The delays at Constantinople still continue, the Sultan, with that
genius for diplomacy possessed by the Turk,. actually contriving to use the serious state of things that has been developed in Macedonia as a weapon of defence. The Sultan has, it is said, proposed to apply a general system of reform to all the Christian provinces of the Empire. With Macedonia in its present condition it will be very difficult to reject this proposal, and yet if it is accepted the Sultan may manage to escape from having to give effective relief to the oppressed populations of Armenia. If the proposal for a general reform is accepted, we presume that a Congress will have to be called and a scheme arranged which will virtually put all European Tarkey and most of Asia Minor in tutelage. That would per se be a great blessing, and the Sultan might become a sort of Imperial rent-charger receiving tribute from autonomous provinces. In any case, we hope that Lord Salis- bury will show not only firmness, but leadership. Whatever happens, the Armenians must not be abandoned. England will suffer indelible disgrace if, owing to want of vigour on her part, the Christian populations of Asia Minor are again• handed over to the nameless cruelties of the Turk.
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