We find it difficult to believe, as both the Emperor
of Russia and the Emperor of Austria desire peace, that the straggle over the Balkans will result in war, but the news- paper polemics undoubtedly becomes sharp. The Russians are bitterly indignant that Roumania should have ventured to ally herself with Austria, and say that recent arrange- ments constitute "an audacious challenge" to their Empire, which would justify her being cracked like a nut by Russian armies. To this the Austrian military organ, the Beichtwehr, replies by a direct defiance. Roumania, the writer contends, with her magnificent fortresses, could hold the strategic entrance to the Balkans even if Austria - Hungary sent her no aid, but if Austria and Roumania in conjunction marched towards Kieff the Russian position would be a very bad one. Remarks of that kind in papers which are not quite free certainly suggest that some- body is thinking about war, and are not calculated to diminish excitement in "military parties" which exist and are strong in both Empires. The Russians seem to have forgotten Plevna very soon.
