The news from Turkey all points to a coming catastrophe.
The Sultan, almost paralysed by personal fears, has fallen completely into the bands of a palace clique who trade on those fears, and represent that his Majesty can be safe only through resistance. It is said that one of them is a cook —more probably the principal taster, who protects the Sovereign from poison—and their influence disgusts not only the Ambassadors, but the greater Mussulman officials. The worst orders issue from "the palace clique," and are obeyed in- stead of the public despatches, and they hope to secure a Grand Vizier of their own. It is to be observed that no one gives any account of the political ideas of this clique, but they are sup- posed to be fanatical, corrupt, and, above all, so ignorant that they do not understand how near direct intervention is coming. It is approaching very fast. Much of Lord Salisbury's speech indicates the existence of a distinct plan of interference, and British, French, Austrian, and Italian fleets are now gather- ing at Salonica, while the Russian fleet is preparing in the Black Sea. A joint ultimatum will, it is believed, be pre- sented to the Sultan, transferring the internal government, it may be presumed, to persons trusted by the Powers. If this is accepted, well; but if not, the combined squadrons will advance to Constantinople, and the beginning of the end will have arrived. •
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