THE BALKAN CRISIS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3079, 28 December 1908, Page 5

THE BALKAN CRISIS.

CABLE NEWS

United Press Association—B,y Electric Telegraph Copyright.

PRESS CRITICISMS.

Received December 27, 4.30 p.m

VIENNA, December 26

The Austrian newspapers profess indignation at Russia's attitude, and accuse he.- of imperilling the peace. Tne German newspapers declare that Russia is delaying the conference and advancing demands, which Austria is unable to accept. PARIS, December 2G. The French press denounce baron von Aerenthal's cynicism, and declare that France expects the violators of the Treaty of Berlin to compensate the sufferers. The Vienna newspapers attach importance to Count Mersdorff (Austrian Ambassador in London) bringing the Emperor Francis Jose a verbal message from King Edward. It is believed that His Majesty recommends Austria to arrange with Turkey. SPEECH BY M. ISVOLSKY. THE ANGLO-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT COMMENDED. RUSSIA'S VIEWS. ACCORD WITH ALL WHO REGARD INTERNATIONAL LAW.

AS A LIVING ENTITY

Received December 27, 4.15 p.m ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 26.

M. Isvolsky, speaking in the Duma, in a powerful speech, commended the great results of the Anglo-Russian agreement, and vigorously criticised Austria's policy, and affirmed that the Russian views of the trouble in the Balkans accord with the views of all with whom international law is a living entity,, He strongly warned Servia and Montenegro of any rashness and replying to the criticism of those declaring that Russia's policy ought to be a simple protest against annexation. He admitted that apparsntly, regretfully, Russia was handicapped by certain secret engagements with Austria, made between 1876—78, so that she was now unable to protest alone against the annexation which concerned the signatories collectively. Russia needed peace and time to recuperate, and aimed at a peaceful solution in the Balkans by legal means. Amid the cheers of the majority, M. Isvolsky advocated a moral political union of the BalkanSlav States, Russia's aim being to combino them with Turkey in a common ideal of defence of their national and economic development. A vote of confidence was voted.