The British Government is evidently deeply irritated by the events
in Sofia, and on Monday, Sir James Fergusson, who represents the Foreign Office in the Commons, publicly de- plored the " treachery and violence by which the Prince's reign had been interrupted." The British Ambassador at Con- stantinople, Sir E. Thornton, and our representative at Sofia have been recalled to confer with Lord Iddesleigh, and the Russian Press evidently expects resistance from England to Russian plans. It is therefore bespattering this country with abuse as a second-rate Power. It is difficult, however, in the present temper of the public mind, to see what Lord Salisbury can do, beyond using the English veto, which might include the Turkish, against the Russian nominee. The only chance of effective interference lies in a new divergence between Russia and her allies, and Prince Bismarck is evidently deter- mined to prevent this, his ultimate object being, he says, to "reconcile Austria and Russia in the Balkans." As their interests are entirely opposed, that is difficult work ; but the Chancellor may be thinking of a partition. It is said the German Staff would approve one, as Russia, if extended down the long line from Bessarabia to Constantinople, would be open to attack as she is not now.
