351. The Bul

of the country the Moslem population, especially that of t villages, is so uncertain of what is in store for them that, spite of what is said to the contrary, there is no chance of the molesting the Christians; and even if a few hot-headed your Turks were to attempt anything, the authorities would stop ther

As I was writing the present report, a foreigner living in th country told me of a case in which about thirty young Moslem suddenly took up their rifles and made for the nearest Chris tian village with the intention of burning it down. They ha got within a few minutes' walk of their object when the hastil summoned troops arrived and enjoined them, with loaded rifles to retire, which they did.

Section 100. The Independent Balkan States

After remaining in the position of a tributary State under the sovereignty of the Sultan for thirty years, Bulgaria, on October 5, 1908, announced her complete independence. Her ruler, Prince Ferdinand, read the following manifesto before a great assembly of dignitaries at the ancient capital of Tirnovo.

By the will of our never-to-be-forgotten liberator and the garian procla- great kindred Russian nation, aided by our good friends and independence neighbors, the subjects of the king of Roumania, and by the

mation of

(1908)

Bulgarian heroes, on February 18, 1878, the chains were broken which had for so many centuries enslaved Bulgaria, once a great and glorious power.

From that time until to-day, full thirty years, the Bulgarian nation, still cherishing the memory of those who had labored for its freedom, and inspired by its traditions, has worked incessantly for the development of its beautiful country, and, under my guidance and that of the late Prince Alexander, it has become a nation fit to take a place as an equal among the civilized States of the world, and has shown itself capable of progress in science, art, and industry. While advancing along

this path nothing should arrest the progress of Bulgaria nothing

should hinder her success. Such is the desire of the nation, such is its will. Let that desire be fulfilled. The Bulgarian nation and its chief can have but one sentiment, one desire. Practically independent, the nation was impeded in its normal and peaceful development by certain illusory and formal limitations which resulted in a coldness in the relations of Turkey and Bulgaria. I and the nation desire to rejoice in the political development of Turkey. Turkey and Bulgaria free and entirely independent of each other may exist under conditions which will allow them to strengthen their amicable relations and devote themselves to peaceful internal development.

Inspired by the sacred purpose of satisfying national requirements and fulfilling national desires, I proclaim, with the blessing of the Almighty, Bulgaria, united since September 6, 1885, an independent kingdom.

In conjunction with the nation I believe that this act will meet the approbation of the great powers.1

On October 7, two days after the Bulgarian declaration of independence, the emperor of Austria formally announced the annexation of the provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which, although nominally Turkish territories, had been under Austria's protection and administration since 1878. The proclamation follows:

We, Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia, 352. The and Apostolic King of Hungary, to the inhabitants of Bosnia annexati and Herzegovina:

When a generation ago our troops crossed the borders of your lands, you were assured that they came not as foes, but as friends, with the firm determination to remedy the evils from which your fatherland had suffered so grievously for many years. This promise given at a serious moment has been honestly kept. It has been the constant endeavor of our government 1 After the prince of Bulgaria had read the above proclamation, the

the Pulserien perlieme

the port of the

Bosnia a

Herzegov

A share in the government promised

to guide the country by patient and systematic activity to happier future.

To our great joy we can say that the seed then scattered i the furrows of a troubled soil has richly thrived. You your selves must feel it a boon that order and security have replace violence and oppression, that trade and traffic are constantl extending, that the elevating influence of education has bee brought to bear in your country, and that under the shield o an orderly administration every man may enjoy the fruits o his labors.

It is the duty of us all to advance steadily along this path With this goal before our eyes, we deem the moment come to give the inhabitants of the two lands a new proof of our trust in their political maturity. In order to raise Bosnia and Herzegovina to a higher level of political life we have resolved to grant both of those lands constitutional governments that are suited to the prevailing conditions and general interests, so as to create a legal basis for the representation of their wishes and needs. You shall henceforth have a voice when decisions are made concerning your domestic affairs, which, as hitherto, will have a separate administration. But the necessary premise for the introduction of this provincial constitution is the creation of a clear and unambiguous legal status for the two lands.

of

For this reason, and also remembering the ties that existed yore between our glorious ancestors on the Hungarian throne and these lands, we extend our suzerainty over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it is our will that the order of succession of our House be extended to these lands also. The inhabitants of the two lands thus share all the benefits which a lasting confirmation of the present relation can offer. The new order of things will be a guarantee that civilization and prosperity will find a sure footing in your home.

Inhabitants of Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Among the many cares of our throne, solicitude for your material and spiritual welfare shall not be the last. The exalted idea of equal rights for all before the law, a share in the legislation and administration of the provincial affairs, equal protection for all religious creeds. languages, and racial differences.

or y

The

After Russia became, at least legally, a constitutional monarchy in 1906, Turkey alone remained an example of an old-fashioned despotism. While an effort was made in 1876 to establish a constitution in Turkey, it failed, but in July, 1908, the dead constitution was revived and now promises to admit the people to a share in the government. December 17, 1908, the parliament, consisting of a senate and house of representatives, was opened at Constantinople. The following account of the event and of the Sultan's speech are taken from the New York Evening Post of December 17 and the New York Times of December 18, 1908.

of Turk

parliam

The Sultan opened parliament in person, with elaborate 353. Op ceremony, fashioned after the customs of older similar assemblies. The new legislature met in the same chamber where Decemb the short-lived parliament of 1876 assembled, a moderate- 1908 sized hall in a building facing the Square of St. Sophia. The scene was, perhaps, one of the most remarkable in the political history of the world. All the creeds and races of the Turkish Empire sent their duly elected representatives, and the varied costumes of the delegates, some in flowing silk robes and others in the modern frock coat, formed a multicolored picture never

Enthusiasm

nationalities. Members from Jerusalem and Mecca rubbe shoulders with their colleagues from the European province

Abdul Hamid, the Sultan, who granted the constitution pro of the people viding for this assembly, rode in a state coach through the cit to-day at the head of a procession to open the first session the body. Everywhere he was greeted with loud cheering, an there was no semblance of disorder. The entire line of marc of the imperial party, a distance of five miles, had been swep and spread with fresh sand for the passage of the Sultan.

Sultan deprecates

ndependence of Bulgaria

and the loss

Every regiment in Constantinople was out under arms, and lined up along the route of the procession to guard the progres of the Sultan. Triumphal arches spanned the streets, and a the occasion had been made a public holiday, the city was crowded with people. Thousands came in from surrounding towns and villages as well as from more remote parts of the empire, and almost the entire local population turned out to witness the ceremonies.

In his speech, which was read by Ali Bjevad Bey, the Sultan condemned the action of Austria-Hungary in declaring the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On this point the speech said:

"I regret to be compelled to announce to the representatives of the nation that the prince of Bulgaria and the governor general of Eastern Roumelia have deviated from the path of loyalty and proclaimed the independence of those provinces.

"I also regret to announce that Austria-Hungary has made of Bosnia and the illegal move of proclaiming the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Herzegovina, temporarily occupied by her, contrary to international good faith and treaty stipulations.1 My ministers are occupying themselves with these grave questions, and I hope they will receive the assistance of parliament.

९९

Our relations with all the powers are excellent, and I anticipate that with the good offices of the great friendly nations all these questions will be peacefully and favorably settled." Restoration of When I first proclaimed a constitution thirty-two years ago constitutional there were many difficulties in the way of its execution, and I

government

ee

1 Turkey accepted in January, 1909, Austria's offer of £2,500,000

(Turkish) as an indemnity for the pr