Friday, November 30, 2012

War Would Desolate Europe.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Winston Churchill Says a Conflict Now Would Be a Horror.
    LONDON, Nov. 29.— Speaking at a banquet given in his honor tonight. Winston Spencer Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, said that while strong feeling naturally existed between Russia and Austria over the Balkan question, a resort to war by them would be a horror, disproportionate to any cause existing or any compensation that might be achieved.
    "Christian civilization," continued Mr. Churchill, "looks across the tangles of diplomacy to the sovereigns of those august empires and asks whether kingship might not in these modern democratic days win for itself new lustre and proclaim to the multitudes of enfranchised toilers in whose hands power is being increasingly reposed the fact that the monarchy is the bulwark of European peace."
    A great gulf, Mr. Churchill said, separated the affairs of Russia and Austria from those of the other European powers, and they had only to pursue the policy of trusting one another, which they had been pursuing, and nothing could drive them from the path of sanity and honor. A general war might plunge Europe almost into the desolation of the Middle Ages.
    "The only epitaph history could write upon such, a catastrophe," Mr. Churchill declared, "would be this, that a whole generation of men went mad and tore themselves to pieces."

Turks Surrender To Serbs.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Two Regiments Are Taken Prisoner After the Fall of Dibra.
    BELGRADE, Nov. 29.— The capture of Dibra, the last Macedonian stronghold, was effected after a desperate encounter with the Turkish troops, who had rallied there after their retreat from Monastir and had been joined by contingents of Malissori and Arnaut tribesmen.
    Two Turkish regiments, which were routed at Monastir, surrendered yesterday to the Servians.

Taft Remains Firm On Russian Treaty.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Assures Simon Wolf That No Compromise Arrangement with the Czar Will Be Made.
WILSON TO MEET PROBLEM
Russia Not Likely to Give In Before He Takes Office — Tariff War Is Considered Probable.
Special to The New York Times.
    WASHINGTON, Nov. 20.— All treaty relations between the United States and Russia will cease Jan. 1, when the existing treaty between the two countries becomes void through "denouncement" by this Government. President Taft has made this clear in a letter to Simon Wolf of Washington, who had asked as to the truth of the newspaper reports, mostly emanating from Europe, that the two Governments had concluded, or were about to conclude, a temporary arrangement that would continue the terms of the denounced treaty in force until a new convention had been arranged. The President says:

My Dear Mr. Wolf:
    I have your letter of Nov. 22 in which you refer to the reports that we are engaged in making a temporary agreement with Russia to take the place of the agreement which we have abrogated. I beg to assure you that we expect to make no agreement of this kind or of any kind. What we have been doing is examining the existing treaties and statutes and international law applicable to a situation like that which will occur after our treaty with Russia of 1832 shall cease to be. We do not expect to change by any agreement or so-called modus vivendi the status quo which the abrogation of the treaty will leave on the first of January next by ceasing to have effect.
            Yours very truly.
            WILLIAM H. TAFT.

    While he does not say so in his letter, President Taft has taken the ground that, as the existing treaty has been abrogated by action of Congress because it enables Russia to refuse admission into the Czar's dominions of Jewish citizens of the United States, there is no other course open to the Administration than to insist that any new agreement must provide for the recognition by Russia of passports issued to all American citizens. The refusal of Russia to concede these principles makes a continuance of relations impossible without direct violation of American statutory law.
    While officials of the Administration do not overlook the fact that the absence of treaty arrangements between Russia and the United States may be embarrassing to both nations, they feel that Congress "built a high wall" that can be razed only by Russia's recognition of a cardinal American tenet, now specifically affirmed by the people's representatives, that ail American citizens shall be equally protected in their rights by the Federal Government.
    Although the President's letter may give the impression that there have been no efforts by the two Governments to overcome the salient point at issue, the fact is that there have been exchanges on the subject both in Washington and St. Petersburg. It is said that Russia made two proposals for an adjustment of differences, but as neither recognized the principle for which this Government contended a deadlock was produced. The exchanges are understood not to have progressed beyond the conversational stage.
    The material effect of a severance of treaty relations on the affairs of the two countries cannot be determined at this time. It is probable, however, that a tariff war will be brought about through the fact that Russian law provides that the high rates of the Russian maximum or discriminatory tariff must be applied to importations from countries whose Governments do not have treaty understandings concerning commerce and navigation with Russia.
    Should some means be found by which this Russian law would not be invoked, the Government of the United States would be able to continue most-favored nation treatment to Russian goods. But should the tariff on American goods be increased it would be necessary for this Government to apply at once the maximum rates provided in the Payne-Aldrich tariff law, which directs that there shall be a horizontal increase of 25 per cent, in the duties on all articles imported into this country from any country that does not accord most-favored nation treatment in tariff matters to the United States.
    From present indications nothing whatever toward a resumption of treaty relations is likely to be done during the brief period that the Taft Administration will remain in power. This will mean that President Woodrow Wilson's Secretary of State will be confronted with this serious problem at the very beginning of the Administration. No doubt is felt here that President Wilson and his Secretary of State will be in thorough accord with the policy announced by President Taft in his letter to Mr. Wolf. A Democratic House of Representatives adopted the original resolution for the abrogation of the Russian treaty, but beyond that the Congressional ratification of President Taft's denouncement of the treaty will be as binding on Mr. Wilson as on Mr. Taft.

Saved Cruiser, Deck Awash.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Turkish Captain Brought In the Hamidiyeh, 18 Inches Above Water.
    CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov. 20.— Foreign observers here are aroused daily to condemnation or admiration of the Turks by reason of some display of characteristics, different from those of the peoples of the West. Their indifference to the suffering of their fellow men and the wanton waste of life, displayed in the wrecks of humanity, walking the streets of Stamboul and Pera, is somewhat offset by the courage of the officers and crew of the cruiser Hamidiyeh after lack of precaution had permitted a Bulgarian torpedo boat to blow her up.
    The Hamidiyeh's captain brought his ship back to Constantinople in a manner European commanders would have adopted. He took a course across the deep sea and arrived at the Golden Horn with the decks of the cruiser eighteen inches above water. The ship was practically sunk at the entrance to the dock, and the engineers, apparently, are now unable to move her in or out.
    Asked by the foreign naval officers why he failed to hug the shore after his ship was torpedoed, the Captain replied that his crew was under good discipline and he feared they might mutiny if they saw the shore near-by. Consequently he took a chance of sinking.

Story Of Bulgar Atrocities.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Irregular Troops Said to Have Massacred 150 Moslems at Kavala.
    LONDON, Saturday, Nov. 30.— "I am informed on unimpeachable authority," says The Times correspondent at Salonika, "that the Bulgarian irregular troops left in charge of Kavala after its surrender some time ago, alleging that the Moslems had plotted a massacre, arrested 150 of the Turks and slaughtered them, mostly with bayonets outside the town. This action was taken in spite of promises to protect the lives of citizens.
    "The irregulars further excuse the massacre by alleging that the Turks burned several villages before the entrance of the Bulgarians into the town of Drama, that 150 Christian families perished, and that a number of the leading Jews had been arrested and grave fears were entertained for their safety. They also allege that when the Bulgarians entered Sernes they were fired on by the Turks and an officer and two soldiers were killed. The Bulgarians thereupon began to clean up the town, massacring one hundred persons by the Moslem process."

Russia For Quick Settlement.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Would Avert Conflict Over Albania by Compromise Bargain.
    ST. PETERSBURG. Nov. 29.— The chances for a peaceful solution of the Balkan crisis are increasing daily. Russian diplomacy, supported by that of France and Great Britain, expects to tide over the Austro-Servian conflict regarding the Adriatic, and drive a bargain with Austria and Italy, based on recognition of Albanian autonomy in return for Austria giving Servia access to the sea.
    According to views of Russian diplomatists a permanent settlement of the Balkan crisis is desirable to all the European powers. They think there is no reason to make the Servian position economically untenable. Whether a settlement of the controversy is achieved through a conference or otherwise is of secondary importance. The main object is peace, but not peace at any price.
    The most important task for diplomacy at present, it is held here, is to hasten a conclusion of the negotiations between Turkey and Bulgaria.
    It is said not to be impossible that Russia may exert her good offices for peace, either in the form of advice or pressure. Turkey's left flank is entirely exposed to the Caucasus, where Russia has concentrated large forces, but Russia does not desire to take any action that might compromise her good relations with Turkey in the future.
    Russia, it is said, does not want any Turkish territory but desires only the freedom of the Dardanelles for her Black Sea trade, which represents three-fourths of her grain exports.

India To Aid British Navy.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Native Rulers Plan to Offer Twelve Big Warships.
    BOMBAY, Nov. 29.— Three super-dreadnoughts and nine first-class armored cruisers will soon be offered to the British Government by the independent rulers, Princes, and nobles of India if they ran carry out successfully a plan recently drawn up by them to collect funds for the purpose among themselves.
    It is suggested that the warships when presented be stationed in the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean.

France Is Very Optimistic.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Working Closely with Germany — Hears America Is Using Its Influence.
    PARIS. Nov. 29.— France has accepted in principle the suggestion of Sir Edward Grey, the British Foreign Secretary, that a meeting of Ambassadors of the great powers be called for the discussion of the questions arising out of the Balkan war.
    The favorable way in which the idea has been received by the powers, especially Germany, is regarded here as a very hopeful sign. In well-informed circles it is declared that the attitude of the powers goes far to strengthen the hope that European complications in connection with the Balkan war may now be regarded as averted.
    A striking feature of the crisis has been the close union of France and Germany in all efforts directed toward calming the warlike feeling that has been displayed in different sections of Europe.
    It is generally understood that the United States has taken a quiet but important part in exercising a soothing influence on Europe — an influence for winch France in particular is appreciative.

France Losing War Power.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Race Suicide Has Cut Down Recruits by 23,000 in Five Years.
    PARIS, Nov. 20.— The number of recruits available for the army has been reduced from 238,000 in 1903 to 215,000 in 1911, owing to the diminution of the birth rate in France.
    Joseph Reinach made this assertion during a debate in the Chamber of Deputies to-day on the bill relating to infantry enrollment.

Envoys Will Sign Armistice To-day.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Suspension of Eastern Hostilities in Sight, Says Official Statement at Constantinople.
EUROPEAN OUTLOOK CLEARER
St. Petersburg and Paris Optimistic, but Austria and Servia Continue War Preparations.
BULGARS TAKE 9,000 TURKS
While Two Regiments Surrender to Servians at Dibra — Adrianople Reported in Serious Straits.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Saturday, Nov. 30.— The plenipotentiaries of Turkey and Bulgaria will sign an armistice to-day, according to The Daily Mail's correspondent at Constantinople. While this definite statement is not confirmed by any source, an official announcement given out at the Turkish capital declares the armistice is in sight, and an agreement may be signed "in a day or two."
    Meanwhile the amelioration of the general European situation continues. The proposals of the British Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Sir Edward Grey, which really amount only to a suggestion that some one capital be made a sort of diplomatic clearing house to facilitate the exchange of views between the powers, has met with approval up to a certain point.
    St. Petersburg dispatches emphasize the pacific intentions of Russia.
    The Austrian Government is prepared, it is understood, to welcome the solution which is suggested by Ismail Kemal Bey, who has been proclaimed Provisional President of Albania by the chiefs of the Albanian tribes. Anxious to cultivate good relations with the Balkan States, he promises to guarantee to Servian trade a free outlet at Durazzo. Austria would agree to this.
    Ismail Kemal, who was formerly the Albanian leader in the Turkish Parliament, has telegraphed appeals to the Austrian, French, and Italian Governments to recognize the new State of Albania and protect it from dismemberment.

Death For Peace Envoys.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Zapata Reported to Have Shot One from Madero — The Other Escapes.
    MEXICO CITY. Nov. 29.— Emiliano Zapata, the insurgent leader, carrying out a recent threat that he would put to death any more peace envoys sent by the Government to treat with him, passed sentence of death a few days ago on two men who had approached him on behalf of the Madero Government, according to news received here to-day from Excuautla, Morelos. One of the men was shot. The other escaped.
    A dispatch to The Imparcial from Vera Cruz says that W. W. Canada, the American Consul, has informed the correspondent of that journal that the United States battleships Kansas, Michigan, Vermont, and South Carolina will soon visit Vera Cruz. The news has caused apprehension here, as it is considered unusual that visits of courtesy should be by a squadron of such strength.

Bulgars Capture Army Of 9,000 Turks.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Taver Pasha's Force, Cut Off South of Adrianople, Surrenders After a Fierce Fight.
CITY IS VERY HARD PRESSED
Besiegers' Trenches Barely Half a Mile Away — Garrison's Strength Already Reduced One-Half.
By FREDERICK PALMER.
Special Correspondent of the New York Times.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    MUSTAPHA PASHA, Nov. 29.— The staff announces the capture yesterday of two divisions of Turks under Taver Pasha, numbering 9,000 men, which have been operating in the region of the Kirjali Mountains.
    It is good proof of the adequacy of Bulgarian military secrecy that the existence of this force was unknown outside of army circles before it was cut off from other forces, isolated, and driven by the surrounding Bulgars to the bank of the Maritza River, where it was compelled to surrender.
    While they were bringing this separate force to bay, the Bulgarians were able to advance their lines on Adrianople. Now they will have additional troops released to aid in the siege.
    Although peace is expected, no official news of it has reached here.

The British Proposal.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
    Sir Edward Grey's proposal as to further negotiations on the Balkan situation is, on its face, simple and sensible enough. It is a time-saving device, and time is often in these matters of the essence of the business. In effect, the English Foreign Secretary suggests the substitution of a diplomatic clearing house for the present tedious and complicated mode by which each Government deals with all the others. An Ambassador from each Country in a selected capital — Paris is naturally regarded as the most convenient — will receive and convey all communications from and to his colleagues. Thus there will be one Ambassador as a general agent of each Power for the five others, and it is reasonable to expect that such an arrangement will save some five-sixths of the delay and confusion of the former plan. The proposal seems to be favorably considered, as was probably assured before it was made public.
    Much will depend, of course, on the scope that will be given to the discussions of the Ambassadors. It is well to recall the significant speech of the British Premier at the Guildhall dinner in which he declared Great Britain's opinion that peace would best be secured by each of the Powers holding special views and claims in abeyance until the time came to discuss them all together. Evidently it is the present belief of the British Government that that time is approaching. What is practically a conference of Ambassadors is a step in preparation for the general discussion. It remains to be seen whether Austria-Hungary will consent to the postponement of her particular claim with regard to Servia. So far as we can judge by official utterances, she will, though the popular feeling is strong in Vienna in favor of stern action, and the Servian occupation of Durazzo will stimulate it. But the most encouraging indication is the semi-official declaration in London and in Berlin that Germany and Great Britain are working cordially together to maintain peace. If this be the case, there will be no war; and the relative tranquillity of the Exchanges in the two capitals is strong •evidence that it is the case.

Belgrade Citadel Mined.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Tradespeople Being Moved Away as a Precautionary Measure.
    LONDON, Nov. 29.— A dispatch from Vienna says that a message, received there late to-night from Belgrade, declares that the citadel in Belgrade has been mined and may be blown up on the entry of foreign troops.
    A majority of the tradespeople, officials, and leading manufacturers of Belgrade, by Government order, have moved to Nish and Leskovatz, and others are preparing to depart from the Servian capital.

Albanian Move Pleases Italy.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Many Descendants of Albanians Live in Southern Provinces.
    ROME, Nov. 29.— The proclamation of the independence of Albania and the establishment of a provisional government there have been favorably received in Italy — especially in southern Italy and Sicily, where are living several hundred thousands of descendants of Albanians, whose ancestors escaped to Italy in 1444, when Scanderbeg, son of John Castriota, Lord of a hereditary principality in Albania, proclaimed his independence and maintained himself successfully against the Ottoman government.
    Numerous telegrams have been exchanged between the Albanian leaders here and their brethren at home. The Italian Albanians have included several distinguished men. The late Premier Crispi was a descendant of an Albanian.

36,000 Beside Scutari.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 30, 1912:
Practically All of Montenegro's Army Concentrate for Attack.
    RIEKA, Montenegro, Nov. 29.— King Nicholas will move his headquarters tomorrow to Bruda, near Scutari, and will direct vigorous operations against the beleagured fortress in person.
    Practically the entire army, totaling 36,000, has been concentrated for an attempt to force the Turks to surrender. The Turks have made several sorties, but all have been repulsed.
    A Turkish deserter from Scutari says the distress among the besieged is terrible.
    King Nicholas to-day had a conference with the Austrian Minister and other members of the Diplomatic Corps. It is believed that the Austro-Servian difficulty will be settled amicably.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Czarevitch An Invalid.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 29, 1912:
Has One Skin Too Few — Belief That Me Will Not Live to be Czar.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Friday, Nov. 29— A correspondent of The Daily News says:
    "From an excellent authority I have been able to learn the facts regarding the health of the Czarevitch. He has one covering of skin too few, such as was the case with the late Duke of Albany. This skin deficiency is aggravated by the difficulty of confining the extravasation of blood in the groin region, which caused superficial inflammation extending to the top of the abdomen. This condition and the extreme slowness of diminution in the swelling points to much constitutional debility.
    "As regards the hip bone, it is not known yet whether the trouble is due to defective ossification or whether it threatens to be tubercular. It is declared that nothing points to danger to the boy's life and that the years of boyhood may bring better symptoms, but he has the extreme nervous activity often seen in children who are not destined to live long.
    "Any notion of thanksgiving, as some fervent loyalists desired, for his recovery has been severely suppressed. He is to be regarded as an invalid child, and in a vague way people have come to believe that the boy is not to be Czar, as inevitably follows the stories circulating of predictions of religious mystics and suchlike that Michael, the Czar's only brother, will reign. Michael is morganatically allied to the divorced wife of a Russian cavalry officer and has two children by her. He takes no part in political, military, or court activities."

Turkish Character Cruel.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 29, 1912:
To the Editor of The New York Times:
    I read with surprise the letter of G. F. Herrick in The New York Times about the character of the Turks. I have lived and traveled in Asia Minor, and studied the history of the Turks in Asia Minor, but could not find the "honest," "peaceable." "thoroughly human," and "lovable " Turks of Mr. Herrick; neither have the great men like the Right, Hons. James Bryce and Gladstone, nor any truthful and unbiased foreign observers of common intelligence been able to find his mythical Turks.
    If Mr. Herrick has not studied the Turkish history, blackened all through by fiendish Turkish atrocities, how could he forget the wholesale massacre of 100,000 Armenians in 1894, and the horrible massacre of Adana, unparalleled in the history of Tartars?
                L. S. SHONT, M. A., of Asia Minor.
                New York, Nov. 27, 1912.

Turks And Bulgars Hopeful Of Peace.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 29, 1912:
Report in Constantinople That the Bulgars Have Withdrawn Their Claim to Adrianople.
MANY ARRESTS IN SALONIKA
Five Hundred Turkish Officers Deported to Greece Owing to Intrigues and Breaking of Paroles.
    SOFIA, Nov. 28.— Two meetings of the peace delegates were held at Bagehakeui to-day, and, according to Premier Guechoff, the pourparlers are progressing satisfactorily.
    In Government circles it is believed that unless unforeseen difficulties arise an armistice will be concluded in two days.
    Yesterday's session was a very prolonged one, the delegates sitting until late at night.
    A letter received to-day from the front says that there has not yet been any real assault by the Bulgarian besiegers on the fortress of Adrianople. The forts, it says, have been shelled and some of them have been captured by the allied Servians and Bulgarians, who suffered heavy loss.
    On one occasion a Turkish fort was captured, but shortly afterward the allies were compelled to evacuate it owing to the heavy fire concentrated on it by the Turkish guns.
    On another occasion an entire Bulgarian battalion was destroyed by the explosion of a land mine, which was fired by the Ottoman defenders.

Servia, Defiant, Holds Durazzo.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 29, 1912:
Troops Occupy the Town — Austrian Government Arranges for Mobilization.
A DEMONSTRATION IN VIENNA
Thousands March in Procession, Singing Patriotic Hymns — Speech by Burgomaster.
DUMA ALSO GETS EXCITED
Enthusiastic Over Warlike Speech — Britain Proposes Conference of Ambassadors.
    DURAZZO, Albania, Nov. 28.— The Servian troops occupied this town today. No resistance was offered.
    The Austrian Lloyd steamer Graf Wurmbrand left here immediately with a number of refugees.

Run On German Banks.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 29, 1912:
Alarm in East Prussia Causes Chancellor to Send Reassuring Message.
    KOENIGSBERG, Nov. 28.— Telegraphic instructions to the Governor to make efforts to allay the alarm prevailing in the Province of East Prussia were received to-day from the Imperial Chancellor, Dr. von Bethmann-Hollweg.
    In his dispatch the Chancellor declares that the alarming reports about war preparations on the German and Russian sides of the frontier are wholly groundless. No special military measures, he says, have been taken on the German side, and no news has been received about Russian military measures which would require Germany to take counter steps.

Hunger At Adrianople.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 29, 1912:
City Must Soon Fall, It Is Stated — Sorties Every Day.
    LONDON, Nov. 29.— A Belgrade dispatch to The Daily Telegraph says:
    "The first Servian wounded have arrived here from Adrianople. Among them is an officer who tells interesting details of the siege. He says that during the three weeks since the arrival oí the Servians before Adrianople not a single day has passed without the Turks attempting sorties, but always retreating with great losses.
    "The meaning of the sorties is incomprehensible, as without the protection of the forts the Turkish army would be annihilated in two days. The fortifications consist of many trenches, which are connected with the forts by a circular railway. The trenches are full of water.
    "In time of peace the forts mount thirty batteries, and these ave now being attacked by 500 guns, which are pouring an infernal fire into the works. Eighty thousand soldiers are shut up in Adrianople, and the provisions cannot last much longer.
    "Many of the trenches are protected by wire and some of them are only 250 yards from the besiegers, who are pressing the city on three sides. The Serbs of the Danube division, between the Arda and Maritza, Rivers, are exposed to the heaviest Turkish fire. Fighting is in progress every day and night, except on nights when thick fog prevails. The roaring of Turkish guns is incessant, but ineffective.
    "Adrianople, according to the officer, must fall soon, as Christian fugitives report that hunger is already telling on the troops and population."

Federals Kill Federals.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 29, 1912:
In Ousting Mexican Rebels They Fire on Each Other at Night.
    MEXICO CITY, Nov. 28.— The Government troops have dislodged a number of rebels from their positions near Chalco, about thirty miles from the capital, but credit for the exploit is somewhat lessened by the fact that two Federal detachments, the Twenty-ninth and Sixteenth Infantry, had been fighting each other during the latter part of the engagement.
    The sortie against the insurrectos was at night, the Federal commander dividing his force and marching against the rebels from two sides. The fighting was spirited, regardless of the Federals' inability to see the enemy in the darkness.
    An officer of one detachment recognized the bugle calls of the other, and an investigation disclosed the fact that the rebels had disappeared and that bullets were being exchanged between the two sections of the Government forces. At least ten Federals were killed in that part of the encounter.
    Reports of travelers and mail advices indicate that conditions in various parts of the republic are worse than is generally known in the capital, and more widespread. At least ten encounters have taken place the past three days, the Federals reporting victories.

Air Fleet For Germany.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 29, 1912:
Twenty Zeppelins Able to Remain in the Air Four Days to be Built.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
    BERLIN, Nov. 28.— In the lobbies of the Reichstag to-day discussion centred on what is now regarded as the certain appearance of Germany's first aerial navy bill.
    It can be stated on reliable authority that the recommendations of the War Office and Admiralty include the building, as the beginning, of a fleet of twenty Zeppelin airships, each of about 920,000 cubic feet capacity, capable of traveling fifty-one miles an hour, and remaining aloft four days and four nights without an intermediate landing, and capable of carrying and discharging a ton of explosives.
    From the same authority it is learned that Gen. von Moltke, Chief of the General Staff, a few months ago unsuccessfully sought to induce the Government to bring in estimates for a fleet of twenty-five Zeppelins.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Turkey Hits At The Press.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 28, 1912:
All News About Defeats Barred — Revenge on Anti-Turkish Papers.
    LONDON, Thursday, Nov. 28.— Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett, in a dispatch to The Daily Telegraph from Constantinople under date of Nov. 26, by way of Con-stanza, says that in an endeavor to stay at the front he interviewed Major Wassif, who has charge of the censorship and the care of the foreign correspondents.
    The Major said that hereafter the only correspondents who would be permitted at the front would be those who signed an agreement to stay during the entire war and agreed to send only matters favorable in the military and political sense to Turkey. He declared that the only papers even thus favored would be those which had supported Turkey, and added that the treatment to which the correspondents had been subjected was due to the fact that Turkey was not getting proper support, from the European press.
    Under the new plan, no correspondent is to be allowed to send news of a Turkish defeat, no matter how great the disaster. The correspondents of all the papers which have been opposed to Turkey in the past, or in the present war, will be kept in Constantinople or expelled from the empire.

The Tennessee At Malta.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 28, 1912:
After Coaling Will Go to Smyrna to Protect Americans There.
    MALTA, Nov. 27.— The United States cruiser Tennessee arrived here to-day from Gibraltar. After coaling, she will proceed to Smyrna for the protection of American residents there.

Swedish Warships Put to Sea.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 28, 1912:
    STOCKHOLM, Nov. 27.— All Swedish naval officers on leave were unexpectedly ordered to join their ships to-day at Karlskrona, the principal station of the navy. Six armored vessels and fourteen torpedo boats put to sea to-night. They are due to arrive at Gothenburg on Dec. 1.

Servia Abandons Albanian Claim.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 28, 1912:
Austria Also Adopts More Pacific Attitude — Austro-Russian Situation Improves.
SERVIANS REACH DURAZZO
Albanian National Flag Previously Raised — Berlin Reports Austria Will Send Squadron There.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Thursday, Nov. 28.— Such few developments in the European situation as the past twenty-four hours witnessed have been distinctly favorable, and for the first time since the beginning of hostilities the chief places in the London papers are not occupied by the war in the Balkans or the international strain resulting from it.
    Word has been received in London that the interview between the Czar and the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador at St. Petersburg on Tuesday was of a most satisfactory character, and that there is no doubt whatever of Russia's pacific intentions.
    Vienna is much calmer, and even from Belgrade comes an indication of a change in the attitude of Servia. This is given in an important dispatch from The Daily Telegraph's Belgrade correspondent, who says he learns from a most reliable source that Servia is abandoning her claims to Albanian territory, but cannot abandon her claim to an independent issue on the Adriatic Sea.
    In leaving Albania to the care of the great powers, it is added, Servia hopes that her claim to a port will be understood, and consented to by all the powers, including Austria-Hungary.
    The Daily Telegraph has received a series of dispatches from Durazzo, culminating with the news that the Albanian national flag, consisting of a black eagle on a red ground, was hoisted without ceremony on the Government buildings yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. The functionaries were peacefully persuaded to accept the new regime or clear out. Refugees are flocking into the town. Every Turkish flag in the harbor has been struck.
    From other telegrams of the series it would seem that the Servian march on Durazzo was halted at Kruja, ten miles distant.
    The hoisting of the Albanian national flag appears to have been the action of Albanian extremists, who proclaimed Albanian autonomy and appealed for the protection of Austria, Italy, and France.

The Peace Negotiations.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 28, 1912:
    CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov. 27.— The negotiations between the Turkish and Bulgarian peace delegates continued to-day at Bagehakeui. They were of a preliminary nature and will be resumed to-morrow.
    Osman Nizami Pasha, the Turkish Ambassador to Germany, who is one of the delegates, arrived here to-day. He had a prolonged interview with the Grand Vizier and subsequently attended a meeting of the Ministers.
    Official denial is given to a report that the Government has decided to abolish the parliamentary regime.
    The report of the recall of the Austrian Red Cross unit from Turkey is also declared to be unfounded.

Koreans Allege Torture.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 28, 1912:
Detract Confessions They Made at First Trial of Conspiracy Case.
    SEOUL, Nov. 27.— The outstanding feature of this morning's sitting of the court that is trying the 106 Korean prisoners charged with conspiring in 1910 and 1911 against Gov.-Gen. Count Terauchi's life was the wholesale retraction by Kimiljun of the evidence he gave at the former trial. He at that time admitted that he desired to kill Gov.-Gen. Terauchi and implicated'! a number of leaders. Kimiljun calmly asserted this morning that this was a tissue of lies. "In explanation he said he was insane during the last trial and had been driven to make the statements by the treatment to which he was subjected by the police.
    Kimiljun was sentenced at the first trial to seven years' imprisonment.
    Six other prisoners were also examined in the course of the day. All of them told the same story, retracting the confessions they had made before the Procurator and asserting that they had been tortured by the police. They described the various methods of treatment adopted by the police to obtain their confessions.

Bulgar Recruits Called Out.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 28, 1912:
    SOFIA, Nov. 27.— The Bulgarian recruits of the 1913 and 1914 classes have been summoned to join the colors by Dec. 3.
    Several thousand recruits of the 1912 class have left the capital for the front in the last three days, thus refuting the statements published abroad that Bulgaria has sent her last man to the war area. The recruits were well equipped and were in high spirits. Flowers decorated their caps and rifles.
    Italian papers publish reports that the Bulgarian army has lost over 90,000 men, including its best troops, and is worn out, short of ammunition and a prey to epidemics. A sweeping official denial is made of all such reports. The statement gives assurance that the army is provided with every necessity and is ready to carry on the campaign with an enthusiasm which has never failed.
    The government organ, Mir, referring to the foreign assertions, says there are plenty more recruits ready to occupy the baracks just vacated. Bulgaria, the paper adds, is now better prepared for war than at the beginning of the campaign.

Airmen's Bombs Fire Adrianople.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 28, 1912:
Pyroxylin Dropped on the Besieged City by Bulgarian Aeroplanes — Conditions Desperate.
PEACE OUTLOOK IS BETTER
But the Bulgars Say Hostilities Will Be Renewed if Turkey Does Not Give Way in 48 Hours.
ARMIES BEING REINFORCED
Greek Vessels Carrying Bulgar Troops — 130,000 Turks Soon to be at the Tchatalja Lines.
    SOFIA, Nov. 27.— A large part of Adrianople has been set on fire through the dropping of pyroxylin bombs from aeroplanes, according to a dispatch from Mustapha Pasha.

Adrianople's Plight.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 28, 1912:
    MUSTAPHA PASHA, Nor. 27.— Fire, famine, flood and anarchy afflict the besieged fortress of Adrianople, according to reports brought here by fugitives from that city.
    These refugees, who managed to escape through the lines of investment which are being drawn closer every day, declare that many buildings in the vicinity of the Selim Mosque are on fire. Other districts of the city are deeply inundated with the waters of the Rivers Maritza, Tunga, and Arda, which have overflowed their banks.
    The civilian population is declared to be short of food, and among some classes a state approaching anarchy exists.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Czarevitch Is Recovering.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
Russian Embassy Makes Public a Reassuring Cablegram.
    WASHINGTON, Nov. 26.— The Russian Embassy made public to-day a cablegram announcing that the young czarevitch was recovering rapidly from the attack he sustained recently.
    Officials of the Embassy declared that the message should set at rest erroneous reports regarding the condition of the young Prince. There was no foundation, it was stated, for the reports that he was suffering from a permanent injury or an incurable illness.

Turks Had Wooden Bullets.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
Cartridges Intended Only for Manoeuvres Were Sent to the Front.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Wednesday, Nov. 27.— The rout of the Turkish troops in Macedonia appears in a new light with the discovery that the Turks, besides being badly organized and badly led, were in part provided with dummy cartridges fitted with wooden bullets.
    William Le Quex, in a letter to The Daily Mail, states that he found such bullets on the battlefield.
    Frank Magee, The Daily Mirror's war correspondent, brought back from the battlefield at Kumanova cases of these cartridges which had been thrown away by the Turks in their flight before the Servians. The cartridges were packed in clips of five, and had the ordinary metal cases, while the wooden bullets were painted red. These cartridges were supplied to Turkey by the Deutsche Waffen and Munitions Fabriken of Karlsruhe. They were intended solely for use in the manoeuvres with the Turkish Mauser rifle, and were labeled "wooden manoeuvre cartridges." By what means they came to be served out to the soldiers who had to face Servian shells and bullets is unknown.

Turks Killing Armenians.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
Massacres in Asiatic Turkey — Russian Troops May Be Sent.
    LONDON, Wednesday, Nov. 27.— Telegraphing from Odessa, a correspondent of The Morning Post says reports received there from Kars, Russian Trans-Caucasia, allege that Turkish massacres of Armenian villagers have taken place in the districts of Bitles, Van, and Mush, Asiatic Turkey.
    It is stated, the correspondent adds, that Russia is holding a strong Caucasian force on the frontier ready to enter Armenia should the massacres continue.

Russian Mutineers Shot.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
Strikes In Various Parts of Country to Protest Against Executions.
    ST. PETERSBURG, Nov. 26.— Eleven men of the Black Sea Fleet, who were recently condemned to death for inciting mutiny, were shot at Sevastopol to-day by firing parties from the warships.
    Four hundred sailors of the fleet are being transferred to Reval and Vladivostok.
    Strikes are being declared in various parts of the country as a protest against the action of the Government.

Powers' Quarrel Comforts Turks.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
Likely to Result in the Failure of the Peace Negotiations — Porte Sides with Dreibund.
CONSUL PROCHASKA FOUND
News That He Is Safe Lessens the Immediate Tension Between Austria and Servia.
WILL REFUSE A CONGRESS
Austria Will Not Let Dispute Be Settled at International Meeting — Calls Out 180,000 Reservists.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Wednesday, Nov. 27.— Some changes have come over the general aspect of the European situation in the past twenty-four hours, though its main features remain the same.
    First of all, there has been a decided detente in the anxiety which Austro-Servian relations were causing. The rumors that the Austrian Consul at Prisrend, Herr Prochaska, was shot by Servians are shown to be unfounded by his arrival at Uskub. Next, a more hopeful view is taken of Austro-Russian relations.
    As against these two favorable modifications of the situation must be set the growing belief that the negotiations between Turkey and the Balkan league will prove abortive, and that hostilities in the peninsula will have to be carried much further before the Porte recognizes that it is irretrievably beaten.
    To take this last point first in a dispatch from Constantinople, G. Ward Price, The Daily Mall's special correspondent there, says:
    "The Bulgarian and Turkish peace delegates met for the first time at the village of Bagchakeui, near Tchatalja, on Monday. The meeting was only formal. Negotiations will be opened at a second meeting on Wednesday.
    "Each side is believed to have assured the other of its desire for a speedy settlement.
    "It is unlikely that the negotiations will go far if the Bulgarians are obstinate in their maintenance of the demands which H. Gueshoff, the Bulgarian Premier, communicated last week.
    "The delegates are empowered to go on directly and treat for peace if an armistice is arranged.
    "I hear from credible sources that the Bulgarian demand for the surrender of Adrianople arose as the first point of great difficulty. The Austro-Servian crisis is also likely to have a retarding influence on Turkish action in the negotiations.
    "Well-informed Russian circles here speak of a Russian occupation of Constantinople as a probable reply to an Austrian seizure of Durazzo or other hostile stop on Austria's part"

Turkish Troops Busy.
    Mr. Ward Price, like Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett in The Daily Telegraph, speaks of the excellent work of reorganization that is going on at the Tchatalja lines, of the steady digging of trenches, and regular drilling of reserves.
    From another quarter comes a report that Turkey is being encouraged to resume the war by two of the great powers, from one of which she recently received large supplies of ammunition. Turkey's power of resistance is stated to have been greatly increased, while her determination not to accept the terms proposed by the allies is said to be so strong that she is prepared to sacrifice 100,000 men in the trenches at Tchatalja rather than bow the knee to the allies.
    The reports of Austria's mobilization which have reached Constantinople have still further stiffened Turkey's back. The Constantinople correspondent of The Daily Telegraph says:
    "The Ottoman view, that resistance should be maintained in the expectation of a general war, is becoming more accentuated, Turkey meanwhile accumulating the largest possible number of troops and then throwing these troops to the side of the Triple Alliance and restoring her own position by means of the support which the Triple Alliance would lend her at the moment of the final conference, owing to community of interests in the Balkan question, and as recompense for assistance given.
    "A high official, speaking of the recall of the Austrian warship from the Aegean, said:

Turkish Officials' Statement.
    " 'This is very significant. We know also that Austria has notified certain powers that she will not admit the access of Servia to the Adriatic. We know also that Bulgaria is exhausted, that she has lost half her effectives and has no reserves to fill up the gaps. We are disposed to come to an understanding with the Balkan States, but, if the Bulgarian delegates insist on the surrender of Adrianople, the abandonment of Macedonia, or any such impossible things, it is obvious that a rupture of the negotiations may be regarded as certain.' "
    The Constantinople correspondent of The Morning Post says:
    "In official circles it is stated that unless the conditions of the allies are considerably modified an agreement is impossible. The plan of the allies is believed to be to force Adrianople to capitulate and to effect an important landing in the Gallipoli Peninsula. The allies hope to carry out this plan and confront Turkey with a fait accompli during the pourparlers for the conclusion of an armistice."
    The Vienna correspondent of The Times says:
    "The Austrian Lloyd Company received to-day (Tuesday) from its liner the Graf Wurmbrand, stationed off Durazzo, a telegram stating that Servian troops had reached Milota, seven miles from Durazzo. It is assumed that by this time Durazzo has been occupied without resistance."

Austro-Servian Tension Relaxed.
    As regards the Austro-Servian situation, the elimination of the Prochaska Incident as a cause of immediate danger has appreciably relaxed the tension of the last few days. The tendency to hope for the best is strengthened by a reassuring statement of the North German Gazette, the semi-official organ of the German Foreign Office, that the Albanian and Adriatic questions will have to be settled in conjunction with other issues raised by the war. This is taken to mean that both Germany and Austria-Hungary adhere to the policy recommended by Premier Asquith in his Guildhall and Nottingham speeches.
    In Paris more explicit assurances as to Austro-Hungarian intentions are still desired, but it is felt that to have postponed a dangerous crisis may help to avert it.
    The general feeling in Vienna is much less agitated, and, according to a dispatch from The Daily Mail's correspondent, "there are good grounds for believing that the Kaiser has counseled the Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, who has just visited his Majesty, not to present in ultimatum to Servia and also to accept the international standpoint first presented by Mr. Asquith in his speech at the Guildhall, where he declared that the British Government deprecated raising or pressing isolated questions while the war in the Balkans continued."

Against a Conference.
    One fact comes out clearly in all the Austrian dispatches — that the Dual Monarchy will not submit her interests in the Balkans to an international conference. She will go to an international conference only after a definite settlement with Servia. In this connection Dr. Dillon, The Daily Telegraph's special correspondent at Vienna, says:
    "No international tribunal unhampered by preliminary and binding postulates can be invested with the authority to adjudicate on matters deemed vital to the dual monarchy, Questions of this character are the autonomy of Albania and the refusal to acquiesce in Servia's claim to annex the Albanian coast or the Port of Durazzo.
    "The Austrian Government believes that a congress or conference like that of Algeciras or Berlin, competent to deal with every topic on its merits, is not a suitable instrument for settling international differences peacefully and with finality. Consequently Austria-Hungary will be unable to give favorable consideration to a proposal that such a conference be summoned."
    This statement of Dr. Dillon as to the attitude of Austria regarding a conference receives corroboration in another dispatch, from Berlin, which shows that Germany takes an identical view. "The Berlin Foreign Office," says this message, "refuses to identify itself with the theory that the Austro-Servian controversy is ripe for settlement by an international conference. It declares that Servia's demand for a strip of the Adriatic coast is simply undebatable and that the talk of a conference to discuss that point is designed to retard rather than facilitate an amicable adjustment of the dispute, Germany would not be disinclined to go to a conference later, but considers the project at this hour very premature."
    Austria's military preparations continue. According to information received by The Daily Mail, the exact number of reservists called to the colors by the Austrian Government is 180,000. Then the men whose terms of service expired in the years 1909, 1908. and 1907 in the military districts of Vienna and Gratz are being placed on an "enhanced peace footing," which includes all reservist officers. This enhancement began at Vienna and Gratz on Monday, continued yesterday, and will proceed further toward completion to-day.

The Russo-Austrian Situation.
    Next as regards Austro-Russian relations. According to a St. Petersburg dispatch to The Times, a communique published in the Rossiya emphasizing the pacific intentions of the Czar's Government had a good effect on the Bourse, but Russian public opinion regards the situation as one of unprecedented tension.
    St. Petersburg, which on Monday was optimistic compared with Vienna, yesterday seemed to have caught the infection of alarm from the Austrian capital. Two dispatches in this morning's Times, read in conjunction, throw a vivid light on the situation between the two countries. In one a St. Petersburg correspondent says:
    "The fact that M. Sazonoff (the Foreign Minister) and Gen. Sukhomlinoff (War Minister) are almost daily at Tsarskoe-Selo shows that the situation is tense. Rumors that Austria-Hungary is on the eve of important action here and at Belgrade, coupled with the concentration of her warships in the Adriatic, complete a picture which, in spite of the efforts of professional optimists, compels the gravest apprehension." In the dispatch a Vienna correspondent refers to the difficulty of removing the menace of the situation "created by the Austro-Hungarian response to the military measures of Russia."
    This response, it is added, "has already involved on this side of the frontier an outlay calculated to amount to several millions sterling. In the light of the pacific official assurances issued from St. Petersburg, however, it is hoped that the audience granted to-day by the Czar to the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador at Tsarskoe-Selo will pave the way for a slackening, if not for a revocation of these extensive precautionary measures."
    Until, however, the Austrian belief that Russia is encouraging Servia is entirely removed, it is hardly to be expected that there will be any cessation of the military measures of precaution. It is a matter of certain knowledge in Paris, according to the correspondent there of The Times, "that the Russian Government has been very far from inciting Servia to put forward unreasonable demands. The story that the Servian Ministers possess somewhat occult knowledge of Russian plans which favor their more extravagant demands is absolutely unfounded. In particular, none of the Russian Grand Dukes, Nicholas Nicholaievitch, or any other, has been in Belgrade or has in any way intervened in the conduct of Russian policy."
    This will serve as an indication of the sort of denial issued from Russia designed to satisfy Austria on this point. Something more definite is required, for, as a London paper points out, "We cannot forget the Czar's telegram to King Peter of Servia congratulating him on the success of his army without the need of invoking outside assistance. There has never been any explanation of that telegram. The defiantly provocative attitude of Servia can only be due to a belief in the ultimate support of Russia.

Russia May Seek Revenge.
    Another point which suggests an element of further danger in the present relations of the two countries is raised in a Times editorial. "There is reason to fear," says the article, "that the humiliation to which Russia was subjected in 1909 still rankles and has served in her case as additional stimulus for those military precautions which both powers have set in motion with much zeal and some mystery. The precautions need not unduly disturb us, but the motives which lie behind on both sides are sufficiently potent and embittered to account for the alarm now felt throughout the Continent.
    "If Russia and Austria reach the stage of hostilities they may both expect their friends to help them, and that is a prospect which cannot yet be said to be remote. At the same time, it is not precisely near, and the statement that Austria-Hungary and her German ally no longer insist upon a settlement of the Austro-Servian issue before the general negotiations at the close of the war will, if confirmed, appreciably lighten the situation, which has been growing extremely dangerous."
    Meanwhile the continued disquiet is causing serious disturbance to business. The $50,000,000 which Austria is reckoned to have already spent in mobilization by no means represents all the losses created by the war alarms.
    It is suggested that the period of disturbance might be reduced if a more expeditious method could be arranged for the exchange of views that is taking place between the Governments. At present every issue that is raised IB discussed by six different Foreign Ministers, each with six different Ambassadors, who report to their own Governments. It is believed that progress might be easier and swifter if the discussion were conducted in some one capital by representatives of the powers sitting round the same table. These representatives, who would, of course, be in constant communication with their Governments, would act as a kind of clearing house for the different ideas that are being brought forward.

No Concession To Russia.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
Washington Government Not Planning a Retreat on Trade Treaty.
Special to The New York Times.
    WASHINGTON, Nov. 26.— Reports indicating that the United States Government is inclined to retreat from its position in regard to the denunciation of the treaty of commerce with Russia, it can be stated, are unfounded. In view of the fact that the treaty was denounced by joint resolution of Congress, which, with the President's signature, has the force of law, it is asserted that only by act of Congress could the provisions of that treaty be continued.
    Recently a report was put out from a certain quarter here suggesting that a modus vivendi had been agreed on by which the strictly commercial sections of the treaty should remain in force while the question of injustice to American Jews in Russia would be left for later settlement. Lawyers here at once pointed out that such a course would yield to Russia everything she desired. The Jews would still be maltreated, and in the face of Congressional action the treaty would to all intents remain in force.
    The suggestion that American tariff rates on Russian products will remain unchanged in spite of the denunciation of the treaty and its consequent lapsing on Jan. 1, 1914, is true in so far that this Government will not take the initiative in levying the maximum tariff rates on Russian products. The tariff act gives the President no authority to impose the maximum, save on account of commercial discrimination. It is understood, however, that a tariff war may result from the abrogation of the treaty. Russia's tariff laws provide a general tariff — which is the maximum — and give lower rates only by treaty. With the abrogation of the treaty it is feared that automatically American goods will meet the Russian maximum, and in that case the American maximum would also be applied.
    At the State Department it is said that there is no change in the situation.

The Bulgars' Great Hope.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
Cannot Tell Them Yet if They Will Enter Constantinople.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Wednesday, Nov. 27.— A dispatch to The Times from Sofia says:
    "A telegram stating that Ferid Pasha conferred with the Grand Vizier yesterday on the subject of Albania seems to indicate that hope is still entertained in Constantinople that Turkish authority can be maintained in that country. I have reason to believe that the allies will insist on the complete evacuation of Albania by the Turks, whose presence there is as little desired by the Albanians themselves as by the Greeks, Servians, and Montenegrins.
    "While King Ferdinand was visiting the wounded at Jamboli on Saturday a wounded officer asked him whether the army would be allowed the satisfaction of marching into Constantinople.
    "The King, observing tears in the officer's eyes, sighed deeply, and replied in a low voice, 'Providence only knows this.' "

Bulgars' Chances Gone.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
A Correspondent's View — Peace Between Turkey and Greece Reported.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Wednesday, Nov. 27.— The Dally Telegraph's Constantinople correspondent wires under yesterday's date:
    "Complete calm has reigned at the front during the last few days.
    "The Bulgarians have definitely retired and cannot again hope for success.
    "The Turkish Army is being dally reinforced. The troops are being well fed.
    "The cholera is diminishing."
    The Dally Chronicle's Constantinople correspondent says he was informed last night on very good authority that Greece had concluded peace with Turkey. The main condition is stated to be the retention by Greece of Salonika. The minor terms, it is added, are being arranged.

British Hesitate At War For Servia.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
Ask Whether They Ought to be Bound to Engage in a Great War Over a Small Question.
GARVIN SAYS THEY MUST
Declares They Cannot "Have It Both Ways" — Must Be Loyal to Allies If they Want Aid Against Germany.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Wednesday, Nov. 27.— Once again the question whether British interests primarily, and the interests of the world secondarily, are best served by a compact which ranges this empire in one of the two camps into which the great powers of Continental Europe are divided is brought into the foreground by the developments in the Near Eastern situation.
    As The Westminster Gazette puts it, "It is a wild absurdity that on such a question as the access of Servia to the Adriatic we should even have to dream of Russia coming to blows with Austria and of either or both dragging their partners in the Alliance and the Entente after them into a European Armageddon."
    Such a possibility, it is argued, could not arise were it not for the policy which has divided Europe into two camps. The Westminster Gazette proceeds:
    "The logic of the matter is this: If Servia is obdurate and Austria threatens her, guns may go off, and if the guns once go off anything may happen. The Russian people may get excited over the coercion of the Serbs and compel their Government to go in. Then, if Russia goes in, Germany must follow, and if Germany, then France, and if France and Germany then Great Britain. So eventually on an issue on which the powers profess to be unanimous and about which no one in Western Europe has either emotions, interests, or parti pris, millions of men are to fly at each others' throats and the whole world is to be impoverished for a generation.
    "If that were really to be the result of the Alliance and the Entente and of the pledges which the two groups were supposed to have made to each other, it would be the obvious duty of the sensible people of all countries to assert themselves without delay and make a clean sweep of all existing combinations and entanglements."
    This "clean sweep" is urged by both The Westminster Gazette and The Daily News, among Liberal journals. England, they declare, should make it quire clear that she is not going to be entangled. She has been loyal to her engagements in Europe and has gone beyond the letter of the law in supporting her friends when they had a fair claim upon her, but she is under no obligation to plunge into the racial rivalries of the Near East or pledge support to one group or the other if they are foolish enough to let the Austro-Servian quarrel spread.
    On the other hand, another Liberal paper, The Daily Chronicle, considers that the interests oí peace can be best served if Great Britain presents a united front with France and Russia to the Triple Alliance, while J. L. Garvin in The Pall Mall Gazette (Unionist) argues that for England now to repudiate her obligations would be to court destruction.
    "We cannot have it both ways," writes Mr. Garvin. "We cannot play fast and loose in Europe, asserting the privilege of detachment when we like and claiming the benefits of partnership when it suits us. We must choose between the fatal dangers of renewed isolation and the responsibilities imposed upon us, as upon France, by loyal combination.
    "If England cannot make up her mind she will drive Russia into the arms of Germany, she will lose the Balkan League and the Turks alike, and she will well deserve her fate."
    What that fate will be Mr. Garvin leaves to the imagination of his readers, who can safely be counted upon to complete his argument by a mental picture of the day when Great Britain is left alone to face Germany in that death struggle which many Englishmen believe to be inevitable.

The Arena Of Europe.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
    The points of difference between the various European Powers, around which the flights of rumors are circling, are mainly these: The ambition of Servia as to territorial gains, including a port or ports on the Adriatic; the future of Albania, in which Servia, Austria, and Italy are most deeply interested, and the final terms that Turkey may make with the allies. The danger of extended war lies in the possible intervention of Russia in opposition to the purposes of Austria and in support of those of Servia.
    Despite the numerous reports of military preparation by Austria, by Russia, and by Germany, we regard it as extremely unlikely that war will come over any or all of these points. In the first place, two of them are not in themselves vital to the present or future interests of the Powers immediately concerned. All the serious and permanent advantages that Servia could get from the military possession of a port on the Adriatic could be secured by access to that sea guaranteed by a friendly agreement with Austria and by the great European Powers and by a mutually beneficial trade treaty. Assurance of an open and safe course for the commerce of both Powers to the Adriatic, and to the Aegean as well, would be of great and progressive value to both. Equally the independence or autonomy of Albania could be arranged for the common good of all concerned, whereas Albania, in whole or in part, in the hands of Servia would be a source of exhausting expenditure of strength and money and a constant menace to peace and order. It is not probable that Russia would care to place Servia in such a difficult position.
    On the other hand, Austria can hardly wish to make a permanent enemy of Servia if it can be avoided. She has a large Slav population, much of it just across the Servian border, with strong racial sympathy with the Serbs and with much cause for discontent and animosity toward the present Austrian Government. If she could have the choice — and it seems open to her — to arrange a free way for her commerce to the Adriatic and the Aegean through neutral or friendly territory, or to secure her way by conquest, leaving enemies on her flank, it is highly improbable that she would choose the latter. Again it is obvious that she could not choose war without the assured support of the other parties to the Triple Alliance. What is the reasonable inference as to this? We are convinced that such support will not be given, should Austria really ask for it.
    If it were given, it would necessarily call into the quarrel Russia and her associates in the Triple Entente. And not these alone. It is inconceivable that the Balkan allies would not stand by Servia in such a situation and the Triple Entente would become a quadruple one, to which the new party would bring armies, already in the field, 500,000 strong, and the navy of Greece. Supposing that it were practicable for the Triple Alliance to obtain the aid of Roumania, which by no means can be relied on, the struggle must still present itself to those tempted to bring it on as one of terrible magnitude and of appalling uncertainty. Considering these facts, and measuring soberly the relative unimportance to Austria of the claims she is reported to be making, we cannot believe that reason will not prevail.
    There remains the question of the terms on which Turkey and the Balkan allies can make peace. As to this, neither the sentiment nor the opinion of the various Powers, so far as manifested, shows any prospect of great difficulty. That Turkey will have to yield the greater part of her European possessions, that her title to Constantinople and an adjacent belt will be so modified as to secure an open way through the Dardanelles — these seem to be now inevitable conditions of peace. There is nothing in them that any European Power can find materially unacceptable. Conflicting interests there are, but since the alternative to adjusting them by a general agreement is general war, it is inconceivable that the adjustment will not be reached.

Allege Greek Excesses.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 27, 1912:
Powers Said to Have Complained of Cruelties at Salonika.
    VIENNA, Nov. 20.— According to the Noue Freie Presse, several States, including Austria-Hungary, have complained of excesses committed by the Greeks on entering Salonika.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Wilson, Slightly Ill, Has A Rest Indoors.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 26, 1912:
Pickaninny His Only Visitor When Indigestion Keeps Him at Home.
IS AS CARE-FREE AS A BOY
Governor Thinks Bermuda the Greatest Playground in the World, but Works All the Same.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov. 23.— Owing to a slight attack of indigestion, Gov. Wilson remained indoors to-day and denied himself to visitors, with one exception. The privileged caller was a nine-year-old pickaninny, black as the ace of spades, clad in a white linen suit, with manners like a Chesterfield and bearing the name of Edward Charles Chester Richardson. He had called to pay his respects and passed the barrier of the basket placed outside to intimate that the family was not "at home." Gov. Wilson was so taken with him that he sent for a piece of pie, the first distributed under the Wilson Administration.
    Edward Charles Chester Richardson shut his eyes, folded his hands in silent prayer, and then ate the pie. The family made a pet of him. Miss Eleanor Wilson said: "He is the dearest little thing I ever saw."
    Meantime the Bermuda Parliament waited for Gov. Wilson's promised visit, discussing the enlivening topic of the purchase of a new steam dredger. Presently a messenger arrived with Gov. Wilson's apologies and stating that a slight indisposition prevented him from listening to the tariff debate. As a matter of fact, he had started to enter his carriage to visit the Parliament House, and then decided not to go. His illness is not serious. Another engagement he was compelled to forego keeping was a sail on the private yacht of the Governor General, Lieut. Gen. Sir George M. Bullock, with Mrs. Wilson and their daughters. Gov. Wilson will be the Bullocks' guest on Thursday at an amateur theatrical performance, which promises to be a notable social gathering.
    "I am not bald enough yet to sit in the first row, but I am going, anyhow," he commented.

War May Depend On Consul's Fate.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 26, 1912:
Now Feared That Herr Prochaska, Austrian Official at Prisrend, Was Killed by Servians.
BELGRADE BEING FORTIFIED
Servians Also Said to be Withdrawing Troops from the Operations in Turkey.
GERMAN EFFORTS FOR PEACE
Some Alarming Reports of Yesterday Officially Denied, but Crisis is Regarded as Grave.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Tuesday. Nov. 26.-I received last night from Berlin, from a source which I am only at liberty to describe as most authoritative, a personal dispatch which stated that a most serious view was taken in the highest German circles of the European situation.
    It is well known that Germany's influence is being exerted to the uttermost to prevent war between Austria and Servia, with its possibilities of a European Armageddon, and the despondency with which the prospects were regarded in Berlin yesterday cannot be ignored, despite the "semi-official" and "official" statements issued in order to check the panicky slump on the Berlin Boerse.
    Vienna, judging at least by the greater part of its press, has almost abandoned hope that hostilities can be averted, and, although the Government preserves the calm but stern attitude which has characterized Foreign Minister von Berchtold's policy from the outset, public irritation is growing so strong that confirmation of yesterday's reports of the assassination of Herr Prochaska, the missing Austrian Consul at Prizrend, could hardly fail to provoke an outburst.
    These reports arise from negative rather than from positive evidence. The Austrian official, Herr Edl, who was commissioned by the Austrian Government to go to Prizrend to investigate the Prochaska affair, has been held up at Uskub since Saturday. Herr Edl expected to proceed thence to Prizrend without delay, but telegraphed to his Government that he was informed that railway communication was interrupted.
    Furthermore, a Servian official delegated by the Servian Government to accompany Herr Edl and to assist him in his mission informed Herr Edl on Sunday that he was prevented by "pressing private business" from going to Prizrend at once. Thereupon Herr Edl stated, he determined to go to Prizrend, railway or no railway.
    As a consequence of the apparent reluctance of the Servian authorities to allow an Austrian inquiry into the Prochaska case it is suggested that the Consul was shot by Servian soldiers and that the reports of his safety which reached Vienna were Servian concoctions.
    St. Petersburg continues to furnish most reassuring views of the situation, while an official statement was issued in London yesterday to the effect that the position had undergone no change.

Tchatalja Peace May Relieve Crisis.
    Meanwhile the most cheering news from Southeast Europe is that which suggests that peace between Turkey and the Balkan League may be reached. One statement, published in Constantinople but otherwise unconfirmed, is that arrangements for a week's armistice have already been made.
    Sofia dispatches had announced the first meeting of the Turkish and Bulgarian plenipotentiaries on neutral ground at the south end of the Tchatalja lines for yesterday afternoon.

As a Times editorial says:
    "Though attention has unfortunately shifted to the preparations elsewhere, the preservation of the general peace of Europe still depends in a large measure upon the little knot of consultants, assembled between the waiting armies of Bulgaria and Turkey. If they come to a preliminary agreement the tension which depresses Europe will not be entirely removed, but it will be immeasurably relieved. There is reason to believe that the Allies, though unable to modify their immediate demands, are disposed to treat Turkey with reasonable consideration."
    In the course of further comment on the European situation The Times, which takes a generally pessimistic view, says:
    "Renewed assurances from Berlin that Germany is backing the cause of peace must be welcomed, but it is to be wished that her efforts had more visible results. A Vienna correspondent truly says that there is no valid reason to believe war between Austria and Russia to be inevitable, or even immediately probable. We entirely agree, but wish we could add that the absence of a valid reason was placing strict limitations upon the scope of the 'precautions.'

Wonder at Possibility of War.
    "Millions of men are asking with bewilderment what difficulties exist in the present situation which should threaten Europe with a general war, or even a collision, larger than that we have already witnessed.
    "In England men learn with amazement and incredulity that war is possible over the question of a Servian port, or even over the larger issues which are said to lie behind it. Yet that is whither the nations are blindly drifting.
    "Who, then, makes war?
    "The answer is to be found in the chancelleries of Europe, among the men who have too long played with human lives as pawns in a game of chess, who have become so enmeshed in the formulas and jargon of diplomacy that they have ceased to be conscious of the poignant realities with which they trifle. And thus will war continue to be made until the great masses, who are the sport of professional schemers and dreamers, say the word which shall bring, not eternal peace, for that is impossible, but the determination that wars shall be fought only in a just and righteous and vital cause. "If that word is ever to be spoken, there never was a more appropriate occasion than the present, and we trust it will be spoken while there is yet time."
    A dispatch from Durazzo to The Daily Telegraph says the Servians are now about eight hours' march front Durazzo, having reached Ishmi.

Turkish Attitude Feared.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 26, 1912:
    LONDON, Tuesday, Nov. 26.— The extreme anxiety manifested by all the European Governments to deny the reports- of warlike preparations, and to represent the political situation as peaceful and satisfactory, is in itself an indication of how slender a thread the issue of peace and war in Europe now hangs.
    The danger arises not alone from the conflicting interests of Austria, Servia, and other States, but also from the possibility that Turkey, following her traditional policy of profiting by the embroilment of the great powers, may adopt an irreconcilable attitude in the peace negotiations.
    The withdrawal of the Austrian warship Admiral Spavin and of the Austrian contingent of bluejackets from Constantinople, with the sudden and unexplained departure for an unannounced destination of the Austrian squadron which has been lying at Smyrna, are factors which are disturbing diplomats, who see in a close union of all the great powers the only hope of a peaceable solution of the crisis.
    A dispatch from Antivari says Austria-Hungary is mobilizing a striking force at Port Ragusa, to which place a portion of the garrison of the Austrian fortress of Spizza, Dalmatia, has been sent.
    From Vienna comes the information that the Servian War Office has recalled all the Servian troops that can be spared from the columns operating in the neighborhood of Prisrend and Monastir and that the fortifications of the Servian capital are being hastily supplied with heavy artillery. The Austrians deduce from these facts that Servia is not deposed to yield, and a pacific settlement of the Austro-Servian dispute seems to them difficult of realization if Servia's demands are maintained as an irreducible minimum.
    These demands were outlined by Premier Pasitch of Servia yesterday. He declared that a minimum requisite of Servia's national development was economic independence and a free and adequate passage to the Adriatic Sea. This, according to the Servian statesman, meant Servia's possession of a stretch of coast line of about thirty-odd miles, which would be joined to the present territory of Servia by a strip of what was Old Servia.
    This minimum is declared to be wholly incompatible with the Austrian and Italian contention that Albania should be autonomous, as it would cut Albania in two and confine the autonomous provinces to a stony and poverty-stricken district unable to maintain an independent existence.

Porte Alleges Treason.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 26, 1912:
Issues a Statement Explaining Its Prosecution of Young Turks.
    CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov. 25.— A long official communication is published explaining the Government's action against the Committee of Union and Progress (Young Turks.) It asserts that in the demonstration of students and others around the Porte on Oct. 7, demanding war, there were numerous influential Young Turks, who endeavor to inflame the populace by accusing the Government of selling the country.
    Police inquiries, it is added, proved that at the departure of the army for the field of battle delegates were similarly employed in urging the soldiers not to fight for the "traitorous Government." One delegate even undertook the task of an attempt against the lives of the Sultan and his Ministers by bombs.
    The communication, while it declares that indulgence toward such agitators would be a crime against the nation, repudiates the report that the Government is possessed of political animus against the party itself, proof of which, it says, can be found in the decision of the Government to release those against whom there is not sufficient evidence of guilt.

Planned To Blow Los Angeles Off Map.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 26, 1912:
J. B. McNamara's Arrest Prevented Destruction of the City's Water Works.
WANTED PANAMA DYNAMITED
So McManigal Testifies — Union Paid His Wife $25 a Week, Says Another Witness.
    INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 25.— When McManigal resumed his confession on the witness stand to-day, the District Attorney said to him:
    "Tell what, if anything, you and the McNamaras said about blowing up work on the Panama Canal."
    "In April, 1911, shortly before we were arrested, J. J. and J. B. McNamara and myself had a talk at the ironworkers' headquarters in Indianapolis as to the campaign after blowing up four jobs planned for Detroit," said McManigal. "J. J. said the McClintic-Marshall Construction Company, a non-union concern, had two years' work on the Panama Canal, and he wanted me to go there. He said I should go to Panama and promptly enlist as a soldier, as I had already served in the Spanish-American war. I asked him if he expected me to take nitro-glycerine to Panama. He said: 'No, the McClintic-Marshall people have great stores of dynamite down there. You can watch your chance to steal it. Put a wagonload in each lock.'
    "I didn't take much to the Panama idea, and told J. J. so, but he insisted he would take it up later. J. B. said at that time he had more work on the Pacific Coast. He said he was going back there with an arrangement to set off bombs by touching off an electrical current miles away. He said: 'I'll go out to Los Angeles and undermine the aqueduct and the water works. Then I'll put bombs at various places in the city and blow the whole town off the map. The people will think there has been another earthquake similar to the one at San Francisco.' "

Wholesale Explosions Prevented.
    McManigal then described his going to Detroit with James B. McNamara to blow up four jobs, and their arrest there, which prevented the "wholesale explosions," which, be said, were soon to have been carried out.
    "After we were arrested in Detroit, and while we were on the train going to Chicago, James B. began to yell about being kidnapped," said McManigal. "Guy Biddinger, a Chicago detective, had us handcuffed. J. B. offered Biddinger $5,000 to let us escape. Biddinger refused. Then J. B. raised the amount to $30,000, saying he would get the amount from J. J. McNamara. He said if Biddinger didn't let us off the train there would be a gang waiting for him at Chicago, and they would get him.
    "Then J. B. said to Biddinger: 'If you don't take the $30,000 Clarence Darrow will get it, for we will have Darrow.'
    "J. B. begged Biddinger to allow me to go or to allow my wife to go to Indianapolis to arrange to procure the money. I said I didn't want my wife mixed up in it.
    "William J. Burns came to see me, and I made a clean breast of it to him. Later in Los Angeles I told the authorities my whole story."
    Senator John W. Kern, for the defense, cross-examined McManigal.
    "Was the pay you received from the McNamaras your motive in causing so many explosions?" asked Senator Kern.
    "No; it was not money. Herbert S. Hockin, when he first started me in the dynamiting business, terrorized me, saying that if I didn't do it he would prevent me from getting work. Then I was prompted by a foolish notion that it was for the good of the Ironworkers' Union. My mind was inflamed with the idea it would build up the union."
    McManigal admitted that he had been arrested three times, twice for larceny and once for disorderly conduct.

Contemplated $150,000 Robbery.
    "Now," said Senator Kern, "you say McNamara, in order to get more money, proposed to steal $150,000 by killing the Treasurer of the automobile races at the Speedway in Indianapolis, and yet you still kept company with these men who planned the murder?"
    Mrs. Sadie Maguire testified that she was a neighbor of the McManigal family in Chicago. She said that in November, 1910, the month after The Los Angeles Times explosion, at the request of Mrs. McManigal, she arranged with her uncle, Marion Sharp of Kenosha, Wis., for McManigal to go on a hunting trip. When the hunters returned to Chicago in January she said she went to a theatre party, one of the party being a man who answered James B. McNamara's description. She accompanied Mrs. McManigal and the latter's children to California after McManigal was taken there, and on her return to Chicago, she said, she placed the McManigal children in the care of "Ed" Nockels, a labor union official. Later, she said, she collected from R. H. Houlihan, Financial Secretary of a Chicago ironworkers' union, $25 a week to be paid to Mrs. McManigal, having heard Houlihan on one occasion say to Mrs. McManigal: "I'll give you $25 while this is going on."
    Lindsey L. Jewell testified that Herbert S. Hockin had told him James B. McNamara planned to cause the explosions in Eastern cities after the agitation over The Los Angeles Times disaster had blown over. Jewell previously had testified that Hockin had described the Los Angeles dynamiters to William J. Burns soon after the explosion in California.
    "When was it Hockin first disclosed to you information about explosives?" Jewell was asked by Senator J. W. Kern for the defense.
    "He told me he was opposed to the wholesale murder that was being planned, and got me to promise him I would never reveal the source of my information. He told me President Ryan of the Ironworkers' Union knew nothing of the plots to murder. That was McNamara's scheme. After Hockin told me who blew up the Times Building I promised him if he ever got into trouble I would see that after he got out he would get a position paying $2,500 a year for two years. When Hockin began to report to Burns, Burns assumed that obligation to Hockin."

Ready to Blow Up Sleeping Car.
    "Did Hockin tell you J. B. McNamara was planning to blow up a whole sleeping car full of persons in order to kill Miss Dye because she knew too much?" asked District Attorney Miller.
    "Yes, Hockin told me there were plots for wholesale murder, and that the Frick Building was to be blown up with other buildings in the East in which were offices of non-union labor employers."
    Before court adjourned Judge Anderson announced he would not increase the bonds of other defendants and would pass the motion to do so for the present.

"Human Bomb" Is Held.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 26, 1912:
Bail for Man Who Caused Panic In Police Station Fixed at $20,000.
    LOS ANGELES, Nov. 25.— Carl Riedelbach, alias Carl Warr, called by the police the "Human Bomb," was held for the Grand Jury to-day by Police Judge Wílliams, his bond being fixed at $20,000.
    Riedelbach was not represented by counsel. He took a deep interest in the hearing, and frequently interrogated the witnesses. At the request of Chief Sebastian, Riedelbach made a drawing of the infernal machine with which he caused a panic at the Central Police Station last Tuesday. He declared several times that he had no intention of exploding the machine, but that he was "bluffing."
    The hearing will be continued to-morrow.

First Meeting Of Armistice Envoys.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 26, 1912:
Intimation That the Victors Are Prepared to Modify Their First Demands on Turkey.
MORE AID FROM SERVIANS
Thirty Thousand Men Being Sent to Help the Bulgars at Adrianople and Tchatalja.
    LONDON, Tuesday. Nov. 26,— The plenipotentiaries of Turkey and of the allied Balkan nations held their first meeting yesterday afternoon to discuss the preliminaries for the negotiations for an armistice.
    The plenipotentiaries met at the village of Baghtche, near Biyuk Chekmenje, in the centre of a small zone which has been declared neutral for the period of the parleys.
    Beyond an intimation that the victorious invaders are prepared to modify their original demands in regard to the evacuation of the Tchatalja lines by the Turks and also permit the Turkish garrison of Adrianople to march out of that fortress with the honors of war, nothing has been allowed to transpire as to the discussions between the delegates. Unless significance can be attached to the unusually long armistice of eight days that is reported to have been agreed to, there is nothing to give a clue to the probable outcome of the discussions.
    It is not yet known even whether an armistice has been arranged. There appears to be a suspension of operations at the Tchatalja lines, apparently by tacit consent rather than by formal agreement.
    The semi-official Bulgarian newspaper Mir in an editorial voices the Governmental irritation at Turkey's dilatory methods of negotiation, and accuses the Porte of deliberately nominating delegates from remote points in order to gain time. This probably refers to Osman Nizami Pasha, the Ambassador to Germany, who only arrived at Constantinople from Berlin yesterday.
    A Belgrade dispatch to The Standard says that two more divisions, about 30,000 strong, from the Servian Crown Prince's army at Monastir are proceeding by rail, by way of Salonika and Demotika, to reinforce the Bulgarians at Adrianople and Tchatalja.
    There are, it is added, 10,000 Turkish prisoners at Monastir.
    A special dispatch from the Turkish headquarters at Hademkeui confirms the report that the Ottoman troops captured 800 Bulgarians and Servian prisoners in the last engagement with the Bulgarian right wing on the Tchatalja lines. The Bulgarians also left six field guns and one machine gun on the field.
    The loss of the Turkish cruiser Hamidieh is a severe handicap to the Ottoman Commander in Chief, according to dispatches from the front. The guns of the other Turkish warships are almost ineffective for the purpose of stopping the Bulgarian advance. The battleship Messadieh. which was formerly employed for the defense of Rodosto and latterly on the left flank of the Tchatalja lines, has now been dispatched to the Black Sea in order to strengthen the menaced right flank of the Turkish Army.
    Considerable activity has been observed among the Bulgarians, who have brought up some heavy siege guns, which are being rapidly placed in position to command the Turkish headquarters at Hademkeui.
    The Times's correspondent at Tchatalja sends the following:
    "The Turks have recently plied the pick and shovel with such good will that I am more find more convinced that, except in the event of pressure from another quarter, the allies will not risk the losses which direct operations against the Tchatalja lines would entail.
    "I cannot in the interest of fair play indicate the positions of the second and third lines of entrenchments, but their strength must prove an important factor in the current negotiations, and it definitely confirms my contention that, whatever the cause of the delay, the Bulgarians lost their real opportunity during the first week of November.
    "There are signs of the approach of Winter, which will add yet another difficulty to the many with which the invader has had to contend."
    The Constantinople correspondent of the Reuter Telegram Company in a late dispatch says:
    "Official circles are not very sanguine as to the result of the meeting of the plenipotentiaries. A high official to-night expressed the opinion that there was not more than a 5 per cent. chance of arriving at an agreement unless Bulgaria very materially modified her demands, which was not very probable.
    "The truce will last, if necessary, forty-eight hours, but the question of Adrianople is likely to prove a stumbling block. It is understood that the Bulgarians have prepared to waive abandonment of the Tchatalja lines, but will insist upon the capitulation of Adrianople. The Turkish delegates are equally determined that Adrianople shall remain Turkish.
    "Apart from the improved military position of the Eastern Army and the re-cent successes at Tchatalja, the Porte undoubtedly has derived encouragement from the attitude of Austria toward Servia. The Austrian Red Cross unit here has been ordered to return to Vienna forthwith.
    "Turkish information from St. Petersburg is to the effect that important movements of troops are occurring, preparatory to a general mobilization."

Fair Play For The Turks.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 26, 1912:
Mr. Herrick Testifies That People as a Whole Are Abused.
To the Editor of The New York Times:
    In the war raging in Southeastern Europe, the sympathy of Americans appears to be given very generally to the allies against Turkey, but it is an amiable trait of many Americans to champion the under dog. Let us see if certain facts in the situation in the Nearer East may not stimulate this championship of Turkey in the hour of her deep humiliation.
    The four little kingdoms of Southeastern Europe, long subject to Turkey, now grown strong in their independence, have for once united, first, to avenge the wrongs suffered by them for centuries; secondly, to free their Macedonian compatriots and co-religionists from the rule of the Turk, and third, to demonstrate their right to dominion in Southeastern Europe free from the dictation of the great powers.
    These are the three objects for which they are fighting. They are exploiting the religious fanaticism of their people and trying to make the world believe that they are champions of Christianity against Islam, in the inner thought of those leaders religion figures very small, and material interests figure very large. "Macedonia has terribly suffered from Turkish misrule," they say, but for half a century and more the fierce and implacable quarrels between Greeks and Bulgarians in Macedonia have been the prime cause of keeping those provinces in interminable agitation.
    Miss Stone was kidnapped ten years ago by so-called brigands and held for five months in captivity. Her captors were Bulgarian patriots, not brigands. They had two objects in the capture: first, to show the world how badly the Turks govern Macedonia, so badly that even an American lady could be carried off by a band of mountaineers, and, second, to force the payment of a large ransom and so supply themselves with arms to fight the Turks with.
    The Turks, under the terrible strain of the present war, as under the provocation of Italy's piratical raid into their possessions in North Africa, exercise the noble restraint of refusing to proclaim a "holy war." The appeal of Turkey last year and this to the great powers of Europe for fair play has been cogent, but in vain. "Has Europe," they say, "admitted us into a rank among European States purely in their own interest, bound to disown us and let our rights be trampled on when only justice and treaties speak in our behalf and their self-interest is against us?" Turkey is co-signatory with the independent European States in The Hague agreements. Has she been treated justly under those agreements?
    There is in this country widespread misunderstanding of Turkish character. Official Turks under Abdul Hamid were, it is true, models of bland courtesy coupled with past-mastership in every form of deceit. Turkish soldiers have been thought to be brutal, but the Turkish people, the peasantry of Asia Minor, mainly small farmers, from whom the army is conscripted, are simple, honest, hospitable, industrious, peaceable, thoroughly human, and lovable.
    Many think the Turks will be so embittered over the results of the war that their attitude toward all Christians of the West, as well as of Europe, will be one of unqualified revulsion. It is my conviction, after passing a lifetime among them, that the result will be quite other than this. They will be profoundly grateful for the relief administered to them by Americans in this hour of their unparalleled suffering and calamity; and our philanthropic efforts for them, through hospitals, schools, and the press will be more welcomed than ever before. The hour of the Turks' humiliation is the hour for Americans to befriend them.
             GEORGE F. HERRICK, of Constantinople.
             New York, Nov. 24, 1912.