Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Third of a Century.] MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1908. THE NEAR EAST.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9211, 2 November 1908, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established Third of a Century.] MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1908. THE NEAR EAST.

There is a touch of humour, indeed there- has boen all along, about the flare-up in the Balkans. Detonators havo gono off, powder has boon burned, swords have been waved, solemn oaths taken, aud nmch patriotic enthusiasm lias been displayed. Turkey thirsted for Austria's gore, Sorvia was prepared to shed everybody's blood, and Balgaria was ready to face the world —while Austria calmly appropriated Hertzgoviua aud Bosnia, knowing perfectly well that there would be no war. Turkey would threaten, Bulgaria would mobilise troops, aud everybody would talk blood aud tnunder, but it wouldn't atfect the Stock Exchanges or international relations among the Powers that count. Lo ! the atmosphere is clearing again, the disputants embrace, honour is satisfied, aud there is "an interval for refreshment." Pretty soon there is sure to be another flare-up. The place is subject to a sort of recurring political epilepsy, very terrifying in its appearance whilo the paroxysm is on, but not taken seriously by those who have watched the course of events. No doubt there are "wheels withiu wheels," aud many interests are involved in the Near East. But what takes place in the way of a civil growl or even a general row all round doesn't very much matter. The Powers are careful not to overlap one another —and they can therefore afford to look on at those periodical outbreaks with friendly indiffereuere. Not till Turkey has achieved a constitutional status and freedom will anything matter that may happen in the Balkan highlands. Then things will happeu !