23 MARCH 1878, Page 1

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

THE full text of the Treaty of Peace was published in St. Petersburg on March 21st, but there is little in it which has mot already been discussed. Montenegro is declared independent, with a considerable extension of territory to the south, and the port of Antivari ; Roumania is recognised as a free State, and will receive the Dobrudscha, in exchange for a portion of Bessarabia to be ceded to Russia ; and Servia becomes independent, with an addition of territory, including Little Zwornik and Novibazar and part of Old Servia. Bulgaria is declared an autonomous Principality, with a Christian Governor, to be elected by the people, and not to belong to any of the greater dynasties, and includes Northern Bulgaria, Southern Bulgaria, avoiding Adrianople, but touching the coast, and stretching westward almost to Salonika. The Prince will pay a tribute, to be hereafter decided by Russia, Turkey, and Europe, and the Principality will be occupied by 50,000 Russian troops until the native militia is formed. The period, however, must not exceed two years, and at the expiration of one, other Powers may join in the occupation. All fortresses are to be razed and none re- built on the Danube, and the Porte retains a right.of-way for its troops along a military road. Otherwise, no Ottoman troops remain in Bulgaria. Reforms will be introduced into Bosnia and Herzegovina, under arrangements with Austria, and the whole revenue will be applied to compensate the exiles. The Cretan organic law is to be better applied, and a similar law is to be extended to Epirus, Thessaly, and other Greek provinces, accord- ing to arrangements to be devised by Russia and Turkey. Mus- sulmans can reside in the Christian Provinces, but if they are !landowners, they must either return there within two years or 'dispose of their property, a clause intended obviously to prevent the land being held by owners absent in Asia.