Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7th, 1908. THE BALKANS IMBROGLIO.

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 October 1908, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7th, 1908. THE BALKANS IMBROGLIO.

There has been a spice of sensationalism in the cablegrams of the past two days, consequent upon further interesting movements in the Balkans, where political changes have been rung on in rapid succession during the past few weeks. It is only three weeks ago that an ; Wmed revolution was narrowly averted in Turkey, through the tactical move of the Sultan in granting a Constitution framed on European lines. The chief animating party then, was "Tlie! Young Turks," whose political renascence has been based on three magic words "The Fatherland, the Nation, Liberty"—these words are the legend on the banner of Young Turkey, and the ideas they represent form the 'core of the true and living faith of-the regenerated people. This faith, which is now that of the whole of the educated portion of the younger generation, and which counts among its already mighty army of martyrs some of the very noblest of the race, is the most' momentous and in effect farreaching- df the many changes born at this timej when the whole future of the Balfiaiis is being remodelled. If such has been the moving spirit in regard to'Turkey, it also lias been the case with'regard to Bulgaria, which has, gone very near to precipitating a conflict on'- Recount of her seizure of the Orient railway, followed by a declaration, amidst scenes of great enthu* sinsm," of her independence. But following'|his surprising development, which has caused a profound sens t ation throughout Europe, conies the announcement of the annexation of Bosnia by Austria. If the granting of a constitution in Turkey was' received with satisfaction, then the occurrences of this week have caused ' :i & feeling of indignation to spread; throughout Europe and Britain. But ifr dealing with this question, it is interesting to go back and review the proceedings of the past fifty years. We find that the Bulgarians have never been'satisfied with; the ''position assigned trrthem by the treaty of Berlin. ■ If}-was the ghastly ' "war" of 1876 that led to the invasion' "of Turkish territory by Russia, and yet', when the'Russian campaign was at an 'end •the-only'Balkan- nations that did not gain their independence were those that had been striving most fiercely for it. . Bosnia and Herzegovina had been in revolt. The Powers rewarded them by placing them under Austrian administration. Montenegro was confirmed ; ih its independence and Sei-via and Roumania were declared to be indep endent. As for Bulgaria it was divided into three provinces. One was secured absolutely to Turkey. Bulgaria, north of the Balkans was given legislative and administrative autonomy, but remained'subject to Turkish sovereignty. Bulgaria, south of the Balkans, termed Eastern Roumelia, was placed under a Turkish. Governor. „ In seven years. Eastern/Roumelia had revolted again and had united with the northern province "Wnder Prince Alexander,-, and but for Russian intervention the whole principality might have followed its defeat of Servia by declaring its independence. Its aspirations are now apparently satisfied, for a. time at least, its indopence having been declared, though whether it will be recognised, by the European nations is another matter. Suffice it to say that of alls the Balkan peoples the Bulgarians hlivc : proved themselves the most capable .of self government. They have a free constitution. The single Legislative Assembly is elected by adult male suffrage. The Prince is nominally, indeed actually, chosen by the people. The administrative system i's well organised and economical. Education is freo and compulsory, and although the obligatory school ago is only from eight years to twelve there are' half a million scholars in the primary schools. The total population oi the principality is four millions, so that the nominal state of primary education must be. considered satisfactory. There are 50,000 children in - the secondary schools, and t he'''ii'i'ii Versify has a thousand "s'tu•deilts/'iitaiiy of them, women. Eroin ithe very 'clay when tile treaty of'Ber-. autonomy i,li,e Bulgaria ' to' 'prove themselves ''worf-hy ok complete independence,, ; lt is possible to exaggerate i:he measure. of tUe,i'r',j)rogress, but' compared '. with other Balkan nationalities they have shown ah'/,'., astonishing capacity for self-govei;'unient and for the peaceful development of their country. Their land sys't'etu is one of the most interesting iji l 'Europe. All lands belong to the 'State and are held in perpetuity at'a-'Tental equal to 10 per cent. ; of the annual produce, while coniid:crablc areas of pasture and woodland are retailed by the State, but arc freely used by the poorer classes. The principality is largely agricultural, and its prosperity is affected by the seasons, but trade is steadily expanding. Events have gone on, tho national spirit in Bulgaria growing day by day, ' till this week has witnessed the declaration of independence—an aspiratioH'Tong devoutedly wished for and the consummation of which has created an imbroglio, the ultimate outcome "of which it is difficult at present to" forecast. But there are already omiu'qus signs, such as tend to indicate that it will require very tactful diplomacy to prevent war between Turkey and Bulgaria. Should that eventuate, future developments will bo watched with keen., interest, for once the torch is applied, it would be impos/iibld to toll where the fire would stop. With the Treaty of Berlin flagrantly violated, it is easy to imagine that it would not be a difficult matter to involve some of the other European nations in the conflict.