THE ARMENIAN QUESTION.

Hastings Standard, Issue 126, 21 September 1896, Page 3

THE ARMENIAN QUESTION.

THE DIFFICTLTY NOT YET SOLVED. RUSSIA HOLDING THE SITUATION. AND INSPECTS TURKISH DEFENCES. THE SULTAN FEARS ASSASSINATION. AND TAKES PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES. 1 London, Sept. 10. Owing to the attitude of Russia, British public opinion is turning in the direction of sanctioning a great concession to Russia and her right to occupy Armenia and Constantinople, but subject to equal trade rights, provided Russia will coerce Turkey into carrying out the reforms demanded. A Russian general has been permitted to inspect the Turkish defences, and a German newspaper declares that this proves that the Sultan is under the protection of Russia. Three Italian warships are under orders to proceed to the Dardanelles, and several warships are preparing to proceed to Odessa. Insurance companies are demanding war rates for English ships passing through the Dardanelles. The Times, in referring to the matter, thinks that isolated action is likely to bathe half of Europe 1 in blood. The Prince of Wales will pay a visit to Lord Rose be rv before meeting the Czar, so that- he may assure him that Lord Rosebery will support Lord Salisbury in presenting the firmest front in regard to Turkey. The Sultan decrees the expulsion of foreign suspects after the cases have been submitted to the Embassies. The Sultan has for some time been in dread of assassination, and during the past week seven of his subjects, who were suspected of attempting to gain admittance to his apartments with a view of murdering him, have been executed. The Anarchist committee declare that if the Powers will not assist the Armenians death will again be dragged into the contest. Constantinople, Sept. 19. An Armenian bomb factory has been discovered in Scutari, an important commercial suburb on the opposite side of the Bosphorus. The British residents are signing a petition demanding protection. Sept. 20. A large number of bombs and a quantity of explosive materials have been discovered in a well at Pera.