NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE hopes, or fears, of peace are nearly over. The Turkish Government has sent a Circular to its agents which is en- tirely in the old tone of easy contempt for Europe and humanity. It refuses to entertain any of the demands contained in the Protocol, declares that the Constitution is sufficient guar- antee for reforms, and reasserts that the lamentable events in Bulgaria were due to foreign intrigue. Finally, it declines to disarm till Russia has disarmed, and does not see the necessity for sending a special Envoy to St. Petersburg. The arrival of this Circular was followed by telegrams from all the capitals of Europe announcing that hope had ceased, and by rumours that Russia would declare war on the 15th. It is probable that the Government of St. Petersburg will circulate a despatch warning the Powers of its intention, but the declaration of war can hardly be delayed more than another week. The Russians have to cross Roumania before they reach the Danube, but it is possible that the Turks may wish to transfer the war into that province, which they think would bear a good deal of ravaging, and may invade it themselves.
