It is stated that the Sultan is calling out fresh
Reserves, and that in Syria there is much resistance to the decree, the con- scripts flying in thousands and being pursued by cavalry. The statement is probable enough, as the Sultan must have resisted an occupation of Bulgaria; but that danger appears for the moment to have passed away, the Czar contenting himself with an indirect predominance in Sofia. It is probable, as Prince Bismarck desires peace, that peace will be kept ; but the Pan- slavist party is urging war, and Russia is governed by a man of uncontrollable will. If steadily resisted by the Bulgarian Assembly, he may employ force, and then war will have approached very near. The Hungarians would be wild with excitement and fear, and the Hapsburgs might be unable to resist the popular pressure. It must not be forgotten that the Austrian and Turkish 'Fleets—not to speak of the English— could stop a Russian invasion by sea, and that a land march across Roumania would leave the Russian Army exposed to a flank attack by the whole force of Austria. The Powers will wait, we think ; but the headstrong character of the Czar is an unknown factor in the situation.
