Vienna Note Uncompromising.

New York Times 100 years ago today, March 24, 1913:
Stop the Bombardment of Scutari at Once, Is the Demand.
    CETTINJE, March 23.— Austria presented an ultimatum to Montenegro to-day, demanding a suspension of the military operations around Scutari until the entire civil population has left the town. In the event of refusal Austria will resort to arms against Montenegro.
    This is the substance of a semi-official announcement made here to-day.
    In the note of last Thursday, which was couched in threatening terms, Austria demanded also that all Catholics and Mohammedans in Jakova and the surrounding district, who have been converted since the Montenegrin occupation, must be restored to their former faith.
    "With a view to proving that the conversions in question were not attended by any compulsion, Montenegro replied that she purposed to appoint a commission on which, besides the Montenegrin members, there should also be one representative of Austria and another of Italy or some other great power.
    Montenegro stated at the same time that she could not allow the sovereign right of Austria to be exercised in territory occupied by Montenegro.
    Austria refused to accept this answer, on the ground that its wording was not seemly. In Government circles here the conviction is expressed that Austria refused it, not on account of the form of the reply, but because of its contents.
    The Official Journal publishes a communication which says that the Catholics and Mohammedans of Ipek and Jakova expressed the wish to join the Orthodox Church, but were dissuaded by the Montenegrins, who advised them to exercise patience. The movement spread, however, as the people were unable to understand why they should not return to the old faith, of which they had preserved the usages. When they repeated their demand their wish was granted. Concerning the priest Palic, about whom the Austrians demanded information, the communication explains that he was arrested for inciting the Albanians against Montenegro. He was being taken to Ipek for trial, when he tried to escape and was shot.

    LONDON, March 23.— In addition to Austria sending a note to Montenegro Italy took similar action, but without expressing any threat Russia as a friend of Montenegro has advised King Nicholas to accede to Austria's demand. Austria is sending a steamer to Scutari, evidently expecting that this second request for the release of civilians will not be refused.
    News from Montenegrin headquarters indicates that King Nicholas believes the fall of Scutari is imminent. He is in command of the combined Servian and Montenegrin army, numbering 52,000. From the same source it is reported that the city has already been partly destroyed, all the large buildings having been damaged. Famine prevails, and it is reported that many Austrians and Italians have been killed.
    In the meantime the representatives of the powers at the Balkan capitals are submitting to the allies a note, suggesting terms of peace. The note has not yet been presented to Turkey. The allies have been consulting concerning the note, and the public and press of the Balkan States do not receive the suggestions with favor.