THE WORLD'S NEWS.

Patea Mail, Volume XXIX, 7 October 1908, Page 4

THE WORLD'S NEWS.

1 CRISIS IN THE BALKANS. I Seuter learns that the British ( Government have made proposals to ; Turkey and Bu'garia for the settlement of the Oriental railway question. The Porte agreed that if the railway were temporarily restored to ' the company Turkey would consent to ; transfer to Bulgaria it the Porte's 1 rights were safeguarded. Britain ju'ged the signatory Powers to the Berlin Treaty to lecoinmend this I solution. I It is understood that the Powers agreed, The Times' Paris correspondent states that Bulgaria to day proclaims its independence, probably through a national declaration by the Sobranie, and on Tuesday Austria-Hungary will announce tho formal annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Commenting on this very serious announce- ) ment, the Times severely censures the ) very flagrant breach of the Treaty of Berlin, and declares that the news will bo received with great regret and greater indignation. Later, the Times correspondent telegraphs that Count Khevenhuller, Austrian ambassador to F/ance, greatly overstated the acquiesence of the Powers, siuce there is reason to believe that Germany views the proposed breach of the treaty with fundamental aversion, but is not in a position to directly oppose her Austrian ally. Italy is willing to consider Austria's proposals, but stipulates for the restitution of Novibazar, also the revision of certain treaty restrictions imposed on Montenegro. Russia virtually says that since Austria and Bulgaria intend to tear up the treaty provisions which they find inconvenient, Russia will also raise questions, including that of the Dardanelles. 1 Bulgaria's indedendence has been proclaimed at Tirnovo, in the presence of Prince Ferdinand and his Ministers. One hundred and thirty thousand troops are ready to take the field. Renter's Berlin correspondent says it is officially announced that, sh mid the Porte ask the Powers' advice respecting the use of an m-med force, Germany will be unable to recommend war, because the Turkish army is unprepared, whilst the Bulgarians are ready. The Times' Paris correspondent ( states that Emperor Josef, in a letter tc President Fallieres, or Count Khevenhuller (Austrian Minister at Paris), cr>mmunicating verbally, in formed President Fallieres that Russia, Germany, and Italy had already given assurances of approval. Apparently the negotiations were conducted by Baron Aehrenthal (Austrian Premier), Prince von Buelow, M. Isvolsky, aud Signor Tittoni in perfect secrecy, without either the knowledge or > co-operation of France or England. •* Le Temps states that Austria is willing to propitiate the Turks by the restitution of Sanjak and Novibazar. The Times' Paris correspondent suggests that Italy has perhaps been placated by thp promise'of a Port in Albania, and a free hand in Tunis. Referring to Bulgaria's provocative attitude, the correspondent remarks that the peace of Europe may hang in the balance to-morrow Th( ugh stocks in London dropped sharply at the outset, it is generally

believed that peace will be maintained. 1 The entire English Press condemns | Bulgaria, and severely blames the i Austrian procedure. | The Evening Standard says their 1 action threatens one of the finest I national movements in the world. Constantinople blames Germany, suspecting that she seeks to humiliate the Young Turks. News of the action of Bulgaria and Austria was received to-day in official diplomatic circles in London with marked disfavor. BRITISH SOCIAL PROBLEM. Mr Asquitb, Prime Minister, addres-sing 4000 people at Earlston, Berwickshire, said the land question was only a part of a wider and more complex social problem of how to mitigate glaring anomalies of modern society, whilst also stimulating and not stifling individual energy and initiative. The Government was compelled by exigencies of political machinery to proceed piecemeal with the work of reform. Old age pensions were only a step toward a comprehensive and complete dealing with the allied problem concerning Under existing economic conditions we would never wholly get rid of unemployment, but wise legislation could reduce its area and make permanent provision against extraordinary emergencies, By the Licensing Bill the Government hoped to diminish the facilities for intemperance , by land legislation they sought to check the efflux of population from the country to the towns. He defended the Scottish Land Bill as sound in principle. ENGLAND'S UNEMPLOYED. Four thousand unemployed held a demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Sunday. Stewart Gray, one of the leaders, advised' them to march to Windsor Park, He suggested that a number should sit down in the Square until moved on, as a protest against the injustices of society. A number did so, but at sunset the police scattered the crowd and arrested seven, including Gray, despite some ugly rushes, in an attempt made to rescue them. The Admiralty, in order to mitigate unemployment, is ordering five cruisers from private firms. HOLLAND AND VENEZUELA.. President Castro, after informing the Venezuelan Senate that he refused te receive Holland's second note regarding the expulsion of the Dutch Minister, had two attacks of hemorrhage of the lungs, and was carried home helpless. It is expected that Holland will blocade La Guaya and Maracaibo early in November.