The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1912-10-25

over during the winter and, holding
| Constantinople, Russia would have an
all the-year route from the Black Sea
into the Mediterranean.
Both Russia and Austria are longing
for further dominion in the Balkans.
Each would make grab but for the
jealous watchfulnesS of the other
Roumania is now esteemed to be the
great neutral kingdom between Russia
and part of Austria and the Balkans;
but the Reumanians are in close touch
with Russia, and if came to a conflict
would form an alliance with the Mus
covite.
If the Bulgarians, Servians, Monte
negrins and Greeks have any success
against Turkey, Roumauia may join
in the struggle.
Germany is more interested in the
Balkans now than was that country in
the days of Bismarck. Bismarck at
tached no importance to the Balkan
States. 1t was he who said that every
man in that country was not worth the
life of a single German grenadier.
Germany and France now have a
common interest and that common in
terest is against both Austrian and Rus
sian aggression to the east and south.
England's part in the diplomacy of
the situation is underlined. The English
man, however, will throw his interest on
that side where his commerce is greatest
The Englishman may not fight to
liberate an oppressed Christian, but he
will fight for trading advantage.
Austria is yet greedy for Turkish land
that would let her through to the sea-
port of Salonica.
Servia would fight to the death to pre-
vent Austria taking over the Novibazar
region.
Russia greed is in the same direction,
and Russia would look with Indifference
to Austria dominating West Turkey in
Europe if Russia were permitted to con-
troll Constantinople.
In the end, unless there is an ac-
cidental conflict, we will probably find
France, Germany and England standing
together for the status quo in the
Balkans. They may permit the Turkish
Empire in Europe to be dismembered
if the portions are to be distributed to
the adjacent minor States, but they will
not permit without a fight territorial
additions to Austria or Russia.
Further study of the map may give
one an idea of the immediate campaign.
The Servians are bearing into the
Novibazar territory and are attempting
to form junction with the Monte
negrins. The Turks will have a battle
line both to the north and south. The
Bulgarians and Turks are massing
around Adrianople.
The Greeks will attempt to drive their
forces toward Salonica. Left to grapple
with the four nations at present engaged
in the war, the Turks have an advan-
tage. While the four nations may fight
the Turks with great enthusiasm singly, !
they do not fight well as unit. Their
common hatred is against Turkey, but
the Servians and Bulgars hate one an
other Notwithstanding that both are
Slavs. And though the Greek is a
brother to them in religion, he is not a
brother in race. They do not dwell to-
gether happily.
Turkey in Europe is menace to the
peace of Europe, but there is also a
greater danger that the abandonment
of territory in Europe by the sultan
would result in great war for the con-
troll of the deserted territory.
The very fear of war growing out of
Turkey IN Europe has been
the controlling factor in Turkish rule
being permitted 10y the great powers. -
Commercial Appeal.