It is said that the British Ambassador, Sir Philip Currie, told this to Tewfik Pasha, the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of Monsieur Nelidoff, the Russian Ambassador.

Sir Philip Currie is reported to have stated the decision of his Government in such very determined words, that both the Turkish and Russian Ministers were speechless with surprise.  Tewfik Pasha listened in silence, while the Englishman announced that unless Turkey gave back Thessaly to Greece, Great Britain would withdraw from the concert of the Powers.  The Turkish Minister could not conceal his surprise and dismay, but left the room without making any reply, the Russian Minister following him.

A few days later the Turkish Cabinet met in council, and after a very long discussion they decided that under the circumstances it was impossible for Turkey to leave Thessaly, and that, as Turkey is in possession of Thessaly, and able to wait patiently while the terms of peace are being arranged, there is no need to take any immediate 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.