The Heilding Star. SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 1885. Bulgaria and Servia

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 70, 21 November 1885, Page 2

The Heilding Star. SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 1885. Bulgaria and Servia

Six weeks ago it was confidently asserted by the London Times that the revolution in Bulgaria having been peaceably effected, and although much military enthusiasm prevailed amongst the subjects of Prince Alexander, and the interests of that ruler pointed so manifestly in the direction of moderation and prudence, that little danger was expected from that quarter. But the Treaty of Berlin having been set aside without the consent of the signitary Powers, its violation entitled them to concert such measures as might be necessary for adjusting tho several interests, which were reduced to an equilibrium by the treaty. The meeting of the ambassadors appears to have been futile so far as the prevention of an outbreak of actual hostilities was concerned. It is supposed that if the compensation demanded by the Servians for the loss of territory and power had been granted, war between the Servians and Bulgarians would have been — if not altogether averted — postponed for an indefinite period. But this compensation could not have been made to Servia without encroaching on Bulgarian territory. On the other hand Austria was disinclined to grant an accession of territory in the direction of Old Servia to the possible prejudice of designs entertained by her&elf. While the ambassadors were deliberating, the two opposing nations have taken the matter into their own hands by commencing a bloody war, the complications arising from which no man can foresee. One thing appears almost certain, and that is a collision between Austria and Russia. The latter power is deeply interested in the downfall of Prince Alexander, and will therefore look on any success of the Servians as so much indirect gain to herself. On the other hand, Austria must look very doubtfully on the defeat of the Bulgarians, for that would probably lead to Servia extending in the direction of territories adjacent to her own. Any very decided defeat of either army is almost certain to draw the two greater Powers into a war. The military party in Russia is now dominant, and it is probable that at no period in her history has she ever beem ao ready for war. The probability of a war with England a few [ months ago caused her armies to be put on a war footing, and everything: connected therewith to be brought to as high a state of efficiency as was possible. Whether the other Powers of Europe would stand quietly by is very doubtful. Any advance by Russia in the direction of Turkey .would at once excite alarm in England, which nation would be only too glad of an excuse for a war that would enable her to wipe out the imagined disgrace she labors under in relation to the i Afghan frontier business, however unreasonable such may. be. Any : movement on the part of Germany , would be .twisted into a casus belli hy France, and thus a fearful European . war he caused through the bad govern- t ment or folly of two petty States. ] - ; .——. i