The Belligerent Balkans.

New York Times 100 years ago today, July 5, 1913:
    It is quite idle to predict the outcome in the Balkans. All the public men of each of the formerly allied States seem ready to fight, bleed, and lie for their respective countries, especially to lie. It is as hard now to ascertain what is doing and who is doing it along the Vardar River as it was to discover the facts as to the battles between the allies and the Turks. The reports vary with their origin, and while there is pretty general agreement that there has been fighting, it is impossible to be sure who commenced it, how far it was carried, or whether it is part of the policy of any of the Governments.
    One noteworthy fact is that the capitals of Europe seem quite undisturbed by the situation, and there is no present symptom of apprehension, either political or financial. From this it would seem that the statesmen of Europe expect either that the allies, however much they may threaten and manoeuvre now, will ultimately stop short of serious war, or that Europe is content that they shall fight it out among themselves. The latter alternative, cynical as it seems, has much to recommend it to the various Powers with their more or less conflicting interests in the Balkans. A united Balkan confederation, acting in harmony, with common purpose and common resources, has its terrors for Austria-Hungary, and thus for Germany; for Russia, and thus for France. When it seemed certain three months since, Germany made it the avowed occasion for the costly increase of her army now just authorized, and France felt this a challenge it could not ignore. In some ways it would relieve the minds of the rulers of the Powers if the former allies should weaken themselves by a real war, if the war could be confined to them.
    On the other hand, it is uncertain whether it could so be confined. Already there are rumors that Turkey may come to terms with Bulgaria. That would be a formidable combination, not merely as against Servia and Greece, but as against any European interference. It is not at all a visionary scheme and would fit to a nicety with the opportunist policy of Bulgaria. The mere suggestion of it shows in what deep confusion the whole Balkan question is involved.