Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-10-26

RUSSIA AND TuRKEY.-OUR EUROPEAN Re-
position of Turkey. as an Ash
attic and Mahomelan power, surrounded by
The nations of christian Europe, has always
been anomalous, and, since the decline of her
power, dating from The 9Th century. has on
ly been maintained through the mutual jeal-
ousies OF the different christian powers Grad
ually her territorial limits have been contrac-
ted in her frequent wars, especially in those
with Russia. with which power she has been
three times brought into collision during the
present century, and we may add three times
soundly beaten The last time was in 1929.
when powerful Russian army penetrated the
barriers of the Balkan Mountains, hitherto
deemed impregnable, captured Adrianople and
dictated ignominious terms OF peace under the
walls of Constantinople. Since that time the
Russians have regarded Turkey as their prey,
certain TO fall into their possession, sooner or
later. and have only been waiting for favor
able opportunity 10 pluck fruit which they
consider ripe 10 their hand. These ambitious
views of Russia have not escaped the attention
of western Europe, already alarmed. and jeal.
Gus of the rapid advance of the Muscovite
power, nor could it be supposed that other
nations would quietly submit TO such an ac-
cession of power and territory on the part of
( Russia, as would enable her to place their
own independence in jeopardy, or at any rate,
give her such an Overwhelming preponderance
as must seriously disturb, if not totally
overthrow, the present balance of power in
Europe. Accordingly, we find that treaties
have been entered into by the five great pow
ers of Europe, guaranteeing the existence and
integrity of the Turkish Empire, and other.
wise providing for the stability of the present
order of things in the east of Europe. Still
no intelligent observer can have failed to re.
mark, that this question has for years past
hung like dark cloud on the horizon of Eu.
ropean international politics, threatening al
any moment TO deluge the continent with war
1t has now assumed an immediate and omin
of Russia for the surrender of the Hungarian
patriots who have sought refuge in the terri
tories of the Turkish Empire, and the promp
and firm refusal of Turkey TO comply will
this demand. There can be no doubt but tina
the Sultan has assumed this attitude at the in
stgation and under the guarantee of the Brit
ish and French Ambassadors, who will b
sustained by their governments. Should
war ensue between Russia and Turkey OF
this account, it must inevitably resolve itseI
into general European war, between Russ
and Austria upon one side, and Turkey assis
ted by France and England, on the other, tn
result of which will be the solution of tn
Eastern question one way or the other, eithe
by the triumph of the Northern powers, or b
that of France, England and Turkey.
In this matter, we of the United States, ar
only concerned, in so far as it may affect GU
neutral relations with the various belligeren
powers. In the present position of affairs be
tween this country and the governments {
France and England, it could not fail 10 haV
an effect in preventing the occurrence of any
thing like hostility arising from the prefer
lions of either of the powers, as they woul
] both be loath TO engage in any offensive OF
erations in this quarter of the world. Will
threatened with war nearer home. Thu
their necessities would be guarantee for the
e moderation, while we, with prudence and
careful avoidance OF any undue interference
r might enjoy an immense proportion of til
I carrying trade of the world.