Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3,500 Copies Daily WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1910. THE NEAR EAST.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9332, 5 October 1910, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3,500 Copies Daily WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1910. THE NEAR EAST.

The eyes of Europe are hardly ever allowed to wander from Turkey. Abdul Hamid's crafty rule kept the whole Continent in a state of ferment for a generation or more, and with his ignominious departure the chief cause of the troubles of the Balkan peoples seemed to have vanished. But Europe is now suffering a striking disillusionment, and since the opening of the year there have been ever-growing rumours of serious trouble. Bulgaria's menacing attitude has for the time been checkmated by the Roumanian alliance with Turkey; and it would appear likely that Turkey's northern foe will have to wait a while before she pays back numerous old scores. It is unfortunate Greece which is presenting most imminent danger at present, and yesterday's cables showed how near to a rupture the ancient enemies are. These two countries are the meeting place of the religions of the East and West. Turkey is the most militant of the subjects of Islam, and all Islam's hatred of Western Creeds is vented on her unfortunate neighbour. Crete has been providing food for a quarrel, but though Greece is making unauspicious haste to atone for her reecnt tactless action in the island, it is clear that Turkey does not want to make peace, and is searching relentlessly for any pretext for opening hostilities. Much was expected of the Young Turks when they assumed control of the Ottoman Empire, but those who expected them to show less hostility and more mercy to their Macedonian and Armenian subjects Who profess another creed, have been disappointed. The same fanatical hatred inspired by the Eastern religion is still at work, and it finds expression at present in a desire to annihilate Greece regardless of consequences and regardless of European intervention. Preparations for war haA'e been carried oil at an alarming rate and with great enthusiasm. It is said that Niazim Bey, the revolutionary liero_, is gathering freelances in the mountains, and there is a danger that these bands may cross the frontier at any moment. . Greece is badly placed just at present, and those of her inhabitants who dwell nearest the frontiers of the Unspeakable Turk will have considerable cause for disquiet for the next few months.