The news from the Balkans consists of an endless series
of contradictory reports which, when examined, resolve themselves into this. There is to be a regular Conference at Constanti- nople, which may end in a declaration that the status quo is restored, but that Prince Alexander is appointed Governor- General of East Roumelia for five years or for life. Pending that decision, the Servian and Greek Governments have agreed to wait under arms. Everything is, therefore, declared to be peaceful; and Europe is congratulated upon having escaped war. It is, however, by no means certain that the reports are true, although they are believed in Vienna. They are contra- dicted from Nisch, they are doubted in Philippopolis, they are inconsistent with the action of Prince Nicolas, who has called on all Montenegrins to remain in readiness. Moreover, it is known that England does not approve this solution, which is purely Russian ; that France does not like it, fearing lest Prince Waldemar of Denmark should be made Prince of Bulgaria ; that the Sultan distrusts it as a Russian plan ; and that Austria is only yielding to heavy pressure from Prince Bismarck. The Con- ference may, therefore, separate without a decision ; while there is still Macedonia to be reckoned with. Prince Alexander, if pushed to the wall, can upset everything by calling Macedonia to insurrection. It is he who has kept that province quiet.
