The Russian Government is most anxious to convince the world
that it had no part in the Roumelian revolution. The Russian General in Bulgaria has resigned, all Russian officers have thrown up their commissions, and the Russian Press has received orders to denounce Prince Alexander. Indeed, it is asserted that even if Russia assents to the union of the Bul- garias, she will insist that Prince Alexander be deposed. This attitude is condemned by many publicists as hypocritical; but it is by no means certain that it is not genuine. Russia greatly dreads the tendency observable among the Balkan States of late to form strict defensive alliances. She does not want to fight her way to Constantinople through a Christian Federation of sixteen millions, disposing of half a million of soldiers, and not hated by Pan-Slays. She had much rather the Balkan States were weak ; and would like very much to keep Turkey quiet and, at the same time, punish any Prince who acted without orders, or at all events permission, from St. Petersburg.
