Allies Explain Their Course.

New York Times 100 years ago today, October 19, 1912:
Cause of Civilization Involved, Says Greek Note.
    LONDON, Saturday, Oct. 19.— Notice that Bulgaria, Servia, and Greece had declared war against Turkey was given to the British Foreign Office yesterday, as well as to the other powers by the representatives of those countries. All the notes are practically identical. They recount briefly the reasons for the rupture of friendly relations and place the responsibility for the war on Turkey.
    The notes begin:
    "The prevailing anarchy in Turkey, which has so deeply disturbed the tranquillity and security of the neighboring countries, has recently become accentuated."
    The notes then go on to accuse Turkey of having repeatedly promised but failed to fulfill reforms for thirty years. They say that Bulgaria, Greece, and Servia feel themselves unable further to tolerate the sufferings of their kinsfolk in Turkey, and are determined to obtain relief for the Christians there.
    The three nations assert that their modest endeavors are in contrast with the provocative attitude of Turkey, which mobilized her army against them and broke off diplomatic relations. This compelled them to resort to arms, to their great regret.
    The Greek note says:
    "The aim which Greece is pursuing in declaring war coincides with the interests of all civilized peoples. Foreigners residing in the Turkish provinces whose permanent pacification is the object of this war can only profit by a Government of order, liberty, and progress.
    "Material prosperity and intellectual development are sure to be the objects of a solicitude as constant as it will be enlightened.
    "The royal Government believes it can count on the sympathy of friendly countries and makes an urgent appeal to the Government of his Britannic Majesty not to refuse its beneficent neutrality in the heavy task it has just assumed."