30 OCTOBER 1886, Page 1

The Russian Government have taken a further step towards coercing

the Bulgarian Regency. Pretending that Russian Consuls are not protected at Varna, they have despatched two small war-vessels to the port, with orders to land marines and soldiers on the Consuls' demand. No previous intimation of this step was forwarded to the Regency, and the journals of St. Petersburg exult in it as the prelude to the occupation in force. It undoubtedly would enable the Government to find an excuse for occupation, as, if Varna were entered by Russian soldiers, the Regency must resist ; but it is more probably intended to encourage Russian partisans, and keep up the pressure on the popular mind. As yet, the people hold out ; but we note that rumours of oompromise grow thicker, and it is stated that a formal Russian ultimatum will be laid before the Sobranje. The Czar demands the control of the Bulgarian Army and Bulgarian foreign policy ; but if those terms are conceded, he will recognise the Sobranje, nominate a Prince, and allow Bulgaria her internal liberty. In other words, Russia claims the position of the British Government towards an Indian protected State. That is sovereignty, under soothing forms.