The attitude of the British Government on the situa- tion
in the Near East was defined by Sir Edward Grey in his speech at Wooler on Wednesday night. After commenting on the remarkable change which had come over the attitude of the people of this country towards the Turkish Government, the marvellous effect of the peaceful revolution in Macedonia and Armenia—an effect that would have been incredible if it had not occurred—and the profound impression created on all who had been brought in contact with the leaders of the revolution by their character and patriotism, Sir Edward Grey described the natural appre- hensions excited by the news of the action of Bulgaria and Austria. He did not anticipate war. The material and practical changes involved in this action were not great ; but they had been brought about in an abrupt and irregular manner. The proper attitude of Great Britain, as laid down by Sir Edward Grey, we have set forth in detail elsewhere. Shortly, it was that " Great Britain could not recognise the result of such action till the other Powers, especially Turkey, had been consulted." The British Government earnestly desired to see things so guided that the result of any changes might not be to discourage, but to support effectually the progress of the new Government in Turkey, and they would use their
influence to that end. •
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