Turmoil in the East

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 18, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 11.

Turmoil in the East.

While it is impossible to predict the outcome of the present warlike conditions in the Balkans, it is very certain that the situation is a dangerous one. Austria and Russia had united on a program which they proposed the sultan should carry out in Macedonia. The sultan promptly refused to carry out the part of the program planned for him, and the program was changed. He agreed to it as changed, promising to carry out certain reforms for the benefit of the Macedonians. Upon this promise, Russia and Austria began to work for the suppression of the anti-Turkish sentiment in the Balkan States; but it now seems that Russia and Austria are unable to agree between themselves regarding this work, and Rumania has thought it necessary to inform the czar of Russia that she will not allow his troops to pass through her domain, that she will oppose them with force. Russia would thus find no mean obstacle to her progress if she attempted to invade Macedonia, as Rumania has an army of 170,000 men known to be the equals of any in war. The king of Rumania, in a recent speech, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. France and Italy are both watchful, and the latter has declared her determination, in the event of an outbreak, to see that her interests are adequately protected. Increasing numbers of the revolutionists are operating in Macedonia, and sanguinary encounters are occurring frequently between these and the Turkish soldiery. The inhabitants appear to be sheltering the bands and giving them information concerning the movements of the Turkish troops, thus enabling the revolutionists to evade pursuit. Telegraph lines are being cut by the latter, and they are opposing the troops wherever encountered. There have been considerable losses on both sides.