NEWS OF THE WEEK.
MHE meeting of the Chancellors at Berlin has ended, and the
resolution arrived at has been communicated to the Ambassa- dors of France, England, and Italy. Lord Odo Russell declined, however, to adhere to the proposal without instructions, and it is stated has since been directed not to give it any support. The reason for this caution has not yet been given, but we believe it was a disinclination to force on the Porte the acceptance of an International Commission empowered to protect the Christians. Such a Commission is hinted at in many quarters, and is distinctly, and as we believe truly, affirmed by the Berlin correspondent of the Times, who has access to official information. He says, on May 16, "The main result of the Berlin Conferences is the resolution of the three Northern Powers to ask the Sultan to give fresh guarantees for the fulfilment of the reform promises repeatedly made during the last six months. The guarantees demanded, being adapted to the Insurgents' programme, involve the confir- mation by the Sultan of a Superintending Commission appointed by the Powers." The object of the secrecy maintained is to give time for the Mussulman agitation to subside, but the presentation of such a demand at any time may stir it to fury.
