The Independence of Macedonia.

Hastings Standard, Issue 271, 15 March 1897, Page 4

The Independence of Macedonia.

Though overshadowed to some extent by the dramatic situation in Crete, it is evident that a most interesting and critical state of affairs has been reached in the Turkish province of Macedonia. Mail advices state that on Jan. 12 the Macedonian Central Committee at Sofia took the necessary steps to put into force its decision of long ago to issue six thousand shares of 50 francs each, 800,000 francs in all, for the purpose of raising the money required for carrying on the agitation for the due execution of the 2:srd Article of the Berlin Treaty which deals with the question of the autonomy of the European provinces of Turkey. The fact that these shares are not to bear interest, but will be repaid to the holders when the independence of Macedonia is established, shows, not only that the movement is a thoroughly patriotic one, but, also, that the Macedonians have a lively faith in tha ultimate success of their cause. Brief cable messages have told of a state of active revolt in Macedonia, with occasional successes crowning the efforts of the revolutionists. The latest news, to the effect that Greek and Turkish armies are in the province, shows a dangerous condition of affairs. The Macedonians must, however, be making good their determination to throw off the Turkish yoke, when matters are so ripe that Greece can calmly propose to Turkey a mutual retirement from the disturbed province. It is not improbable that Russian inlluence is behind the Macedonian revolt. The President of the Revolutionary Committee bears the Russian name of Nikolaieff, and the movement has its headquarters in Bulgaria, the ruler of which country has just been conferring on the Macedonian question with King Alexander of Servia. In Russia the possibility of dismemberment of the Turkish Empire being effected at present has been fully considered. The Novosti, of St. Petersburg, said January 4 that " the Eastern question will cease to be a danger to European peace when Russia, England, and France arrive at an understanding regarding its real bearing, and take it up from a thoroughly practical standpoint. It would suffice to hand over the Balkan Peninsula to the Balkan peoples (not to Austria), in order to effect a .settlement of the most essential part of the Eastern question. As to the questions of Asia Minor and Egypt, these could he settled by a joint understanding between Russia, Great Britain, and France. Finally, the matter of the Dardanelles should be equitably adjusted to Russia's advantage, Constantinsple being declared a free port." If Turkey should agree to withdraw her troops from Macedonia it will mean that another Balkan principality is to be formed ivitli the assent of the Powers.—Lyttelton Times.