest with Turkey
II Inevitable.
TO Be PREPARED THIS TINE
Both Nations Are Rushing Troops to
the Frontler--Dlplonats Call
II q "GlgantIc Game
of Bluff"

I
st. Petersburg, Feb. 18.-The alarm
list reports of the possibilities Of hos.
tilities between Russia and Turkey,
which have permeated all strata of
Russian society, have assumed the
proportions of veritable war scare,
to which the sensational press Is de-
voting its biggest headlines.
The situation is taken seriously not
only In military circles but also by
conservative politicians. M. Ouch
koff, the leader Of the majority in the
dour1a, announced his intention Mon
day night of raising at the next meet.
ing of the commission OF national de-
tense the question Of the nations
readiness for war. This, he believes,
Is Of the most vital Importance, In
view Of the news from the Caucasus,
and all parts Of Europe. He also pro-
poses to interpellate the minister Of
communications on the ability Of the
railroads, particularly in the Caucasus
and trans Caucasia, to transport troops
quickly to the southern and southwest
ern frontiers.
The douma, according to M. Ouch
koff, will be guilty of criminal negli-
gence II 1t permits the country again
to be drawn into war for which It is
wholly unprepared. The surest
means to avoid a rupture, he said, 10
serious preparation for any eventuality.
M. Khvostchinsky, the vice-president
Of the commission, also thinks that
the situation is grave and takes issue
sharply with a number Of generals,
who appeared before the commission
and said that the possibility Of hos
tilities this year was excluded.
The general staff continues to give
the situation the most serious consid-
GRAFTON, although as yet no reports
have been received here regarding
movements Of troops in the interior
But persons arriving from Siberia say
that for several months there has been
an unbroken movement Of Siberian
troops to the Southwest in the dfrec-
ton Of the rans-Caspian district, and
Turkestan, from which they could be
most easily concentrated on the Turk
ish frontier
Tiflis advices to the Associated
Press indicate that preparations are
steadily making for any eventuality.
A competent diplomatic opinion, how
ever, takes more optimistic view.
The ambassadors Of five OF the lead
ing powers, when interviewed Monday
considered hostiTities as being almost
out Of the question. Their opinion is
that the Turkish mobilization in Asia
Minor and the warlike preparations in
Russia are parts In the gigantic game
Of bluff" which neither side will be
able to carry to finish on account Of
the lack of sinews of war. But they
cherish no illusions over the speedy
termination Of the Austro- Russian DIFF
ficulties in the Balkans and look for
ward to a long period Of friction before
the powers again unite to exert the
necessity pressure on the sultan.
Tihis, Feb 1S.-Reports have been
received here from Armenia that all
the Redias, or Turkish army reserve
forces, in Van, Mush, and other vilay-
cts Of Asia Minor, have been called to
the colors and are proceeding rapidly
for the frontier At the same time a
league Of the Turkish revolutionary
parties is increasing the revolutionary