The precise method by which the Government hope to enforce
reforms in Turkey is, of course, not yet known, and cannot be known until Mr. Goschen has reached Constantinople; but there is a consensus of opinion upon the Continent as to one probable course of action. The Sultan is, the Correspondents say, to be asked to establish the International Commission of Adminis- tration provided for in the Berlin Treaty. This demand, if vigorously pressed, would amount to an order that he should -confide the Grand Vizierate to a Committee of European states- men. That is, no doubt, a thorough measure, and might be successful, as the Pashas would be superseded ; but even if the Commissioners did not quarrel, would the Ottomans obey ? We question if any arrangement is compatible with the exist- ence of a Khalif at Constantinople; but if any one is, it is the rapid formation of every province capable of self-government into an autonomous State. That would release Macedonia, Rimmelia, the Greek Islands, Armenia, and Syria, and, at all events, narrow the area of misgovernment. All the Correspond- ents hint, however, that the Governments avoid decision as to what should be done should the real crisis arrive, and the Sultan refuse to accept advice of any sort. It is then, and not while he yields, that the jealousies of the Powers will become patent and potent.
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