All correspondents report continued uneasiness in the Balkans, arising apparently
from the strong Russian protec. tion now given to Bulgaria, Servia, and Montenegro. The Prince of the latter district in particular is greatly elated by his daughter's new position in Italy, and the probability that another daughter may become Princess, if not Queen, of Bul- garia, and is intriguing both in Albania and Servia, where it must not be forgotten he may be accepted as next heir of the Monarchy. The recrudescence of excitement has created jealousy in Vienna, and the occasion has been seized to publish accounts of an agreement with Roumania, under which, in certain contingencies, the Roumanian Army, num- bering, if the reserves are called out, 250,000 men, will be placed at the disposal of the Austrian Emperor. It is improbable that if matters come to an issue the two great Courts will allow the peace of Europe to be broken by the petty States, and so far Russia appears to be acting wisely as well as straight. forwardly. She is applying her great influence in Con- stantinople to secure milder administration both in Albania and Macedonia, where better governors have recently been appointed. If the gunpowder does explode, it will be in Albania, where the fierce Mussulman peasantry know nothing and care nothing about European interests.
Previous page
