If we turn from the actual hostilities to the political
position it can only be described as full of anxiety. Except for the city of Constantinople, Turkish rule may be said to have already been banished from Europe, and many well- informed observers are doubtful whether it will be possible to maintain it oven in Asia. It is very greatly to be hoped for the peace of the world that these gloomy forecasts will not prove true. There is at present no one ready to take the place of Turkey in Asia, and yet her possessions there cannot lie allowed to pass into a condition of permanent anarelyy. No doubt, if the worst comes to the worst, Russia might become responsible for Armenia and the parts adjacent, Germany for Asia Minor, and France for Syria, while we as the greatest Mohammedan Power might preserve Arabia and the Holy Places from being engulfed in anarchy. Such a division, even on paper, would, however, cause very great diffieulties. We are glad to recognize that no one here would now be so foolish (granted that anarchy overtakes Turkey) as ta grudge the_Germans their opportunity of taking over. Asia Minor. We may say for ourselves, indeed; that granted the
necessity, we should most heartily approve of the devolution to Germany of this great opportunity. It is, however, an open secret that Germany does not feel ready to undertake the development of Asia Minor, though at the same time she would deeply resent any other Power doing it. That being so we can only repeat that the best hope for the peace of the world is that the Turks will be able to continue for some time yet to hold rule in Asia.
