Stock Photo - 'Disinterested Advisers', 1875. Turkey is surrounded by 'Disinterested Advisers' in the shape of the Russian Bear and the Eagles representing Austria and Germany. The British Lion remains aloof in the background. This matter goes back some way to 1873 when the three powers of Russia, Germany and Austria formed a loose alliance. At the same time, Turkish administration was failing and the Ottoman Empire was heading towards bankruptcy. The three powers were keen to avoid this crisis and eventually agreed upon a course of diplomatic action to pacify insurgent districts such as Bosnia whose people had recently revolted against Turkey. From Punch, or the London Charivari, November 20, 1875.