Vienna was on Wednesday disturbed by a report that Colonel
Matkoaroff, the Bulgarian Minister of War, had dismissed the Regents and proclaimed himself Dictator. There was no truth in it ; but it was not an absurd report. The latest plan regarded with favour at Constantinople is this very one, it being 'believed that no other will induce the Russian Government to reopen negotiations for a permanent settlement of Bulgarian affairs, the Czar making it a point of honour not to treat with the Regents. The plan, however, cannot be carried out by the Sultan's fiat. It requires the assent of Colonel Mutkonroff and the Army, which, with the Great Sobranje on the point of meeting, is not likely to be given. The only effect, therefore, of the incident will be to give strength to the party in the Assembly which insists that delay has become dangerous, that the interregnum mast end, and that both Balgarias had better proclaim their absolute independence. That would force Europe to intervene in order to avoid an occupation, and a war before winter set in.
Previous page
