NEWS OF THE WEEK.
NEWS from the Balkans does not offer any hope of the early retirement of the Turks from Adrianople or of the approaching enforcement of the Treaty of London. Turkey, still dominated by the hotheads of the Committee, has massed not fewer than 250,000 troops—said to be in good condition, rejuvenated, and well provisioned, though unpaid —in Thrace. Characteristic assurances from Turkish states- men that the conduct of the Porte is perfectly loyal and correct, as it always has been and always will be, are accom- panied by numerous facts to the contrary. Early in the week there was talk of Turkey declaring war on Bulgaria, and in spite of the usual conflict of evidence there seems to be no doubt that Turkish troops have been operating west of the Maritza. The latest statements of the Porte as to Turkish military intentions beyond the Maritza are said, however, to be regarded as satisfactory at St. Petersburg. Correspondents of the Times and the Telegraph have drawn attention to the charge made against the Greeks that they expressly en- couraged the occupation of towns by the Turks, but the Hellenic Government has given it a flat denial. We trust that we are right in disbelieving this very sinister accusation. Greater disloyalty to the common cause of the Christian States than that which has been imputed to Greece it would be impossible to conceive. Telegrams published on Friday morning announce that the Greek Government, at the request of Bulgaria, has promised to keep troops at Dedeagatch and other Thracian towns until August 29th, when the Bulgarians will take them over.
