THE HERZEGOVINA.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 449, 22 November 1875, Page 3

THE HERZEGOVINA.

The London correspondent of the Argus writes on October Ist:

Turkish affairs are still uppermost iu European interest. They are not exciting, but they present a fluctuating uncertain aspect, which keeps the diplomatic world in suspense. It may be years yet before the great crash comes which politicians begin to expect at Constantinople, but the events now transpiring may hasten it by making manifest the weakness of Turkey, and increasing the financial burdens which already threaten her with bankruptcy. Tbere was a moment when, after the capture of Trebinge by the Turks, the insurrection in Herzegovina seemed near suppression, but now, after the lapse of another month, it flames up again in full force. Servia was held back by the strong pressure of Austria just when she appeared on the verge of war, and when the whole region was aglow with dreams of Sclavonic independence. The new|Servian Ministry, belonging to the Omlanding or Young Servian party, was regarded as a Ministry of action, but, contrary to the popular expectation, turned back on the path of peace. The remonstrances of Austria, who dreaded the consequences of a general rising, were too strong to be disregarded, and suddenly the situation changed. Almost before the consular commission could start on its work of mediation, the insurrection was said to be waning, and its last hopes were supposed to be cut off by the unexpected action of the Servian Government. In less than a week, the movement appeared to have dwindled into insignificance, but it was not really so. The successes of the Turks could not be maintained in the face of an obstinate guerilla resistance, and as the contest was prolonged fresh complications arose on the frontiers, so that now again we have come round to our former position, A crisis approaches, and no prudent man will credit the issue should Servia fail to preserve her neutrality. It is probable, however, that Austria may intervene. At the formal opening of the Skuptschina, Prince Milan, who is but 21 years of age, and has only this week welcomed his bride that is to be to Servian soil—a ruler, too, with a rival, and liable to sudden deposition if supplanted in popular favour —alluded to these events in his speech from the throne. He referred to the fact that a portion of the iron-

tier population had been compelled to take up an attitude of armed watchfulness ; that in despair the people of the Herzegovina and of Bosnia had risen in arms against the Sultan to redress their grievances, and that the massing of the Turkish troops on the borders occasioned anxiety. “ The nation,” he said “asks for measures of protection, and the Bosnia people fly to us to escape from fire and sword. It is to be hoped that the Sultan and the guaranteeing powers in their wisdom will succeed in discovering a means of pacifying and satisfying the population. As a neighboring state, we suffer the more from these political risings. I shall, therefore, do all in my power to contribute towards restoring a well ordered condition of affairs.” After announcing his betrothal in the conclusion of bis speech, he expressed his confidence in the people, and that the Servian nation wouhl give him their support at this grave juncture. There was an enthusiastic response, “We will do it, sire.” The Skuptschina subsequently received a memorial signed by the leaders of the insurrection, praying that Servia should declare war against Turkey, which it was resolved to discuss at a secret sitting. A petition was also presented from the people of Bosnia, dwelling on the River Sare. The committee to whom was intrusted the preparation of the address in answer to the speech from the throne, were divided in opinion, but ultimately adopted a draft which left the question of peace or war to the decision of the Prince. The result of their deliberations was by his express desire submitted to the full Skuptschina in secret session, when finally an address was passed by 71 to 44, which was simply an echo of the speech, and contained no positive declaration of policy. The strong national feeling underlying its cautious passages is sufficiently apparent. One passage, for example, runs : “The situation is serious, but not less serious is the firm will of the Servian people to be equal to it. The Assembly declares solemnly in the name of the Servian people that it is ready to protect its country and to defend its independence, and to preserve the inheritance of our forefathers. There is no sacrifice which Servia is not ready to make for this. At the call of your Highness the Servians will rise like one man to defend their country.” In the counter balancing passage designed to preserve the neutrality of ideas, the Skuptschina declares that the sight of the blood of their brethren revolts the feelings ; that their cries of despair find a noble echo among civilised nations; that it is impossible to remain indifferent, and that the Assembly is penetrated with profound gratitude for the efforts of his Highness to restore peace, and will shrink from no sacrifice which may be necessary to that end. The address proposed by the Ministry of the Skuptschina demanded an immediate declaration of war, and it is now said that, besides the published address, a secret document has been presented to the Government, asking its support for the insurrection, and offering a war budget of three million ducats. Meanwhile, thepopular feeling outside becomes stronger every day, and as the fighting nears the frontier, many little incidents of the war exasperate the public mind. Complaints are made of the violation of territory by Turkish soldiers. Two Servian officers were shot the other night while on a tour of inspection. Our last news reports that Turkey is occupying a small island in the River Drin, the possession of which is claimed by Servia, and it is thought at Vienna that she is provoking a conflict, possibly with the hope of bringing about an intervention by which she may escape from her present difficulty. On the other hand, large numbers of Servian volunteers have gone to the help of the insurgents, and to the remonstrances of the Porte the Government replies that it is not in a position to keep back the bands, and that among the insurgents there were at least 1000 Croatians from Austrian Albania. Military preparations are being pushed forward, both by way of defence and for the contingencies of war. The camp exercises, which were in full course, have been suspended, but the men are prohibited from leaving their quarters. The police functionaries have received notice that they must hold themselves in readiness to do duty. The Landwehr Cavalry of the Belfranc district have been ordered to the frontier, and large numbers of horses have been requisitioned for the emergency. The country is disturbed by the premature collection of taxes, by the abseneg of the militia in the field, and by the dislocation of all business in the uncertainty of the hour.