The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1914-08-07
WAR A
SETTLEMENT OF
OLD QUARRELs
Natural Ending of Long-Stand-
ing III Feeling Between Austria
and the Slav Nations.
LONG HISTORY OF INTRIGUE
Game Of Diplomacy Played by the
Gar and Francis Joseph Has
Hitherto Been Won by the
Latter, But Today Con-
ditions Are Changed.

Washington. - Russian diplomacy,
intriguing in the balkans. may largely
be blamed for the present Austro-Ser-
Wan or Austro-Slavic situation, for
while 1t in appearance is quarrel be-
tween the little Slavic state Of Servia
and the great empire of Anstria-Hun-
gary. In fact It is a quarrel Of long
standing between Austria and all the
Slav nations. not excluding Russia.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, once Ser
vian provinces. In 1909 belonged to
Turkey, although they we're occupied
by Austrian troops and In every way
but on paper were parts of the Aus
trian empire. Austria had been
quietly planning to annex the two lit
tie Slavic provinces for some time. but
could not quite see her way clear to
DO II without arousing the strenuous
protest from the powers. When the
Turkish constitutional revolution took
place In 1909 Austria saw her oppor-
tunity and took advantage of 1t. She
maintained that because Bosnia and
Herzegovina under the new Turkish
regime would have TO send delegates
to the Turkish Parliament 1t were
better that Austria annex them, which
she promptly proceeded to do in face
Of the protests of Russia, France and
Great Britain.
Bowed to Superior Force.
It was maintained by the powers
that Austria's act In annexing the
Slavic provinces was a violation Of
the agreement made at the general
European Congress which met at Ber-
lin shortly after the Russo-Turkish
war. Austria remained firm. however,
and when the powers became threat
ening Germany came to Austria's aid.
Germany was prepared for war. as
was Austria. Great Britain, France
and Russia were not prepared for war,
and with both Austria and Germany
facing them they were compelled to
submit to Austria's seizure of Bosnia
and Herzegovina and accept their
humiliating defeat with as good grace
as possible.
What Russia could not do by force
Of arms she then proceeded TO do by
Intrigue and diplomacy. Secret agents
were sent into all of the Balkan states
and into those provinces of Austria
and Germany populated thickly with
Slavs. Ever since that time a con-
stant campaign 10 arouse the Austrian
and German Slavs has been main
tanned by Russian secret agents.
Dissatisfaction and revolution was
fermented among the Slavs of Aus
tria by Russian agents, and IL Is even
said that Russian secret agents aided
In the formation OF Slavonic societies
In Austria and Germany the objects Of
which were the freeing Of the Slavic
provinces now under Teutonic rule
and the formation OF a great Slavic
empire, for which the Balkan league
was to be the foundation Russian
diplomacy brought about the alliance
Of Balkan nations for the war with
Turkey, in which war little Servia
greatly distinguished herself
Austrian Diplomacy Strong.
The fine hand Of the Austrian for
eign office was seen in the Balkan pie,
however, soon after the defeat of Tur-
key. Both Austria and Germany had
confidently expected to see Turkey the
victor, and IT is said that the Teu-
tonic diplomats were sadly disap-
pointed at the outcome. Austria
busted herself Immediately, and by
the exercise OF either a finer or more
subtle brand Of diplomacy than that
exercised by Russia, succeeded in con-
vincing the powers that Albania,
which had been taken possession OF
by the Servians. should be made an
independent kingdom, but in reality un-
der Austrian and German domination.
Consequently the Serbs were relieved
OF part OF the fruits OF victory and
German prince. William OF Wied. was
Installed as King OF Albania with the
consent Of the powers in the face OF
the diplomatic opposition OF Russia.
Unable to help themselves Servia and
the Balkan nations were compelled 10
acouiesce.
Work Against EsIksn Alliance.
In the Balkan league. however, the
triple alliance, composed OF Austria.
Germany and Italy. found a valuable
adjunct OF the opposing powers. the
triple entente, composed OF Russia.
Great Britain and France, since the
Balkan league had been the outcome
OF Russian diplomacy. Austria then
set about TO smash up the Balkan
alliance. The result OF this was the
second Balkan war. IN which Servia
and Greece. with Montenegro. we're
pitted against Bulgaria. The latter
county was given all. possible assist
ance BY Austria. but Austria was again
due to be disappointed. for Bulgaria
was soreiy defeated.
Besides her troubles abroad. Austria
-