Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-07-16
MENACE TO EUROPE
Balkan Peninsula Regarded as
vermiform Appendix.
SITUATION GROWS SERIOUS
Montenegro's Demands Upon Turkey
Are Studiously Ignored.
ALARM OVER FRENCH POLITICS
Russia Strengthens Predominance Of
Her Subjects in Territory Bor-
dering on Norway.
SITUATION GROWS SERIOUS
ALARM OVER FRENCH POLITICS

Special Cablegram to The Star.
BERLIN. July 15.-The Balkan penin-
sula might well be called the vermiform
appendix of Europe, forever threatening
the peace and well-being of the whole
continent and at times. like the present.
it seems If serious surgical operation
might have to be resorted to to relieve
Europe forever from the danger Of con-
genital disturbance.
The latest news from Albania shows
that the situation has grown worse than
ever-a fact which is corroborated as well
at Cettinje as at Constantinople.
The Turkish government has resolved
to give Shefket Torgut Pasha q free hand
In the pursuit Of the insurgents. even II
1t involves the crowding Of the Montene-
grin frontier. II this determination Is
realized. the consequence will be meal
culable, as 1t is certain that the trans
gression of the Montenegrin frontier
would be followed by an immediate at
tack upon the Turkish troops.
Demand for Compensation.
Meanwhile Montenegro demands ample
compensation from the Turkish govern
ment for the asylum afforded to the
Malissores-from 100000 to 100000
francs-while Turkey Is resolved to
enter upon no discussion of the subject.
The Malissores. according to the latest
reports. firmly hold all the strategic
points. and Montenegro is only supplying
| them with provisions and ammuni-
ton. The Mallssores trust to European
| Intervention and expect for their resis-
lance the reward Of autonomy
The Miridtes have recently received
several quick firers from a French gun
factory. The immediate cause Of the per-
sistent opposition Of the Malissores Is said
to be ambiguity Of the Turkish promises,
also the exclusion Of the Malissores
from the amnesty promised to the Mos
| lem Arnauts. which IL bitterly resented
by them. The sum Of $4,000 promised
by the sultan. according to q remark of
the Turkish ambassador in Rome to the
Marquis di San Giuliano. is not intended
for rebuilding the peasants dwellings,, but
Tor the renewal Of the blockhouses.
Politics in France.
The unsettled political situation in
France. which never seems to improve
when one cabinet relieves another, Is
giving the diplomats Of Europe much
worry. One never knows what may hap
pen in France as long as present con-
ditions remain. and to change them
would take all the courage and skill Of
man of equal patriotism and genius
But II there be such man in France
he must SO far have kept himself care
fully hidden, and SO the country passes
through one crisis after another with in
creastng rapidity. And every crisis Is
| a danger In tmpulsive France, where any
day pretender may take advantage Of
popular evaporation to impose himself
by coup d'etat on q democracy weary
of ineffective parliamentary methods.
Indeed. 1t is by no means unlikely that
Prince Victor Bonaparte, who Is the head
Of the plebiscite party, may soon rule
the desttndes of France.
The paebiscite party, which gives al
legtance to Prince Victor Napoleon, the
husband Of Princess Clementine Of Bel
GUM. has selected this moment Of chaos
to appear in the political arena. This
organization has been endowed with
fresh life, and a strong committee has
been formed. The plebiscite party has
established its headquarters in busy
center OF Paris. is actively engaged In
disseminating political propaganda, and.
II reports are to be credited. 1t Is re-
pathy and support. I have been inform
ed by member Of the committee that in
the event Of the dissolution OF the pres
emit French parliament the organization
would not hesitate to Issue its program
and to launch an appeal to the country.
Altogether the French ship of state Is
sailing on dangerous sea, and 1t re-
mains to be seen whether Pilot Falli-
eres will be able to avoid the rocks and
shoals with which her course Is studded.
Russia on the Coast.