the Austrian citizen was a matter of deep regret, and that the Porte
would pay the required money damages, would discharge the offending
officials, and send warships to salute the Austrian flag; and last, but
not least, the Porte would pay the railroad company's bill, which
amounted to the nice little sum of $1,250,000.

The letter concluded by stating that the Sultan desired the good will of
the Emperor of Austria, and hoped that nothing might intervene to
endanger it.

By this little action Austria and Russia succeeded in weakening Turkey
still more through her treasury; but even then they were not satisfied.

Russia had found out that the Sultan intended to spend part of the
indemnity Turkey was to obtain from Greece in strengthening his navy; in
fact, with Germany's help he meant to have the finest navy in the world.

This did not suit Russia at all. It became known that Germany had
arranged to supply Turkey with a perfectly equipped navy--guns,
equipment, and all complete--for one-quarter of the money coming from
Greece.

Turkey has been bankrupt for many years, and owes money to most of the
nations of Europe, so when Russia learned of this dangerous activity on
her part, she took advantage of the old debts to prevent it.

She sent word that if Turkey was in a position to buy a navy, she must
be also in a position to pay her debts, and therefore Russia would like
to have the old account of 1878 settled.