The German Parliament was reopened on December 3rd in a
speech from the Throne, which was, in the main, only of local importance. The Emperor, however, approved the "intelligent moderation" of the Japanese, and the resolve of all the Powers to respect existing treaties relating to Turkey," and to "support the Government of the Sultan in the maintenance of order." That sentence would seem to mark a secret divergence from the ideas of Great Britain, and stands in curious contrast to the view expressed in the Message of the American President. Mr. Cleveland, who, from the situation of the States, is not bound to reticence, declares that the European Powers have in Turkey "secured rights and assumed duties," and are bound to "enforce such conduct on the part of the Turkish Govern- ment as will restrain fanatical brutality." If this fails, their duty is so to interfere as to ensure against such dreadful occur- rences in Turkey as have of late shocked civilisation. "The Powers declare this right and this duty to be theirs alone, and it is earnestly hoped that prompt, effective action on their part will not be delayed." It is greatly to be regretted that the Turks have not treated the American missionaries in Anatolia as they have treated the Armenians. Justice would then have been meted out by means of shells with a certain promptitude, and with permanent effect.
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