The Sun.
London, England, 1869-02-09 00:00:00

LONDON, TUESDAY, FEB. 9, 1869.

Notwithstanding the difficulties that have hedged
:he path of the King of GREECE, it seems likely that
the matter will speedily be settled by the acceptance
of the decision of the Conference on the part of
Greece. So far all is promising for the cause of peace ;
and those who have been agitating themselves and
distracting others by predictions of partial war and
general disturbance may dismiss their fears and put
aside their evil prognostications. The point to be
considered is, however, whether these periodical revi-
vals of the Eastern question do not suit the purposes
of some of the Powers of Europe, and whether the
so-called grievance is not a timely diversion
which can be turned— to good account as occasion
calls for it. Russia and Prussia would be very
much discouraged if the diplomacy of foreign States
or the wisdom of domestic management could say e
Greece from another embroglio. Prussia more espe-
cially has her interests deeply centred in these sub-
jects, and if the constant discussion that takes place
on the Eastern question serves no other immediate
ends, it distracts attention from her own affairs and
bewilders those who might otherwise be inclined to
study too closely the doubtful character of Berlin
policy, and the vexations manoeuvres of BismArtm's
career. While we readily coincide with the opinion
of those who say that the danger is well-nigh
over for the present, we cannot believe that the
chances are favourable for a long duration of calm.
Where can be the security that a fresh complication
may not arise, and another opportunity present
itself, for the revival of this old and vexed question.
The uninitiated might be surprised at the recurrence
of the difficulty without any apparent cause, but the
fact is that those States which ought to exercise a
beneficial influence do not, and if they exert them-
selves at all, it is in the wrong direction. It is diffi-
cult to estimate the full amount of evil that is wrought
for the want of a moral tone in Prussian politics.
She over-pemadEd Austria, and drew the States
of Germany along with her, in the attack on
Denmark some years ago, and from that
time the standard of European politics
sank low, and has not yet risen. At a subsequent
period the wily designs of Count IlismAnc:coniile-
pietely outwitted the sapient ruler of France, and
stole a march on the hitherto unrivalled hero of coup
(Petal and magnificent surpri3es. Meanwhile Austria
and the small states who had combined against
the Prussian Government shared the fate they had
ungenerously given to Denmark. All this consti-
tuted a succession of triumphs for the magnates at
Berlin, and if mercy found no resting place in those
councils where justice was scouted, success was the
idol of their worship and all that contributed to that

end was welcomed. After coneiLlering these things
how can we feel any confidence that at any

me to servo her turn and illustrate her

purpose Prussia may not plot, con triv, and circum-
vent until she compass her mysterious ends and gain
ler subtle purposes.
The recent announcement of the arrival of the
Prince of MONTENEGRO at Berlin is ominous at this
juncture. His Royal Highness is expected to remain
in that capital for a week, but very likely circum-
stances may arise which will postpone his departure
for a longer period. In the entangled state of affairs