Evening star., 1912-09-15

The proposition OF the Austrian minis
ter of foreign affairs, Count Berchtold. to
the powers sug-
Count Berchtold's gesting that they
-. submit their sew
1IoPOSltlOA. eral views in ad-
vising Turkey to grant administrative
decentralization to some OF the Balkanic
states has been received with general
curiosity and unusual interest
Count Berchtold's proposition has been
accorded generally good reception, but
it is charged that the proposition is vague
and uncertain and hence unsatisfactory.
1t transpires that during the day of the
1ith ultimo Count Tomss.ch. charge
d 'affaires Of Austria-Hungary at Paris.
transmitted in person to NJ. Paleologue.
director of political affairs at the French
ministry Of foreign affairs. the communi-
cation of Count Berchtold. The Austrian
minister asked the views of the French
cabinet upon the two points following:
First. counsel to be given Turkey in
the sense OF progressive decentraliza-
ton In favor OF all the small Zates of
the Ottoman empire.
Second. counsel to all tne Balkan
states to maintain tranquility"
The first impression of the interested
European powers. for all alike received
the same note, was surprise ana u IeeHng,
perhaps. that Austria's self-imposed mis-
sion was selfish interest. None of the
powers. and least of all Russia, had for
gotten the certain sudden communication
made from Vienna in 1908, in which the
Austro- Hungarian government notified
Europe of the annexation Of Bosnia Her
zegovina. The second impression was a
more agreeable one, for Austria Hungary
was actually, In demanding concerted ac-
ton. taking her abandoned place-aban-
dOned since l9OS-among the powers OF
that old Europe which Austria recognized
could only solve the question of the orr
ent. at least OF the near orient.
The word decentralization without
doubt caused the different receptive cab
inets some hesitation and doubt as TO It's
signification and application. but the hesi-
tation was momentary for II was recaned
that in connection with Turkeys politics
this word decentralization was the counter
word of that Capitalization policy prac-
ticed these recent years by the Young
Turks-by the committee of union ana
progress.
The new Ottoman ministry is obliged
to make very important concessions to
the Albanians. Why should II not
make like concessions to Bulgarians,
Macedonians. Servians and Greeks? Have
not all suffered. do they not still suner'
from that excessive Capitalization which
Count Berchtold, with a sense OF good
ness and justice. would have Europe
counsel Turkey abandon to the profit OF
all these states?
The policy Of the committee OF union
and progress having failed and the new
Turkish ministry being ami
Timely mated with liberal and
generous spirit, Count
I1OPVsaA. Berchtold's proposition is
4 ,:uxlS
spirited and patriotic and can be induced
to do many things If his pride and amour
propre are consulted. The Vienna gov
ernment and press have taken great care
to precede the announcement Of the
proposition by the declaration that the
government does not seek to interfere in
the interior policy of Turkey. 1t is true
Turkey has had sad experience in pro-
fessions of this kind.
The correspondent of the Gazette de
Voss at Vienna Is perhaps the best in
formed authority on political questions
at the Austrian capital, and he writes
explicitly because of the general apprecia-
tion of governments that Count Berchtold' s
proposition seems most fair to all. but
that 1t lacks precision. The Voss, mani
testify inspired. explains: Count Berchtold
proposes to the cabinet of the powers to
exchange their views on the subject of
fered the Turks This counsel would have
the effect to fortify the status quo in
Turkey, and ameliorate the interior situ-
alton Of the Ottoman empire. Austria
Hungary may give the Ottoman govern
ment the benefit OF her experience in the
matter OF administrative decentraliza-
tion'' TN their provinces in which there
are SO many mixed languages.
Constitutional Turkey, adds the Voss.
cannot dispense with recognizing certain
vi or nf YnfnoritfeS The small nafinng
of Austria- Hungary are protected by au-
tonomous rights. and by administrative
decentralization against the violent op-
preston Of other nationalities. 1t is a
question to achieve and perfect the Or
ganixation Of provinces in Turkey in in
Producing such organisation as part of
the constitution.
In the matter Of counseling the Balkan
states to be calm. Russia has already
taken the initiative in accord
RuSSia'S with the powers Russia $
- policy has been unjustly sus-
1olIcy. pected. for II none Of the
Christian states OF the Balkans has
broken the peace it is largely due to
Russia.
The German press is inclined to be
critical and has shown some i'll temper
then this is typical for the German press
invariably shows displeasure at any in
itiative taken by Austria. The English
press is hesitating and non-committal.
The French press Is curious. the Italian
press suspicious and reserved.
The Austro-Russian relations. it is re-
called, were Jared to the breaking point
in 1903. The two governments exercised
a dual control over the Balkans from
1897 to 1907, and their civil agents repre-
sented the sum of European action in
Turkey Russia, absorbed by her Asiatic
colleague. bound only by a negative en-
gagement called by the the Italians a
.'promesse di non fare" or promise to do
nothing. Russia was Morsted in her far
eastern ventures and was temporarily
shorn of her authority in the east and in
Europe
In 1903 Count d'Aehrenthal declared
Austria's decision to construct the Sand
jak railway. Then followed the interview
at Buchau. where NJ. Isvolski and NJ.
d'Aehrenthal discussed such questions as
the annexation OF Bosnia Herzegovina,
Bulgarian Independence, the Austra-Ser-
Wan conflict. etc, while the triple entente.
which feigned to resist. did not resist.
Finally Germany interfered-threw her
sword in the scale-and Austria annexed
Bosnia Herzegovina.
These events left in Russia the most
bitter impression.
Since the death of Count d Aehrenthal
the relations between Vienna and st.
Petersburg have become quite correct
almost normal. But Russian public opin-
ion remains nervous and distrustfuf. The
Russian government, however. will find
In the form given by Count Berchtold TO
his proposition an overture for peace not
only In Turkey. but peace between
Austria and Russia.
Philipne CrOziQr former amla SSa dor