The Taney County republican. (Forsyth, Mo.) 1895-1992, 1918-08-15

beg; their contest for freedom ther.
we're cross currents in Europe that
prevented their receiving support from
the united nations Of Christendom
The struggle continued until it was
apparent that the Turks would crush
the revolutionary forces. Then Russia
came into the fray. After heavy sacri-
fees she forced tine Turks to make
peace giving liberty to the oppressed
people. Bismarck and Austria could
not tolerate Russian success, it meant
the ruin oI the next big step in the
Ptussian dream Of world dominion.
Austria protested vigorously and Bis
marck backed her with the power oi
his mighty machine. Russia was
forced to yield ard be robbed Of the
fruits Of her victory. The treaty of
peace Russia had rung from Turkey
was torn up and in its stead a compro
mise one was patched up that left
Austria free TO pursue her policy Of
pushing her borders further towar6s
the south. Certain liberty was
granted TO the Balkan states. Bosnia
and Herzegovina we're restored theo'
retically o Turkey, but the practical
administration OF the reiorms was
placed in the hands Of Austria and she
was given authority to direct the
government OF these provinces with the
distinct understanding that she was not
at any time to undertake to assume
possession Of the country without the
full consent Of all the signatory powers.
This treaty was ratified in July 1873.
The people Of Bosnia aud Herzegov.
ina no more desired to be a part Of
Austria than Texas desires to be a part
Of Mexico. Their ambition was to
Join their kindred in the formation Of
free nation. Austria was determined
this should not be. For about a gen
Grafton affairs driited on. Russia
undertook the illstaued war with Japan
and found her forces sadly shaken,
her navy destroyed and her home peo
pie rebellious. Before she could re-
cover Austria suddenly issued a re.
script, October 7, 1908, annexing
'hese provinces, This was a fiat Vio'
lation OF her solemn treaty pledge but
she absolutely refused to enter into any
conversation with any OF the signatory
powers unless they first acknowledged
the TACT as accomplished, in other
words she would not talk to any Of the
other countries unless they fist agreed
to approve Of the robbery. Il was
much as though highwayman might
sieze a child and put it in slavery and
then refuse 10 discuss the matter with
his law abiding neighbors unless they
would first agree TO admit that he
should be allowed 10 keep the child
Russia was helpless, Germany remem-
bering the failure Of her grab game in
Morocco when President Roosevelt
s.ernly called her 10 account was de-
,ermined 10 force her will this time by
refusing to enter any conference.
England had suffered from the pacifst
government OF Campbell Bannermau
with its foolish policy OF 'Watchful
waiting" such as characterized the
United States during the first vital
three years oil the present conflict.
As a result Great Britain could only
protest against the dishonoring Of the
plighted word ol la nation. During the
winter OF 1908 1909 Europe trembled
for months on the verge Of war. Then
the clouds lifted, the kaiser could
sheath his saber with sardonic smile,
this time his bluff had won, there had
been no strong man at the head Of 2
mighty nation to block his game.
Thus Bosnia and Hergovins passed
under the control the Hohenzollern
house had planned. The span tf
human lie is short when measured By
the course Of history. Kaiser William
II wished his reign to be marked by
aome great step toward the realization
of the grand Prussian dream, some
achievement worthy to stand by the
side Of the grand robbery Of his an
cestor Frederick the Great or Of bis
grandfather, William l. He had forced
81, ,oka ,,,or ,ho po,n;or. ..d ;,., ,