The week has been full of rumours about Turkey. Accord-
ing to one authority, the Resolutions of the American Houses calling upon Europe to protect the Armenians, will be followed up by energetic action. According to another, Russia and the Sultan have made a secret Treaty under which Russia is to protect Turkey against all comers, and in return is to be invested with the guardianship of the Dardanelles. According to a third, the Russian Government has proposed to France and Austria a scheme of partition, which is now being elaborated, and will be revealed in spring. None of these stories read like truth. The Americans will adhere to their traditional policy till Americans are massacred ; the Sultan is not likely to give up the key of his house to a doubtful friend ; and the Powers are unable to agree to any working scheme of partition. Will anybody, for instance, just suggest what Germany is to have? The truth is, the Powers are waiting on events, distrusting each other, especially when friendly, and the Sultan sits quiet, victorious all along the line. He is even doubting whether it might not be expedient to let the Mrissulman populace make the "lesson to Armenians" a little more complete.
