THE FATE OF THE TURK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15141, 4 November 1912, Page 6

THE FATE OF THE TURK.

The whole situation in the Balkans has changed with such startling rapidity and unexpectedness, that it is a little difficult to realise that European Turkey is apparently doomed. vßut unless a miracle happens it seems certain that the Turk will be driven out of Europe bag and baggage. To the surprise of everyone two events have happened for which the world was unprepared. The Turkish army has utterly collapsed, and the Balkan States have shown themselves to be possessed of a military organisation and of fighting qualities which few dreamt of. .The victors are now thundering at the gates of Constantinople, and in their present mood seem determined to dictate terms of peace in the capital of the shattered Turkish Empire. ' Apart from the final issue of the 1 struggle it cannot be denied that the position of the Christian population in Constantinople is one exposed to serious risk. We have only to picture a city swarming with defected and demoralised soldiery filled with fanaticism and wild despair to understand how real-' and imminent the danger is. The Turk is a fatalist and like all Oriental races is not far removed from the barbarian in spite of a veneer of civilisation. If he once got it into his head that Fate, had decreed that he should be expelled from Europe he might in a fit of madness mark his going by acts of butchery and violence that would indeed stagger . humanity. This is an eventuality which the Powers, we may feel sure, clearly foresee, and are quietly providing against. As for the new regrouping of South-east Europe, which is certain to follow the war, no one can speak with any .cfirtaiatjr pb tfcat.flpinfc. It may be !

taken for granted, however, that the war has already made the Berlin Treaty, a dead letter, and that the final settlement will probably follow the lines laid down at the conclusion of the Russo-Turkish campaign

for the creation of a greater Bulgaria. We believe the great Powers are all sincere in their desire to localise the present struggle, but having regard to the conflicting interests which must assert themselves when a settlement comes to be discussed it must be admitted that the outlook is by no means reassuring.