The situation in Dulcigno is almost unintelligible, but there is
a strong balance of probabilities in favour of this account. The Sultan intends to surrender Dulcigno, but he is afraid of the Albanians in the capital, and of a possible de- claration of Albanian independence. He therefore forbids Riza Pasha to use force, even allowing his troops to retire when the Albanians advance, and has sent Dervish Pasha with a body of marines to see if he cannot occupy Dulcigno without actual fighting. Dervish, who is greatly feared by the Albanians, and called by them the "Black Snake," has only just been able to land, in consequence of the weather, and has done nothing. This attitude of the Sultan of course delays everything, and all the more, because the Montenegrin Prince is indisposed either to hurry affairs or to waste his men. As soon as Greece is ready, there will be an important diversion on that side, and Prince Nicola may see the Albanians called off with- out striking a blow. Indeed, it is rumoured that the Greek Premier strongly advises delay. The Powers, on the other hand, submit to the delay, partly because the action of France is undecided, and will remain so till after November 9th, and partly because they are still negotiating among themselves as to their next step. That explanation may be inaccurate, but at all events it fits the facts, which no other does.
