The Sun.
London, England, 1822-04-30 00:00:00

currence.

History affords no example of an increase of political impor-
tance more rapid, and to all appearance more permanent, than
that of the empire of the Czars. Scarcely more than a century ago,
and Muscovy was hardly considered as an European Power : and
little did Peter the Great foresee, whilst manffilly contend..
ing with adverse fortune in the plains of tngria, and on the
banks of the i
Pruth, that within one hundred years one of his
descendants should dictate laws to Twkey, and enter Paris,
at the head of a victorious army. Yet such an occurrence have
we witnessed in our days. Within the above comparatively

'‘short period, Russia has extended its domination from the
shores of the Baltic to those of the Black Sea, and from the
most eastern boundaries of Europe to the Banks of the Vis-
tula. If we cast our eyes upon the vast tract of countries that
form this empire, both in Europe and in Asia, we shall be
,amazed atits-extent, extent, an extent, indeed, which exceeds that of
the Roman domination, in the zenith of its power. If some of
its provinces are but thinly inhabited, as a nation, it still pos-
sesses an immense population, which being placed wholly at
the disposal of one will, acquires from this very circumstance
a considerable additional force. To these advantages, which
are in themselves of no trifling importance, we must add that
of its peculiarly favourable geographical situation, which, se-
curing it from any attack along the whole range of its eastern,
northern, and southern frontiets, enables it to press on the west
with the whole weight of its power ; an advantage which is too
often wholly overlooked, but which more than compensates
for any intrinsic deficiency. Independently of the force it thus
derives from its peculiar situation, in an offensive point of
view, it possesses, moreover, every possible defensive advan-
tage. The proof of this assertion is- exemplified by two very
striking historical facts. History recorchf only two serious
attacks directed against the Russian empire. Each of those
attacks was made by Chiefs hitherto invincible, and whose
power seemed irresistible. In each of them, the ruin of Russia
appeared, therefore, inevitable. Yet, in both of these in-
stances, not only has she escaped unhurt, but the failure of
her enemies has proved such,' that it has eventually occasioned
the destruction of their power ! There are persons who con-
',rider that the want of money will ever neutralize these evident
advantages of Russia ; but let such persons recollect that
Buonaparte has taught conquerors how to make the vanquished
defray the expenses of the war, which has stripped them of
their independence.
If the above views of the immense and preponderating power
of Russia be correct, we must look forward with censiderabk in-
terest to the probable issue of a war between this power and
Turkey, and to the effect such an issue may have upon the
political system of Europe. The present distracted state of the
Ottoman Empire, and the revolt of the Greeks, are particu-
larly favourable to the ambitious views of Russia. Hence, re-
gardless of the avowed principles of the Holy Alliance, she is
warmly espousing the cause of rebellious subjects. Every li-
beral mind must abhor the Turkish domination, which has
every where proved pernicious to society. Wherever its bane-
ful influence has extended, the energies of the human mind
have been destroyed; the arts: and the sciences, freedom and
happiness, have withered and died. In the pride of his ig-
norance, the Nlussulman looks down with contempt upon the
rest of mankind. Bigotted to the moral and religious code
contained in his Koran, he is essentially inimical to learning,
to liberty, and to civilization. Ilis language, his manners,
his ideas, his dress, all mark him as an intruder in the land
which his barbarity and intolerance have ruined and depopu-
lated. The emancipation of the descendants, even though de-
generate, of the Aristides, the Phocions, the Themistocles,
must be desired by every friend' of humanity, although the bar.
barities they have committed at Tripolizza prove them to be
little less ferocious than their Islusaulman oppressors. But in
great political questions, the welfare of one nation must be well
weighed with the interest of the whole European community.
The question is not how far the Greeks may be benefited by the
active interference of Russia, but how far such an interference
may affect the peace of Europe, and the balance of power,
which it has been the principal object of the Congress of Vienna
and the peace of Paris to re-establish. Unless this political equi_
librium be preserved, peace cannot be considered as resting
upon any thing like a solid foundation.
In the contest which is about to commence between Russia
and Turkey, the eventual success can scarcely be considered a
doubtful. Although fanaticism will, most probably, add vigour
to the ferocious courage of the Ottomans, the steadiness, and the
superior tactics., of their opponents, must necessarily prove,
in the end, successful, and the probabilities are, therefore, that
ere long the Russian Eagle will soar triumphant over the domes
of the Seraglio. But can Austria, can Prussia, can England,
or indeed can any of the powers of Europe permit the annex.
ation not only of Turkey, but even of any considerable portion
of it, to the Russian Empire ? It is probable that the Cabinet
of St. Petersburgh, well aware of the impracticability of such a
• measure, will realize the favourite plan of Catharine 11. and
make the Grand Duke Constantine the founder of a new Byzan-
tine dynasty. But however disinterested we may suppose the
Emperor Alexander, we can vcareely imagine that he will not
seek, in the acquisition of some of the Turkish provinces;to in-