Europe is full of rumours about outrages recently com- mitted
by Turks and Kurds on Armenians in the vilayet of Billie. Apparently some disturbance was excited there by over-taxation, the Governor let loose the soldiers and Kurds, and outrages were committed equal to those of Batuk. It seems to be admitted that a massacre took place, for the British Consul is accused of having instigated the insur. rection which gave rise to it ; a fortunate fiction, as it has enabled Sir Philip Currie to interfere. He has demanded an inquiry, and the Sultan has granted one, but as Turkish Commissioners are untrustworthy, Sir P. Currie has de- spatched an agent of his own to examine the Consul. The Sultan is obviously alarmed, as well he may be, for as soon as the news reaches St. Petersburg, the Russian Government will be astir. It cannot neglect the Armenians ; and if it moves, we hope Lord Kimberley will see his way to energetic representations. At present he is inclined, perhaps properly, to shroud himself in official replies of no meaning. We do trust that the Armenians, if they have a sound case, will abstain from their besetting foible of exaggeration.
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