Scandalous Attitude

French editors grew indignant en masse last week at the scandalous attitude of Turkey in retaining under arrest in Constantinople one Lieutenant Demons, chief officer of the French steamer Lotus, which collided with a Turkish coalship on the high seas (TIME, Sept. 6).

Foreign Minister Briand's peremptory demand for the release of Lieutenant Demons continued unheeded last week, a fact which provoked the Journal des Debats to militant comment: "We cannot mince words any longer. An end must be made to this impossible situation. The whole French press, regardless of politics, is aroused over the insulting attitude of the Turks and the weakness displayed by the French Government in the face of it."

With the "national honor" of France thus challenged by the Turk, a crisis of moment loomed.