THE BALKAN CRISIS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11692, 19 September 1903, Page 8

THE BALKAN CRISIS.

RUSSIA'S ACCUSATION AGAINST THE POWERS. WARNING TO BULGARIA'S RULER. United Press Association—By Electric Tele^Ta-ph-—' Copyright. ST. PETERSBURG, September 17. Tho tone of the Russian Press in discussing the Balkan situation is increasingly bitter. The papers fiercely accuse Germany, Austria, Roumania, and Greece of sympathising with Turkey's design to rid her territories of all Slavs. VIENNA, September 17. The presence in Sofia of Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria is interpreted here to mean that the war party at Sofia is uppermost. Austria has warned Prince Ferdinand that he will bo deposed if he makes war. FURTHER HOPES OF REFORMS. ATTITUDE OF GREAT BRITAIN. LONDON, September 17. Tho "Daily Telegraph" says it is now hoped at Vienna that Austria and Russia will conclude an agreement which will result in quietening the Balkans for a decade and maintaining the status quo, excluding armed intervention and granting delay in the reforms. The "Telegraph" adds:—''Bulgaria will bo raised to a kingdom if she refrains from war."

Tho "Daily Chronicle" understands that Great Britain has decided to stop the massacres, and that a squadron is supporting the representations which will shortly be made at Constantinople. The "Morning Advertiser" says Great Britain and the other Powers are moving in the direction of further reform in Macedonia. MORE MASSACRES. (Received September 19th, 0.58 a.m.) * SOFIA, September 18. Bulgarian information states that the Turks destroyed Kastoria and massacred all the inhabitants, Bulgaria has recalled her officers who are studying abroad. CONSTANTINOPLE, September 18. A fresh massacre of Greeks has taken place in the vilayet of Adrianople.

Three weeks ago the San Francisco "Examiner" published the following cable message from its London correspondent:

"What will Great Britain do in the event that the Balkan embroglio leads to a Russian campaign against Turkey?" was asked of Mr Scott James, secretary of Professor James Bryce's Balkans Committee. Mr James replied.:

"I am doubtful if the British Cabinet has made up its mind. Certainly if it lias the country is in ignorance of the fact. However, my impression is that if Russia were to menace Constantinople, Lord Lansdowne would proceed on the lines of the Beaconsfield policy, lines in strong opposition to the Muscovite advance. This I say while believing that a majority of the English people would welcome the .substitution of Russian for Turkish rule in Macedonia."

In other quarters there is confirmation of the correctness of Mr James's view. The best-informed politicians appear to be convinced that any forward movement on the part of Russia would immediately draw a warlike protest from the British Government.