The diplomatic confusion in Constantinople is very great. The Sultan
is said to be determined not to recognise the Agents of the Powers who at Uskub claim the right of financial control in Macedonia ; whereupon the Powers are believed to threaten a naval demonstration against Salonika. This would, of course, produce submission; but the German Government does not like the prospect, and will, it is asserted, in order to prevent so strong a measure, advise the Sultan to give way Advice from Berlin now weighs more heavily with Abd-ul-Hamid than that of all the remainder of Europe ; but he thinks that if he yields Macedonia will slip from his hands, and may therefore even risk the demonstration. His position between the Powers and his Mussulman advisers must be acknowledged to be most difficult; but Great Britain, France, Italy, and Russia are believed to be holding together, and if they are all sincere and all determined, he must give way at last. Even Germany can hardly protect him against that combination, more especially while his remaining European subjects are practically in revolt.
