Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-12-17

must receive the authorization of their
respective governments.
The delegates did not refuse to discuss
the question unohcially and remarked
that it would be impossible for AUSTRIA
or Russia to mediate as both of these
powers are too interested in the settle
ment one way or another, nor could Ger
I many, because she is bound to Austria;
nor could Italy because of the recent
war between that country and Turkey.
There only remained England and France,
which might be acceptable TO both par
| ties, but their selection might give
umbrage to Germany and Austria.
1t was pointed out that the only
great power. absolutely dsinterested
and Impartial is the United States.
ans that If K We're possible to bring
about ION thin: of the same inter-
vcntioa which in 1906 led to the
crtsE uth con rerence and the con-
ct15.e-.l of tie peace between Russia
end Japan, this might lead to actual
mediation. This would not be the first
time that action on the part of the
United States has made itself felt in
matter concerning Turkey Unoffi-
SAeti ihtVi NSlltlOn DN the Oulitu SldleS
had a beneficent effect in the Turco-
Italian war, when last June. the
American ambassador at Rome. Thos
j. O'Brien, after an understanding
with the italian premier, notified the
American ambassador at CONSTANT
nople, W. w. Rockhill of the peace
conditions proposed by Italy, which
We're exactly those embodied in the
treaty of Lausanne.
Ambassador Rockhill, representing
country without aspiration in the
ottoman Empire, was the main in
strument in convincing the Porte of
the useiessness of resistance and the
ACCESSIBILITY of coming to terms with
Italy The negotiations through Am
bassadors O'Brien and Rockhil
reached so far that, on October g.
President Taft cabled to the Embas-
sy at Rome, instructing the Ambas-
sador to proffer the good offices of
the United States officially for the
settlement of the war. The following
day, Ambassador O'Brien being abb
sent, the secretary of the legation
profefed the offer To the premier who
regretted that he would be unable to
accept as peace was then practically
concluded
The conference of the ambassadors
which will begin, tomorrow, is called
among the diplomats the Clearing
house. as they expect to agree over
many questions which have arisen
through the new situation in the Bal
kans. These questions will then be
practically solved when they come up
for discussion at the future confer
ence, when the new map of Eastern
Europe will be definitely settled, which
is likely to be held in Paris or at The
Hague.
Russia and Austria are the most di-
rectly interested and their action will
be of vital Importance especially as
the Austrian ambassador to Great
Britain, Coun; Won Mensdorff. is said
TO be carrying with him on his return
journey from Vienna, the alternative
of peace or war. @Austro- German ele-
ments declare that if the latter course
is decided upen Austria is ready TO
draw the sword Immediately as BY
the end of a week she could have l.
100000 men at the Balkan and Russian
frontiers.
Austria feels that she must protect
hci oWii pleSliSe-f difu 4 Tie prevailing
interests in the Balkans and the Adri-
attic. Those who speak for Austria say
she has already given proofs of great
condescension and made no objection
to changes in the Balkan peninsula
which only four years ago, would have
been impossible, when she, by virtue
of the treaty of Berlin, occupied the
Sanjak of Novapazar, practically Civ
ing this up after the annexation of
Bosnia and Herzegovina. But she cam
not allow changes in the Adriatic
which, in addition to other considera-
tons, would w cause serious unrest
among the Hungarian Slavs under
Austria, numbering 26,00o.000. whose
loyalty to the Hapsburg monarchy is
far from exemplary.
Serious Riots in Bohemia.
Vienna, Dec. 16.-Serious riots have
taken place, during the past two days
ar Pilsen and Koeniggratz, in Bohemia
on the occasion of the departure of
military attachments from the towns
The angry populace blocked the streets
leading to the railway stations in an
attempt to prevent the troops entrain-
ing and also pelted the army officers
with stones. The rioters were dispersed
only after the military had charged
with fixed bayonets Several persons
on both sides were wounded.
NAVAL ENGAGEMENT.