The Sun.
London, England, 1870-11-19 00:00:00

NO CONGRESS.

The Pall Mall Gazette maintains its warlike attitude.
England, it urges, must display uncompromising opposi-
tion to the notion of a Congress, which would merely be a
device for gaining time. It is, in fact, the only advantage
we possess. " Besides, the attitude so suddenly taken
by Russia forbids assent to a Congress now. A
conference of the European Powers to debate the
right of one of them to renounce her obligations utterly
ought not to be allowed a moment's consideration. Re-
tractation first—a conference when the retractation is
assured. Holding these views, we are somewhat com-
forted by the fact of Mr. Odo Russell's mis-
sion. In sending him to Versailles, instead of
putting Lord Lyons in communication with Count
Bismarck on the subject, we fancy we see a determi-
nation to obtain at once the simple Yes or No which
is necessary to our course of action. Lord Lyons is an
ambassador ; and to send him would be too much like an
invitation .to palaver. Mr. Russell is a messenger—
sufficiently distinguished to add importance to the mes-
sage, and acute enough to do his errand well. If
we knew, what we greatly hope and are inclined to
believe, that his instructions are to return from Ver-
sailles within twenty-four hours of his arrival, bearing
with him a formal message hostile to Russia's preten-
sions, or leaving behind him the assurance that an
unsatisfactory reply must be interpreted into com-
plicity, we should view our present prospects with some
confidence."

The Western Morning News, in an energetic leader, says
that the European crisis that has now arrived is immea-
surably grave. A position has been deliberately taken by
Russia which will set ablaze all Europe, Great Britain in-
cluded, unless instantly and unequivocally retracted. It
is not that Prince Gortschakoff demands the modification
of the Treaty of Paris—that might possibly be conceded
without much reluctance. The seriousness of the
situation consists in this, that the Czar calmly
announces that he repudiates the solemn en-
gagements entered into with the other nations of Eurc pe
and is determined to treat them as null and void. In-
flamed by success entangled by an inveterate intriguer, it
is too probable that Prussia has been led to sanction the
manifesto which has just startled Europe. Prussia was
one of the co-signatories to the 1856 Treaty, and from her
alone, of all the Powers, has no protest against its infrac-
tion come. The rumour that Count Bismarck has left
Versailles for a German watering place, indicates that he
desires to avoid Mr. Odo Russell, who has been specially
despatched to interrogate him. Why Prussia
should thus desire to gain time for Russia is
perfectly intelligible on the supposition that the two
Powers are acting in concert. Earl Granville has re-
sponded to the Russian circular with energy and dignity.
In calm but firm language, he invites Russia to
re-consider and withdraw a demand which it is
impossible to grant. We deprecate war most heartily, but
there are worse evils, and the threatened abrogation of in-
ternational engagements is one of them. Promptitude is
indispensable. Prussia is a party to this plot. Its
denouement must be forced on before she is free
to give material support. The Czar must be taught
that he has disclosed his purposes too soon.
and that even in midwinter England is prepared to act,
supported as she would be by Austria, Turkey, and pro-
bably by Italy. The Russian circular is equal In auda-
city to the celebrated Benedetti treaty ; and if
such conspiracies are to flourish good faith
among kings and peoples must cease. Although
we do not learn of any great increase of activity in our
naval and military arsenals, the continued panic in the
money market shows that England must be prepared for
the worst. No, not for the worst, for that would be a
servile acceptance of the Czar's demands.