The " magnificent resistance" of Lord Beaconsfield to the cession
of Batoum turns out to be histrionic merely. Ile had the Secret Treaty in his pocket, and accordingly Batoum was given up ; the Lazes, whom Dr. H. Saudwith proves to be merely a tribe of kidnappers, are handed over to Russia ; and the line of the Soghanli Dagh is surrendered by Turkey, Olti becoming Russian. As Batoum had been surrendered by the Anglo-Russian Agreement, the fight was merely kept up to amuse the Jingoes, who were told, first, that the port would be saved, then that the Lazes would be made independent, and then that all fortifications would be forbidden. It appears, however, from the telegrams of Thursday that the Treaty will contain "no word about fortifica- tions," their non-existence being supposed to be implied in the fact that Batoum will be a " free commercial port." London is a free commercial port, but a hostile vessel might find it difficult to pass Tilbury.
