BALKAN CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 206, 26 September 1903, Page 3

BALKAN CRISIS.

m reus ASSOCIATION. Constantisoplb, September 24 The Grand Viiier in June overruled Until the Macedonian Committee agitation ceased, Natchovitch's proposals for autonomy whereby he hoped to complete the AustroKusnan refoims. The Sultan now tpontnneously offers a similar scheme under Turkish and Bulgarian Commissioners. Bulgaria replies that it will negotiate only upon written proposa's. Tbe Macedonian leaders declare that the Snltan wishes to gain time. The troops are now prepared for a winter campaign, but are unable to invade Qatil the insurrection is^uppressed. Eleven thousand refugees are at Burgas. Reports received here state that fighting occurred at Ktesoo Pa»s, in the Melnik district. The Turkish casualties were 37, including 5 officers. The insurgents lost 20. Thdir prisoners include the Turkish commander. St. Pbtsbsbubo, Sept mbtr 24. An Official notd in tbe Rutsian Press blames the Macedonians for mdesvouring to create a Bulgarian Macedonia irrespective of the privileges of other Christian people whose interests are dear to Russia, and for centuries of oulrageous terrorism. A PACIFIC) HOYS.

BUiiQABUN PREMIER BOBPTIOAL, Received 26, 0.1 a.m. Oohbtantisople, September 25. The Saltan has issued an Irade accepting most of Bu'paria's proposals for the pacification of Macedonia, and has instructed Bilmi Pasha to execute reforms in three Macedonian vilayets and at AdriaDople without dehy, and to desist io farther punitive measures. A mixed Commission, representative of different nationalities, will be appointed. The restoration of the villages and repatriation of refugees has been ordered. Som, September 25. M. Petroff, Bulgarian Premier, is sceptical of the Sid r an's sincerity, since no assurance is given that Turkey will dlaoontinuo military preparations.