The Sultan has climbed down a little way. The Porte
has forwarded to the Ambassadors of the three Powers a second answer, in which the Sultan accepts the reforms required of him "in principle," but reserves his own full rights of sovereignty, and demurs to the European veto on his selec- tion of a High Commissioner. The answer is described as sufficient to serve as "a basis for negotiations," but it is affirmed that they can produce no result, Russia and France being opposed to any use of force, and determined, if it is used, to protect the S .1tan. In other words, we presume, the French Government thinks that, by resisting England on behalf of Turkey, she could, with Russia's assistance, settle the Egyptian question. Well, if we are to fight, the freedom of Armenia would be an excellent cause. We greatly doubt, however, if any Emperor of Russia would venture to declare war on behalf of the Sultan's right to massacre Eastern Christians at will, and feel assured that if we go forward he will keep step, even if he takes an opportunity of punishing Great Britain afterwards. Another reason for action is coming to the front. Macedonia is on the verge of an insur- rection, and if Macedonia rises, Austria cannot, and will not, allow her to be crashed by massacre. Russia does not want that struggle to come on with the entire people of the Balkans driven to side with the House of Hapsburg.
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