The Great Round World and What Is Going On In It, Vol. 1, No. 44, September 9, 1897: A Weekly Magazine for Boys and GirlsVarious
History
The Great Round World and What Is Going On In It, Vol. 1, No. 44, September 9, 1897: A Weekly Magazine for Boys and Girls
Various
History, Modern -- 19th century -- Juvenile literature -- Periodicals
An uneasy feeling therefore prevails while this large force is kept
under arms, as at any moment the Sultan may take it into his head to try
and reconquer the Balkan provinces which he lost in the war with Russia.
Should he attempt such a thing Europe would be bound to go to the aid of
the province, and the much-dreaded European war would result. Until the
Turkish army is disbanded the peace of Europe cannot be assured.
It was felt, therefore, that Lord Salisbury had chosen a happy time for
his protest, and that the Sultan must now be forced into doing what is
right.
Unfortunately, Lord Salisbury, while he is a very clever statesman, has
not the courage of his own opinions. He can think out a clever plan
which would be of the greatest benefit to his country, and though in the
beginning he will try with great firmness to enforce it, he cannot stand
up against strong opposition. He has time and again abandoned some
excellent policy, and veered completely round, when he has met strong
opposition.
Much anxiety was felt in London on the present occasion lest he should
not be able to maintain the firm stand he had taken on the Greek
question. This anxiety grew keener when it was found that the other
Powers were opposed to him. His party and his friends did their best to
persuade him to remain firm, and for a time it seemed as though nothing
could shake his resolution. At last the unwelcome news was given out
that the British ambassador in Constantinople had received instructions
from Lord Salisbury to accept the peace proposals of the Turks, and
allow them to remain in Thessaly until the debt should be paid off.
Lord Salisbury's reason for yielding is rumored to be that the five
ambassadors, representing France, Germany, Russia, Austria, and Italy,
were ready to sign the first treaty without waiting for the consent of
England.
This is said to have alarmed the British Prime Minister, and made him
fear that the other Powers would combine against England if he persisted
in his determination, and so he weakly deserted Greece; and the Turks
will remain in Thessaly until the war indemnity is paid.
It is, however, stated that the British, French, and Russian ambassadors
have all sent word to their governments that it is quite impossible for
Greece to pay the sum demanded by Turkey.
Steps are therefore being taken to induce the Sultan to accept a smaller
sum, but the chances are that his success in securing Thessaly will make
Abdul Hamid refuse to take a piaster less. He will be sure to think that
if he only holds out long enough he will get everything he asks for.
In Athens the people are not at all willing to accept the proposed
treaty.
At a mass-meeting the other night a resolution was prepared and sent to
the King, asking him to reject the treaty and resume the war.
The general feeling throughout Greece is, however, against a continuance
of war.
* * * * *
The news from India is of a gloomy character.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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