It seems probable that Russia and England have come to
some understanding both as to the Far East and the Near East, but the course of action is not yet clear. Apparently, some proposal is to be laid before the Sultan, supported by the menace that, if it is rejected, the combined fleets of Europe will appear with their decks cleared for action off Constantinople. A French squadron, an Austrian squadron, an Italian squadron, and a Greek ship are therefore already on their way to Salonica to join the British fleet; while the Russian fleet in the Black Sea is under orders to be ready to threaten the forts upon the Bosphorus. The Sultan is said to be terrified; but as yet there is no sign of his climbing down, and indeed if he does, he cannot be trusted. It is of course within the limits of possibility that the moment he is satisfied that the Powers mean business he may retreat into the interior of his Asiatic dominion. Shells cannot reach Broussa, the ancient capital of his house.
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