The Powers, it is stated, are pressing for an armistice,
which it would be well to secure, as six weeks would enable the Servians to double their strength, and bring winter nearer ; but Servia is not anxious for peace, the Prince of Montenegro absolutely re- fuses it, and the Turks are inclined to demand ridiculous terms, —such as indemnity for a war of which the Pashas by their
cruelties are the sole authors, and the right to keep Turkish garrisons in Servian fortresses, whence they may emerge to repeat Batok at any favourable opportunity. If, therefore, the Powers wish for peace, they must substitute orders for representations at Constantinople; and if they begin ordering, they must either formally permit atrocities, or take finally from the Turkish Government the power to commit them. In any case, whether an armistice is secured or not, a Conference of the Powers would seem to be inevitable ; and though it will not be held, as it ought to be, at Batok, Mr. Howard will be able to lay before it Mr. Schuyler's detailed report and demand its consideration. In that Conference the first question must be whether Bulgaria, a Christian province of Europe, as large as Ireland and with the population of Belgium, shall be surrendered to the Bashi-Bazouks.
