steps
in the matter.

The council decided to continue preparations for war, so that, if terms
of peace cannot be arranged, Turkey will be ready for any emergency.

The next time Tewfik Pasha met the Ambassadors after his conversation
with Sir Philip Currie, he was able to say that his Government would not
give up Thessaly.

The Powers made answer that Thessaly must be given up, and that the
Turks must retire to their own side of the frontier immediately.

Finding that the Powers remained firm, the Sultan ventured on an act so
bold and astonishing, that Europe has not yet recovered from it.

He appealed to the Czar of Russia and the Emperor of Germany, asking
them to help him in his efforts to make Thessaly a part of the Ottoman
Empire.

The other ambassadors were most indignant when they learned of the
Sultan's action, and one and all refused to consider any further the
treaty of peace, until the question of the Turks leaving Thessaly had
been settled.

After the news of Turkey's appeal reached them, a meeting, which lasted
four hours, was held by the diplomats, but the result of this conference
was not made public.

Mr. Gladstone has written a very bitter letter against Turkey, in which
he again refers to the Sultan as the Grand Assassin.

He is said to have stated in his letter that he should not be surprised
if the Sultan had the audacity to send representatives to the Queen's
Jubilee; and to have added that he hoped the British Government would
prevent any such thing, as the Turkish envoys might meet with a
reception that would not be agreeable to them.

This cannot be true, for so great a man as Gladstone would not stoop to
rousing his countrymen to riotous and discourteous acts. Should the
Sultan send over envoys to honor the Queen, they will be the nation's
guests, and as such should be treated with respect.

Mr. Gladstone is such a fine old man, that we are sure that this report
will be proved false.

* * * * *

There is a report that the Sultan has broken the armistice, by sending
fresh troops into Thessaly and continuing to fortify the towns of Volo
and Prevesa.

Word has also reached us that the Governor of Volo has issued a
proclamation, ordering the people who ran away from the town when the
Turks entered it to return. Unless these people go back within two
weeks, all the property they left behind them will be seized and
confiscated by the Turks.

The unfor