While events are thus being precipitated by the refusal of
the Montenegrins to abandon the siege, preparations are being rapidly pushed forward for a naval demonstration off Monte- negro's port on the Adriatic, and as we write the ships are assembling. What they will do if the Montenegrins, as seems most probable, pay no attention to the demonstration, remains to be seen. It is stated that on this point no agreement has been come to by the Powers. Indeed it is hardly too much to say that the main object of the demonstration has been to show that the Concert is intact, and that the Powers can all agree to act together. Russia, it is true, is not taking part in the demonstration, but it has been officially explained that this is due to her special racial sympathies with Montenegro and that her standing out is in no way meant as a protest or rebuke to the Powers. In a word, she acquiesces in the demonstration as an unhappy necessity, and has even requested her French allies to represent her. Italy, in spite of the fact that her Queen is the daughter of the King of Montenegro, takes part in the common action.
