THE SLAV TIDE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 78, 9 April 1913, Page 6

THE SLAV TIDE.

MONTENEGRO DEFIANT.

ALLTES EVADINO SETTLEMEX I’. [By Electric Telegraph-—Copyright] [United Press Association. \ London, April 8. Admiral Burney, not Admiral Troubridge, commands the international squadron. Diplomatic circles believe that the Allies are systematically evading' a final settlement until Scutari is captured. In the House of Commons, Sir Edward Grey said that Admiral Burney was instructed to join in consultation with the other internationals' on practicable means of exerting pressure on Montenegro, but landing, naval brigades and field guns, or actual bombardment would not bo undertaken without further instructions. The war in Albania had become a war of conquest, not bearing on the war in Turkey. Hence the Government’s non-hesitation in joining in the agreement of the Powers, believing it to be in accord with humanity,' liberty and justice. Mr Bonar Law supported Mr Asquith in opposing discussion on the naval demonstration at present. The Daily Telegraph’s St. Petersburg correspondent states tljat the Slav agitation is spreading ' dangerously. The leaders are- convinced Austria is afraid of war. , Gferrnr. y had grasped the new situation; hence the new Navy Bill. France .ealised the position, foreshadowing the Ger-man-Slav conflict. England ahme put a spoke in the wheel of fortune, believing that she was working tor peace, whereas she was endeavouring to stem tho Slav tide with a broomstick. Montenegro defies Europe because she speaks with the voice of Slavdom.

OPTIMISTIC OF THE FUTURE

Berlin, April 8

Herr von Hollweg (Chancellor) declared that as far as human calculations could foretell, no European wa; would occur wherein Germany would not be involved. It required the whole sense of the European Cabinets, most nearly interested, to prevent the tension over the Balkans, which, might lead to a violent outbreak.* Emfope would know how it had to thank Sir Edward Grey for his extraordinary devotion and conciliatory spirit in adjusting differences at the Ambassadors’ Conference. The decisions at the London Conference must be carried out with all vigor so as to ensure a peaceful settlement. It ,was of the utmost importance'that the vitally active States which had arisen ir the Balkans* should bd as'-effective in peace as in war; but, beyond doubt, should the Slavs and Germans be op posed ip a European conflagration. Germany would bo; at a disadvantage by the Slav States replacing Turkey in the Balkans. It was thus imperative to take precautioflh hvith the PanSlav currents which made Bismarck , uneasy and enormously promoted the Balkan victories. Germany could not afford to bury her head in the sand. The relations with Russia and France were good, but wide sections in France, not merely Chauvanists. were relying on 'the ’quality of the army and the Russian Alliance, and the hope, with British help, to entertain ideas revanchise. He hoped the time was past when every comparison of Anglo-German naval strength led to an- agitation, poisoning the relations of both countries. The longlacking confidence was beginning to return. A GREEK BOMBARDMENT. Athens, April 8. A Greek destroyer bombarded the military camps near Smyrna, where it alleged the Turks are concentrating, preparatory to landing troops at Chios. Eight Turks were killed and 120 wounded. SAD INCIDENT RECALLED, YOUTHFUL RECRUITS DECIMATED. Sofia, April 8.

The two Sofia regiments decimated early in the war, owing to injudicious handling, were recruited. from the youths of the best families. They were sent to Chataldja and placed in positions where they were unlikely to he attacked. The Turks, learning of their inexperience, outflanked them and killed the majority. The incident caused a revulsion among those prominent in favour of peace.

A SERVIAN VICTORY. Belgrade, April 8. A semi-official despatch states that David Pasha was routed at Liousme in a despatch engagement, his troops flying in disorder. The Servians occupied Liousme and captured fifteen hundred Turks, several officers, and sixty administrative officials. AUSTRIA’S TROOPS. MASSING ON THE FRONTIERS. (Received 8.0 a.mA Vienna, April 8, One hundred and fifty thousand Austrian troops are massed on the Sor-vian-Montenegrin frontiers. MONTENEGRO’S STAND. Rome, April 8. The Giornale Ditalia (Deplora) says:—“The ungenerous and odious pressure of Montenegro in the blockade chiefly injures Italian trade.