24 OCTOBER 1908, Page 1

The cynically minded may be amused to note that while

the Bulgarian Premier was preaching the doctrine of repudiation to the Times correspondent, Prince Ferdinand was saying smooth things to a reporter of the Petit Parisien. The Prince is quite shocked at the idea of war with Turkey, and is all for an entente cordials with that Power. We may note, however, that M. Dimitroff, the Bulgarian emissary to Constantinople, announces his country's adherence to the principle of "Base is the slave that pays" as strongly as the Premier. "If Europe intends to condemn us to pay these millions, who will come and take them?" he asks, with the swagger of ancient Pistol. No doubt Bulgaria is not an easy place to get at, but is M. Dimitroff so sure that Bulgaria will never want another loan ? But if she does, does he think the way will have been made smooth for her by remarks like that just quoted?