NEWS OF THE WEEK.
ALL accounts from Constantinople agree in three state- ments. (1) The Sultan, after much hesitation to issue an absolute amnesty to the Armenian people, a hesitation defended by alleging a fear that it would excite great discontent among his Mnssulman subjects, who, it will be remembered, have been taught that the Armenians are plotting rebellion, has at last signed the decree. (2) The Sultan has been greatly alarmed by the spread of the ideas of Young Turkey in Constantinople itself. There is no evidence of any plot, but on information carried to Yildiz by paid spies, scores of Mahommedans, usually respectable men, are arrested every night, thrown into cells within the Palace grounds, examined by the police, and then exiled to places where it is believed they are quietly put to death. Fifty military officers were, it is said, seized in one week, and even their superiors do not know where they are. (3) Nevertheless, the Ambassadors are hesitating to present any kind of ultimatum, and are reported to declare that they need further "information." They have not, according to Austrian newsmongers, agreed even yet as to the precise reforms to be demanded, still less to the form of coercion which is to be adopted if the Sultan proves re- fractory. It seems to be agreed that Austria is still most jealous as to any demand for a material guarantee, and that the German Emperor dislikes the whole business, fearing lest he should be compelled to fight for Austrian interests. Many reports are circulated implying that each of the Ambassadors desires the credit of " taking the lead " in the policy to be pursued at Constantinople. Meanwhile the terror increases daily.
