The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated The Waikato Argus. MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 1922. THE BULGARIAN TRIAL

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15028, 28 August 1922, Page 4

The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated The Waikato Argus. MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 1922. THE BULGARIAN TRIAL

It is somewhat surprising that the information that a State trial of exmembers of the Bulgarian Cabinet Is being held should come from Berlin. Since the war little has been heard of Bulgaria, and it would appear that our sources of information are somewhat defective. This Is a matter of more importance than may appear at first sight, for the Balkans are the storm centre of Europe, and the probable action of the States therein should be carefully watched. It is possible that if this had been done prior to the war, Bulgaria might not have declared against us. The people had no interest in espousing the cause of the Central Powers. There was much bitterness against Serbia and Greece on account of the failure of the treacherous attaolc which Bulgaria made on them over the division of the spoils, in the war against Turkey. That bitterness, however, was directed as much against the who had brought the country to such a pass, as against the Greeks and Serbs, and the present trial is the outcome of this resentment. The Bulgarians are politically undeveloped. It is less than fifty years since they shook off the yoke of Turkey. Their Czar, Ferdinand, was an extremely able man, who had done much for the country and much for himself. His sympathies were, of course, German, and he began

life as an Austrian subject. It is not strange that he should have been allowed great latitude in the management -of the country's foreign policy. The course of the Balkan States, prior to the war, was directed entirely by considerations of the attitude which Russia or Austria pursued towards them. The people lived in alternate hope or fear of what their big neighbours might do. It was Russia that achieved Bulgaria's freedom in the war with Turkey in 1876, and she expected that Bulgaria would in consequence become her grateful client. Gratitude seems the feeblest of the motives in international • affairs, and Bulgaria was not complaisant, with the result that Russia became violently antagonistic, and behaved very badly to the smaller power. Bulgaria in consequence was thrown into the arms of Austria, which was of'all things what Russia should have avoided. The diplomacy of the autocratic powers seems to have been no more effective than their internal government, though diplomacy is one of the State mysteries that democracy is supposed to be incapable of grasping. When war broke out Bulgaria's sympathies were with Austria as against Russia, but if it had not been for Ferdinand it is probable that they would have refrained from fighting. The collapse of the Anzac expedition, however, afforded him the opportunity and. the temptation to make war. He had to wipe out the recollection of the blunder or crime, whichever we call it, of the attack against Greece and Serbia, and took this opportunity.

The cable which conveys the information of the trial describes the Act under which the trial is hold as indictment, verdict, and judgment combined. Without fuller information it is impossible to say whether this is justified, but there is nothing in the charges to warrant the statement. The first charge is that the ■ Cabinet' declared war without the consent of Parliament. If the constitution of the country requires the consent of Parliament, it was certainly a crime to declare war without consulting it, and it would seem probable that such an important step could not be taken on the authority of the King alone. The other charges arc those of straining constitutional powers which might be held defensible when the country was actually engaged in war. The charge of bribery and corruption may be true, but in any case it was certain to be brought. The penalties threatened are atrocious, but it must be remembered that the Bulgarians, like the other Balkan races, are primitive people, who for some'3oo years were under the rule of the Turks. Since their Independence they have engaged in more

than one war, while crime and outrage were always common on the frontiers. It is not strange, therefore, that cruel penalties should be threatened. What is of more importance is the 'fact that 10 of the 17 judges are peasants, who will be quite Incapable of judging the legal aspect of the case. At the last election to the Sobranjc (that is, the Parliament), 110 Agarians were returned against 117 of the oilier seven parlies. The Agrarians, therefore, are in unchecked control. It is a country of small proprietors, owning the freehold, and with farms generally of from one to six acres. They have the reputation of being very industrious, hardworking people, but without any of the outward attractions of the Serbs, from whom they differ in race. The percentage of them unable to read was 17 as late as 1910, hut there are a large number of schools, and the attendance seems considerable; so that this will soon be remedied. If the country could bo free 'from the exaggerated nationalism that troubles Europe, and the Balkans in particular, it might look forward to a successful career, but at present international hatreds are the chief feature of the situation.

In Berlin the proceedings in Bulgaria are naturally viewed with horror.

The Junkers will be appalled at the idea of peasants silting in judgment on ! those in authority. Even the Socialists will object to an attack made on Ministers for supporting Germany. It is as well that those who engineered the war in Germany should see the aspect which their action wears, even in a country which was in alliance with them. For the rest, the position of a Minister in any of the Balkan States must have been extremely harassing. In addition to the constant racial jealousy between Serbs, Greeks, and Bulgars, there was the constant threat of action which might be taken by Russia or Austria. Ministers attempted to cultivate the friendship of one or the other, but their action was largely in the nature of a gamble. It is to be feared that there are other dangers ahead, largely of their own making. Nevertheless, some progress is made. In Kinglake's book of Eastern travel, "Eothen," which was celebrated in Its day, about eighty years ago, the East began at Belgrade. We have reclaimed a considerable area for Europe, though that is less a matter for boast than it was.