This Turkish army is felt to be a very serious menace to Europe. The
Sultan has an enormous number of soldiers now under arms, and moreover
this army of his is a victorious army, proud of its strength, and
anxious to have fresh opportunity to show its mettle and courage.

An uneasy feeling therefore prevails while this large force is kept
under arms, as at any moment the Sultan may take it into his head to try
and reconquer the Balkan provinces which he lost in the war with Russia.

Should he attempt such a thing Europe would be bound to go to the aid of
the province, and the much-dreaded European war would result. Until the
Turkish army is disbanded the peace of Europe cannot be assured.

It was felt, therefore, that Lord Salisbury had chosen a happy time for
his protest, and that the Sultan must now be forced into doing what is
right.

Unfortunately, Lord Salisbury, while he is a very clever statesman, has
not the courage of his own opinions. He can think out a clever plan
which would be of the greatest benefit to his country, and though in the
beginning he will try with great firmness to enforce it, he cannot stand
up against strong opposition. He has time and again abandoned some
excellent policy, and veered completely round, when he has met strong
opposition.

Much anxiety was felt in London on the present occasion lest he should
not be able to maintain the firm stand he had taken on the Greek
question. This anxiety grew keener when it was found that the other
Powers were opposed to him. His party and his friends did their best to
persuade him to remain firm, and for a time it seemed as though nothing
could shake his resolution. At last the unwelcome news was given out
that the British ambassador in Constantinople had received instructions
from Lord Salisbury to accept the peace proposals of the Turks, and
allow them to remain in Thessaly until the debt should be paid off.

Lord Salisbury's reason for yielding is rumored to be that the five
ambassadors, representing France, Germany, Russia, Austria, and Italy,
were ready to sign the first treaty without waiting for the consent of
England.

This is said to have alarmed the British Prime Minister, and made him
fear that the other Powers would combine against England if he persisted
in his determination, and so he weakly deserted Greece; and the Turks
will remain in Thessaly until the war indemnity is paid.

It is, however, stated that the British, French, and