The General Election. Campaigning Papers. PT. 1 of a Political Handbook for the People [Signed J.A.] (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 edition. Excerpt: ... their old policy; but they had not courage heartily to embrace the new. When, however, the truth of the horrible story from Bulgaria had been substantiated, an energetic remonstrance was sent to the Porte, and Turkey was told that whatever might happen to her, the state of public feeling in England would not admit of the English Government giving her support. An effort to secure an armistice was opposed by Turkey unless on her own terms, which were inadmissable. While she remained obstinate, Russia proposed the occupation of Bosnia by an Austrian force, of Bulgaria by a Russian force, and the Bosphorous by the united fleets of all nations. Russia was careful to explain that if the naval measure was considered by England enough, to that Russia would agree. England refused to entertain either of the proposals. At last, when Servia was defeated, Russia sent an ultimatum to Turkey demanding an armistice of six weeks, and an acceptance within forty-eight hours. This firmness had the desired effect. Turkey accepted. Then the English Government made a definite proposition. It was the assembling of a Conference at Constantinople. There was hope even still that the root of the evil might be reached by a little pressure upon Turkey, but that hope was dispelled by the declaration of the English Government that England would not enforce, except by moral suasion, any conclusion the representatives of the Powers might come to. An elaborate scheme of reform was drafted and nothing remained but Turkey's assent. But that assent was not given and the Conference broke up resultless. Russia had warned England that in case this happened she would be compelled to take the responsibility of coercing Turkey herself. Russia assumed that responsibility and the...