All rumours pointing to action on the part of the
Porte or the Powers to make a final settlement in Bulgaria appear to be false ; but there are disquieting stories from Macedonia. That unhappy province ought to be autonomous under the Treaty of Berlin, but remains Turkish, and, of course, its in- habitants would rise in insurrection if they only saw a chance. They are growing restless with hope deferred, but, unfor- tunately, though united against the Turk, they are divided on all else, one section being Bulgarian and another Greek. Athens and Sofia are therefore compelled to hold out promises each to its own side that may result in a premature movement, which, indeed, is openly advocated by hot-heads in both capitals. Stringent instructions have, however, been sent by the Great Powers to both the Macedonian parties to keep quiet for the time, under penalty of being left to fight the Turk, who, if permitted, would not hesitate at massacre. If these orders are sincere, they will be obeyed, and considering the tone of the Courts, the efforts now being made in Russia to raise the value of the rouble—thus enabling the Czar, if he decides next year on war, to dispense with a foreign loan—and the lateness of the season, it is probable that the orders are sincere, and that there will be no rising in Macedonia until the spring.
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