Powers' Attitude Varies.

New York Times 100 years ago today, November 5, 1912:
Germany Tries to Obtain Armistice — Others Refuse Turkish Plea.
    LONDON, Tuesday, Nov. 5.— The Turkish Ambassador here was yesterday directed by the Ottoman Government to inform Great Britain of Turkey's willingness to receive assistance in bringing about a suspension of hostilities with a view to arriving at a peace settlement. Tewfik Pasha immediately on receiving the communication from Constantinople went to the Foreign Office and conferred with Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary, for two hours.
    The latest proposal to the powers made by the French Premier, Raymond Poincaré, is as follows:
    First— Recognition by the powers of political and administrative changes in the territory occupied by the troops of the allies.
    Second— Retention of the Sultan's sovereignty at Constantinople and the region round the capital.
    Third— The summoning of a European conference, in which the Balkan nations shall participate.
    The Balkan nations and Greece, however, are persistent in their determination that Turkey must arrange directly with them the terms of peace without the intervention of the powers. This attitude is emphasized in a statement from official sources, which says:
    "The Turkish proposal of peace is satisfactory in so far as it shows a desire to prevent further bloodshed.
    "As regards foreign intervention, however, there seems to be no chance of the Balkan States listening to any foreign counsels while treating for the arrangement of conditions of peace. These must be settled between the Balkan States and Turkey direct.
    "It may at this stage be declared that the whole campaign was prearranged and has so far been carried out entirely in accordance with the programme. For a considerable time an officer of the Greek military staff, Col. Dousmanis, was engaged at Sofia preparing the military details, while the political programme was largely, if not entirely, the work of Premier Venezelos of Greece.
    "The Union of the Balkan States at this moment is more close, hearty, and intimate than it has ever been before, for it has been welded by blood and common sacrifice. There is not the least danger that any disagreement as to the division of territories or the positions of the frontiers will disturb it. It may be assumed that, inasmuch as the details of the campaign were arranged with the greatest care, the same procedure will be followed both as to the conclusion of hostilities and subsequent political considerations."

Refuse to Propose Armistice.
    The powers which have thus far replied to Turkey's appeal for their mediation in the war declare that they could make only proposals for peace, and could not approach the Balkan nations with a request for an armistice. Some of the Governments have pointed out that Turkey's proposal tor a cessation of hostilities, in other words, an armistice, would offend the Balkan victors. Other Governments take the position that it would be an infringement of international law for the moment. The war must, therefore, continue, and the Turkish armies, which, the Porte has at last admitted, have been beaten, must keep on with their unequal struggle against the victorious invaders.
    It is hoped and believed still that the powers will soon find a formula under which they can offer their good offices. The terms of peace themselves are a matter entirely for the belligerents to settle. Bulgaria having again affirmed that no interference by outsiders will be tolerated. In this she has the whole-hearted support of her allies.
    The negotiations, which were taking place among the powers when Turkey sprang her surprise of asking for mediation, were not oversuccessful. The European Governments had not even agreed upon the preliminaries for an offer of mediation. The suggestion made by France, to which Russia and England subscribed, met with nothing but criticism in Austria, and she, of course, was backed by Germany and Italy, the other two members of the Triple Alliance.
    It is suggested, however, that Austria misunderstood the proposal in regard to "disinterestedness," which was not, as believed by Austria, directed against the idea of economic arrangements between Austria and the Balkan League. Still, Austria's attitude has caused much uneasiness, and reports that she is mobilizing continue to circulate all over Europe.