THE BALKAN SITUATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12239, 7 April 1903, Page 5

THE BALKAN SITUATION.

FEELING IN BULGARIA. THE ROLE OF RUSSIA. PROTECTOR OF THE BALKANS. SUSPICIOUS OF BRITAIN. By Telegraph.—Press Association. -t'ciyiiEht. (Received April 6, 10.6 p.m.) Sofia, April 6. The Macedonians in Sofia attended a requiem service for the band of 24 who were cut to pieces under two Bulgarian officers of the reserve at Karbinesto, near Istito, by Bashi Bazouks and other troops. The cathedral was crowded. The priest eulogised the fallen men, while speakers outside the cathedral commended their example to the Macedonians. (Received April 7, 1 a.m.) St. Petersburg, April 6. A semi-official statement made at St. Petersburg reiterates that Russia guarantees the carrying out of the Macedonian reforms by pacific means alone. The Novoe Vremya warns M. Delcasse that Russia is exclusively entitled to the role of protector of the Balkans, and advocates an increase of Russian Consuls in Macedonia to explain this policy. The paper declares that British agents are working to' persuade the Macedonians that Russia desires their revolt as a pretext for intervention. The writer adds that Britain wishes to goad Russia into "War in order to tie her hands and so achieve British ends in the Far East. Sofia, April 6. The authorities here have seized a large quantity of arms. (Received April 7, 1.8 a.m.) Constantinople, April 6. Albanian Catholics participated in the attack at Mitrovitza.