Nelson's history of the war. Vol. XI., The struggle for the Dvina, and the great invasion of Serbia

=I EE EE EE Te

24 HISTORY OF THE WAR.

Bulgaria, our co-religionist, liberated but a short time ago from the yoke of the Turk by the fraternal love of the Russian | people, openly took sides with the enemies of the Christian faith, of Slavism, and of Russia.

“ The Russian people regards with sorrow the treason of Bulgaria, which was so near to it until within the last few days, and, with a bleeding heart, it drew its sword against her, leaving the fate of the betrayer of the Slav cause to the just punishment of God.”

Meanwhile the Allied troops were arriving at Salonika. The first seem to have landed on 3rd Oct. 2—-. October, and on 7th October two divi-

* 377" sions were on shore. The Greek commandant made a formal protest, and then directed the harbour officials to assist in arranging the landing. Greek officers took charge of the Salonika railway, and displaced the former German and Austrian employees of the company. On Mon-

Oct day, 4th October, M. Venizelos made a "4 speech in the Greek Chamber. He explained that in his view Greece’s engagements to Serbia under her treaty of alliance, as well as the vital interests of the country, imposed on her the duty of going to Serbia’s aid without awaiting a declaration of war by the Central Powers. If Bulgaria were suffered to win it would be farewell to Greece’s hopes of the future. “I can only say that I should feel profound regret if, in the performance of my duty in safeguarding the vital interests of the country, I should find myself brought into opposition with nations with whom I have no direct quarrel. The danger of conflict is great, but we shall none the less fulfil the obligations imposed on us by our treaty of alliance.” These manly and honourable words were the last