At the suggestion of the Russian Government, all the Great
Powers have joined in an identical Note asking Servia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey to demobilise their forces. The troops once sent home, it is thought the diplomatists would be able to arbi- trate. If the proposal were perfectly sincere, the minor Powers would of course obey, as they are unable to resist the coercion of Europe ; but are they sincere P That is to say, will they, if resisted, agree to move ships and soldiers on a common plan ? That is most improbable ; and accordingly, the Servian King intimates that he shall not disarm until he is reassured about Roumelia,—that is, until he chooses ; and the Prince of Bul- garia replies that he will disarm when Servia does ; and the Greek Premier answers that popular feeling will not permit disarmament; and the Sultan meekly inquires how he is to disarm while Greece retains that menacing attitude. ,The truth is that on the Eastern Question Europe is not agreed, and there is, therefore, no tribunal strong enough to override even the petty States. The Sultan is said to be much alarmed by the hesitations of the Powers, which, he thinks, bode no good in spring, and has offered to clear one difficulty out of his way by decreeing the personal union of Bulgaria and Ronmelia. To that the reply of all the Powers is that the proposal is unobjectionable ; but it is not carried out, and meanwhile Greece, honestly or falsely, declares that she will fight.
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