TURKEY AND BULGARIA,

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 239, 12 October 1908, Page 2

TURKEY AND BULGARIA,

PLAYING WITH FIRE. AUSTRIAN FLEET AIOBLLISNG. United Press Association. Copyright LONDON, Oct. 9.

The “Daily Telegraph’s” Sofia_ correspondent reports that the opinion prevails that unless Turkey accepts the situation and makes jjacific overtures, Bulgaria will resort to measures of aggression, confident in her ability to mobilise far more quickly than Turkey, and gain all the advantages of a short campaign. Prince Ferdinand is slowly and triumphantly moving through southern Bulgaria. The “Times” is authoritatively- informed that no previous agreement took place between Italy and Austria concerning the annexation of- BosniaHerzegovina. Italy considers that the annexation has no legal sanction until it is approved of by the signatory Powers. Air. Churchill, speaking at Dundee, advised the nation to keep calm over the Balkan developments. Nothing very serious would happen. The events, j lie said, showed the danger of trusting to treaties and smooth phrases of diplomacy. It was indispensable for Britain to rely on a powerful navy, maintained at the highest state of efficiency and strength. Tho Duke "of Connaught has left London to resume duties at. Alalta. The speeches by Air. Asquith and Sir Edward Grey caused the Berlin Bourse to be disquieted, and the price of securities fell heavily. Consols are 841 ; last week Consols were at £BS 15s.

PARIS, Oct. 9. The speeches by Air. Asquith and Sir Edward Grey have made a favorable impression in Paris. CONSTANTINOPLE, Oct. 9. The intelligent classes of Turkey fear the European conference is likely to cause greater complications and worse sacrifices and think it better to bow to the inevitable.

. At present Britain is not committed to tlic conference, feeling unable to agree to the principle until the exact scope has been clc.arly defined. Turkish warships have been sent to Samos, vylierc revolutionary pretensions are being as-serted.. VIENNA, Oct. 9. Austria is guarding the bridges and. tunnels near the Servian .frontier, and has ordered the Danube flotilla to mobilise.

Emperor Josef, ill opening the delegations at Buda-Pestli, declared that tlie withdrawal of.-troops from Novi-, bazar was an incontrovertible proof that Austria aimed at no, territorial expansion beyond tho present possessions, for the ties of the last 30 years had rendered Austria’s possession of Bosnia-Herzegovina indissoluble.

Baron Aerentlial lias affirmed that the Austrian Government arc in agreement with ’ Germany. Italy, and Russia. .

A majority of Vienna papers warn Servia not to play with fire. Austria is determined to maintain her stand, and Servia might jo'se everything, even independence. ST. PETERSBURG. Oct, 9. It is rumored at St. Petersburg that the Black Sea fleet is mobilising. The “Novo.o Vrernya,” in tlie course of a striding article, urges Russia to join France and Britain in adopting a thoroughly disinterested attitude regarding tlio Balkan question; otherwise it foresees that the claims for compensation now being advanced in many quarter.s will lead to the dismemberment of Turkey and European war. BELGRADE, Oct. 9. 11l response to enthusiastic demonstrations before tlie Palace at Belgrade and shouts of “War with Austria,” _ King: Peter ' promised that he and his Government would do their duty. Nevertheless, he pointed out the hopelessness of opposing Austria and gaining ground, especially after the British Government had counselled the Servian Government to exercise moderation.

An increasing ferment prevails at Belgrade. Tho papers .declare that King Peter must fight or lose his throne, and that nobodv is satisfied with tho Government's protest to the signatory Powers . Wealthy merchants are offering money and ladies their jewels for war purposes. ’ _ ; Tiic President of tlie Skupstcliina, addressing a,crowd, declared:. “If wo cannot conquer bv arms wo will take refuge in bombs.” Servian reservists join the colors on Sunday. Servian troops are guarding the roads and bridges to prevent Servian bands entering Bosnia. SOFIA, Oct. 9.

Bulgaria has stopped payment of the Eastern Roumalian tribute of £II,OOO sterling for September. ! AIALTA. Oct. 9.

The battleships Glory and Prince of Wales-and the cruisers Diana and Lancaster have loft Alalta for the Aegean Sea to watch events.