THE EASTERN QUESTION.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXIII, Issue 1164, 23 October 1896, Page 6

THE EASTERN QUESTION.

It is regarded as certain that if Eng land attacks Turkey one or more of the powers will assail her. The Pope in a stiong letter lo the Sultan besought the cessation of atrocities. The Sulian is much angered at His Holtness's interference. The Sultan has issued a decree 'that Armenian emigrants shall forfeit their nationality and lose their lan led property unless they return within six weeks. The Tirries states that on Great Britain's initiation Russia, Austria and France are likely to unite in compelling the Sultan to carry out the reforms demanded. Owing to the attitudp of the United Slates squadron two Turkish torpedo boats have been ordered to the Straits and two to Smyrna. Sir Vernon Harcourt had a great meeting at St. Jamps' Hill, London, and prompted the establishment of an Anglo-Armenian Association. One hundred and nine mayors were present besides several peers, and the Bishops of Ohichester, Aberdeen, and Winchester were present. The Dukes of Argyle and Westminister, Lord Kimberley, 28 bishops, and Dr Parker wrote letters of sympathy. Mr Gladstone wrote. that it would be. unwise to abridge Lord Salisbury's discretion, and it would be paradoxical to allege that Great Britain's forcement of treaty rights would provoke the Powers to war. Limitation of British action and co-operation, to extend which the most backward Power considers sufficient, would be equivalent to the abandonment of duty and prudence. The letter was received with tremendous enthusiasm. Earl Kimberley wrote that the nation should support any step short j of a European war. The Bishop of Rochester, who presided, protested that Great Britain was ostentatiously sheathing the sword. Mr Arnold Arthur, the Bishop of Hereford, Dra Welldon, Oliflord, and Kane, and the Rev. Charles Berry were the chief speakers. The Bishop of Hereford, in a fiery speech, protested against being tied to the tail. of Europe and thought the nation should prefer any risk rather than disiidnoux. ;

A resolution was carried denouncing the action of the Sultan of Turkey, and appealing to the Powers to use every means possible in insisting on reforms.