Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-04-20
ATTITUDE OF BULGARIA
NOW A VITAL CONCERN
Dominates Balkan Situation and
Belligerents Are Trying to
Force Decision.
ITALIAN MOVE EXPECTED SOON
Today Reported as Marking Expira-
ton Of Time Given Austria for
Making Territorial
Proposals.

ROME, April 2o.-Witliu the
past twenty-four hours there have
arisen in Rome persistent reports
that the grave international ques-
tions confronting Italy may be
solved in the near future BY what
at first sight seems almost in
credible, the conclusion of gen
eral peace in Europe at a not dis
tant date.
While these reports are in
tangible and cannot at present be
ascribed to definite source, they
nevertheless are reflected in high
quarters, and they are given heed
by careful observers of interna-
tional politics.
May Be Treaty of Rome.
Among other reasons in support of
this the argument is offered that Rome
is an excellent field for the conduct
of negotiations of this nature; Prince
Won Buelow. one of the ablest of Ger
man diplomats, is in Rome as am
bassador to Italy. and the official re-
lations between Italy and Germany as
well as between Italy and the powers
of the triple entente are cordial.
In certain quarters in Rome the idea
prevails that the advent of spring has
not seen such resumption of aggressive
| hnG had hno
| regarded as significant.
Bulgaria's Strong Position.
Sofia is being regarded with much
, interest just at present. Efforts are
| being made by representatives Of the
belligerents to induce King Ferdinand
| to announce his decision.
| The importance of the attitude of
Bulgaria is recognized fully in Rome
| Should she side with the Teutonic al
| lies it would be difficult FOR Rumania
| to make war upon Austria Hungary.
! for she would then be subject to at
| tack by Bulgaria as well as by Turkisa
troops coming through Bulgarian ter
| ritory.
In this connection prominent diplo-
mat said today.
! -Once more ik-the fate of the Balkans
in the hands of Bulgaria. Indeed, this
time her decision may have great
weight on-the general development OF
! the war;
Thinks Italy Will Fight.
| Belief that the end of the war is near
| is net accepted in all quarters. The
GiorraIe dItalia publishes an interview
| with an unnamed neutral diplomat, VINO
| is quoted al having said:
| That Italy will participate In the
| war mas been decided on. What now is
necessary is clearly to agree on tue
! delimitation and distribution of the
eastern coast of the Adriatic between
ltafy and Slavs. Italy cannot risk :.
war to drive out Austria from the
Adriatic and have Austria replaced, n
q military sense, by the Russian ad-
vance guards Therefore, Italy must
have her strategic points completed by
obtaining Avlona. Albania, across the
Adriatic from Brindisi, with which she
| could close the Some of the
Slavs favor complete disarmament
I the Adriatic.
Foresees Trouble After Peace.
! The diplomat added that he thought
! that Russia and Great Britain wound
suffer less from the present war than
! from the antagonism between the Two
countries WHICH,, ne Saius "Ouiu
! it.
Although members of the PapIi
Guard and the higher lay officials q
the Vatican are exempted from
vice in the Italian army, many of them
have asked permission to enlist, in
GLIDING Marquis Montoro. standard
| bearer of the church. one of the high
est offices held by a layman.
Austria's Time Up Today.
PARIS, April 20.-Italy some time
ago fixed April 20 ttoday) the latest
date for the consideration of any pro-
posals Austria might wish TO make.
according to a report current in Rome,
says a dispatch from the Figaros cor
respondent.
Baron De Macchio, the Austrian am
bassador. already has given notice to
embassy servants. who are now paid
daily, it is said, and the same is true
of the payment of tradesmen's bills
for goods supplied the embassy.
The Figaros dispatch declares it is
stated in Vatican circles that the visit
made to the Pope few days ago by
Prince Won Buelow, the German am
ba ssador, was to bid farewell to the