Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-10-07


London, Oct. Given the greatest bat
ties of the war may prove to have had
less weight in deciding the future of
Europe than the events of the past few
days in the southeastern kingdoms.
King Constantine Of Greece, brother-n-
law Of the German Emperor, appears for
the hour to hold in his hand the balance
of power of the near east. In the second
crisis, where Greece seemed on the brink
of entering the war by the side of the
entente powers, he has virtually dismissed
the foremost Greek statesman. Eicuther los
Nenizelos. from the premiership and has
asserted personal control Of the govern
ment.
King Ferdinand of bulgaria has re-
3ected Russia s ultmatum demanding that
she break with the central powers and
expel German officers who have taken
charge Of Bulgaria's army staff, and at
the same time. according to several cor
respondents has sent an ultimatum to
Serbia, allowing a time limit Of q hours
for the cession of Macedonia to BULGARIA.
The program Of the Gcrmanlc en-
pre apparently includes the con-
solidation of their field operations with
a channel from Berlin and Vienna to
Constantinople. For the accomplish
ment of this program they have al
ready secured the cooperation of
Bulgaria. They need the neutrality of
Greece and Roumania, and then must
crush Serbia.
To-day's developments tend to con-
firm the statements of the German
a
guaranteed to Bulgaria both Greek and
Roumanian neutrality. Thus the
crucial field of warfare has shifted
from the French and Russian fronts
70 the Balkan peninsula, where Ger
man success would mean the rea-
lization of Emperor Williams ambi-
tions for expansion toward India and
Asia.
The people of the entente nations
FULLY appreciate the momentousness OF
the crisis The British newspapers
impress upon the public that If the
German emperor has secured the
friendly neutrality of the King OF
Greece, enormous military efforts viii
be needed to check the combined Ger
man and Austrian advance towards 8
function with the Turks and Bulgars
The French and British expedition may
have completed the landing at Salonka
but if Greek support against Bulgaria
cannot be counted upon, heavy reinforce
ments will he needed
While technically King Constantine ac
cepted the resignation Of NJ Nenizelos
his action amounted to dismissal of
the premier. The Greek chamber had ap
proved the premiers merely formal pro
o1li 1n,,, Il Jiy,fv m GTCpt
soil and his declaration that Greece wa
bound by treaty and vital interests u
20 to Serbia's aid, without waiting for {
declaration of war by Bulgaria, by ma
iority of forty in house of 257 of whom
13 abstained from voting.
The majority may have appeared no
a large one for committing the countr!
TO war. and thus the King may have fel
justified in informing the premier tina
he could not pursue the cabinets polio!
70 the end. A coalition cabinet withou
M Venizelos. will probably be formed
with either ex-Premer Rhallis or ex
Premier Zaimis at the head.
The possibility that Greece may try t
remain neutral, fearing to stake the ma
tion's fate upon the success or either part
70 the great war is recognized in Eng
land. although it is considered small Tn
homes of the entente powers are that pop
ular sentiment is with them, and that tn
King may find it best to bow before tn
will of the people, as he has done before
French officials declare that the landin
of the allied troops will take its cours
and that the Greek people have give
them an enthusiastic reception.
Bulgarian reports are to the effect tina
mobilization Is being completed rapidly
that many German officers are arrivinI
and that the departure from Sofia OF tn
French, British. Russian and Italian dir
Iomats, except the Russian miniser, VIII
IL III, Is imminent.
News from Roumania Is scant. Feveris
military activity on the Bulgarian bour
Diary is reported, but there has been n
general mobilization, There Is nothing