It seems clear that M. Delcasse had given informal but
binding pledges to all the Powers not to demand any material guarantee from Turkey, and that the Sultan was advised on all hands to yield. The Courts, however, are not entirely pleased, the Germans observing that they do not admit the French pretension to protect Catholics not French subjects, and the Russians being irritated by the increase of French prestige in Syria, where they are busily enlisting friends. The Old Turks, again, are greatly excited, the entire transaction being regarded as one more proof of Abd-til- Hattaid's inability to manage affairs. It is difficult, indeed, to see in it any evidence of the astuteness with which his Majesty is credited. There was no sense, if he intended to yield, in waiting for a demonstration. He must have ex- pected aid from some quarter, and have been deceived, and the first result of the affair will probably be a temporary decline in German influence. William II. by his ostenta- tious profession of friendship has almost ousted the Russians at Constantinople, but at the crucial moment he withdrew his support, and he will not be readily forgiven.
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