THE TURKISH QUESTION .

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 3011, 24 December 1896, Page 2

THE TURKISH QUESTION .

Autograph Letter from the Czar. By Telegraph.—Frees Association. — Copyright. Constantinople, December 22. M. Nelidoff, the Russian Envoy, has had a long interview with the Sultan, and presented him with an autograph letter from the Czar. The impression prevails that the Powers will resort to coercive measures unless the promised raforma ani the amnesty to the Armenians are soon conceded. Fifty officers suspected of being in sympathy with the Young Turkey Party have been arrested. OPINIONS OP THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH PRESS. armeniansTmnestied. Received December 23, 7.30 p.ro. London, December 23. The Pall Mall Gazette says the movements of the Turkish troops lately disbanded are causing groat alarm in Syria, where massacre ia feared. H.Nelidoff has asked for a partial amnesty to ba declared, but the Embassies are strongly in favour of making it general. Paris, December 22. Le Temps, which formerly supported the Porto, has suddenly changed its tone, and now attacks the Sultan, expressing sympathy with the Armenians. Lo Figaro publishes a stinging attack on M. Nelidoff, accusing him of failing to support fiance. Received December 24, 1.40 a.tn. Constantinople. December 23. The Porte has issued a decree granting an amnesty to all Armenians, except a hundred who were sentenced to death, including two bishops. These will receive commutation, and be interned in the Turkish fortresses. The Embassies compelled the Sultan to re* frain from granting an amnesty also to the murderer of Father Salvatore. Greek rebels in Macedonia attacked the Turkish escort, killing eight judicial officials and 24- soldiers. Their own loss was only four.