The Sultan became still more uneasy, but he was anxious to put the matter off a little longer, until he could have a final understanding with Germany.

It seems that the Emperor William’s reply to his note gave the Sultan some hope that he was still inclined to side with him, in case of trouble.

While he was still looking about for a good excuse, he received a message from the German Kaiser, which put a sudden end to all his hopes of an alliance.

The German ambassador arrived at the palace of the Sultan with the information that the Kaiser, his master, had just telegraphed him to say to the Sultan from him that he must immediately obey the wishes of the Powers.

Following closely on this unwelcome visit came a message from the Czar of Russia, telling the Sultan that unless he immediately withdrew his soldiers from Thessaly, the Russian troops would cross the Turkish border.

Thus driven into a corner, the Sultan saw that the only thing left for him to do was to yield.

He therefore sent a message to the representatives of the Powers, that he had at last been able to induce the Grand Vizier to consent to withdraw from Turkey, and as this had been the only stumbling-block in the pathway of peace, he had issued an order to the Porte (the Turkish Government) authorizing them to accept the frontier as laid out by the Powers.

It would seem that this action on the part of Turkey had removed all obstacles, and that there would now be nothing to prevent the peace negotiations from being carried through.  Nobody, however, believes that the trouble is over.  It is thought that Turkey will make every possible delay in arranging to leave Thessaly, and also in accepting the new plan of government for Crete.

The Turkish troops have not as yet been withdrawn from Crete, and while the Christian inhabitants are settling down, and becoming reconciled to the new plan of government, their hatred of the Turks is in no degree lessened.

Conflicts between the Turks and the Christians are of daily occurrence.  The allied fleets have had to make a demand on Turkey that the soldiers shall give up their arms, as the rioting is so incessant.

* * * * *

The British House of Commons will not allow the Transvaal scandal to die out as quietly as the Government hoped.

We told you about the two reports that had been sent in; well, the member of Parliament who gave the second report has offered a resolution that Mr. Cecil Rhodes be removed from his position in the South African Company.

Further than this, it has been decided that a complete change shall be made in the directors of this too powerful company, which has already been able to plunge the British Government into so much trouble.

Complaints have been made that the company under its president, Mr. Cecil Rhodes, has abused the privileges thus given by the Government.  In addition to the affair in the Transvaal, the company has treated the natives of Mashonaland with great severity, taking their cattle away from them, and forcing them to live in a condition bordering on slavery.