2 DECEMBER 1876, Page 3

It is stated that General Ignatieff has formulated the Russian

idea of autonomy for the Christian Provinces of Turkey in eleven propositions :-1. That all classes of the population shall be dis- armed. 2. That all functionaries be elected by the Communes. 3. That a militia be formed of Christians, and Mussulmans in pro- portion to their numbers. 4. The Turkish troops are to be con- centrated in certain fortresses, to be specified beforehand. 5. The Irregulars and Circassians are to be sent to some Mussulman province.

6. The tithes are to be abolished and replaced by a more just system.

7. The Slavic languages are to be employed in Courts of Justice.

8. The formation of Assemblies of Notables, with certain legis- lative or advisory powers. 9. A Christian Governor to be appointed, with the approval of the Powers, and to be irremovable for five years. 10. All persons implicated in the massacres to be punished. 11. An International Commission to be created, to supervise the reforms introduced. These terms are moderate enough, but would leave the Christians no real security if the Turkish troops were retained.