The Russian Government has addressed a Circular Note to - the
Powers which signed the Treaty of Paris, suggesting the occupation of " East Roumelia "by a mixed body of troops, 15,000 strong, contributed by all the Powers favourable to the project. The Russian Chancellor points out that when the Russian troops leave the province in May, its reorganisation will not be com- pleted, and serious disturbances may occur, threatening the pacific arrangement made by the Treaty of Berlin. As the insurrection of the province, if Turks enter it, is a certainty, the proposal is a sensible one ; and we are happy to believe it may be sanctioned by the British Government, which alone is really hostile to the better scheme, the junction of the two Bulgarias. In five or six years, the province, under European pro- tection, may be thoroughly organised, and may even have contracted a Debt—and a thoroughly organised province with a Debt will never be handed back to Turkey. It is probable that the Sultan, who sees that, will resist the suggestion of the Powers, but even the Telegraph hints that he must yield to the unanimous will of Europe. It would be inconvenient to Lord Beaconsfield if the Sultan resisted, and reopened the Eastern Question ; and that being so, the absolute right of the Pashas to do as they will with their own is, as respects East Rorimelia, suspended.
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