The Austro-Russian scheme for reforms in Macedonia was communicated to
the Porte on Saturday last, and accepted by the Sultan on Monday. The text of the pro- posals may be summarised as follows. Article I. recom- mends that the Inspector-General, already appointed, should be maintained in his post for three years, that his recall and the appointment of a successor should be subject to the approval of the Powers, and that in emergencies he should have the power of employing military force on his own initiative. Article II. provides for the submission of the Valis of the three vilayets of Salonika, Kossovo, and Monastir to the instructions of the Inspector-General. Articles III. and IV. provide that the police and gen- darmerie shall be organised by foreign specialists, Christian inhabitants to be admitted in a number proportionate to the population. The rule that Christians should be able to read and write Turkish as a condition for admission is to be abrogated. Article V. urges on the Ottoman Government the need for compelling the Albanians to respect the law. ArticleVl. demands an amnesty for all persons arrested for political offences, and the prompt conclusion of the trials of those prosecuted for crimes or offences at common law. Finally, Article VII. provides that each vilayet should furnish a yearly Budget, in which local expenses will be a first charge on the revenues.
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