The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-27
From The London Times, March 9.

ATTITUDE THE CzAR ON THE CREEK QuEs-
TfoN.-Although We are not yet in possession Of a
textual copy OF the note recently delivered to the
British government, by command of the Emperor
of Russia, with reference TO the operations Of the
British fleet upon the coast Of Greece, ena-
bled confidently TO lay before the public the whole
substance and the most important expressions of
that momentous communication. a despatch Of
deep concern to the peace Of Europe, to the dig
nifty of this country, and TO the relations Of Great
Britain trih all foreign States, has seldom been
ceiued by an English n'inisfs, o. one zoe must u''ap
pily add, unanstcerabls IN its arguments,
tsf principles, cutting reproaehes.
This despatch, which is addressed by Count Mes
serode TO Baron Brunow, is dated the 18th of Feb
ruary, and simultaneously received in London
and in Paris ON the I'd of March. II begins by ex-
pressing the astonishment and the deeply painful
impression caused to the Emperor of Russia by the
violent and unexpected actions the British squad
ron in Greece. These actions are then more mi
nutely retraced. The English fleet had just left
the Dardanclles, after having compromised the
peace Of Europe by entering within those straits.
IL sails at once TO the coast Of Greece roughly 10
disturb the security Of a small State by measures
the most alarming for the peace OF the east as if
there were not already sufficient elements Of dis
turbanse in the west and if the British feet was
to carry from shore to shore the dread the germ
of political commissions.
Such proceeding the part of the British gov
ernment evinces a total want of consideration to-
wards the two other powers which are, like ITSELF
protectors Of Greece. The kingdom of Greece is
other States, by its own force alone. II was found
cd and il has been sustained, since 1927, by the
three powers. Russia and France ought, there
fore. 10 have been informed Of the intention Of the
British government TO pursue by force the satisfac
ton Of these claims. They would have employed
their good offices TO obtain from Greece what Eng
land had right TO expect. And, indeed, from
what is now known Of these claims, they are of
very small importance, and wholly out Of proper
ton with the display of menaces and OF force
which has been put forth in support of them.
With reference to the two islets of Sapienza and
Cervi, England had in no the right to claim
them on her sole authority, and without acquaint-
ing the other protecting powers OF her design Those
powers determined in common and by formal trea-
ties the territorial limits Of Greece The question
of the two islets must be examined by the three
powers, aud can only be determined BY their as
sent Russia formally protests against all preten-
sons and against every act contrary 10 this right
IL was very recently that Lord Palmerston Lad
taken occasion, through the British minister az ST.
Petersburg, TO give to the imperial cabinet for
NAL assurance that he desired nothing so much as
TO come to perfect understanding with Russia, 10
secure the peace and order of Europe. lie declared
that the diversity of forms of government was no
obstacle to the most sincere and firm concert 10 ac-
complish this object And at the very same mo-
ment, without having given 10 Russia or France
the slightest notice, the British feet in obedience
TO Lord Pamerston's instructions was carving
disorder into little State which il is the right and
the duty OF Russia and Of France TO protect by
posing TO great danger of subversion government
and dynasty TO which the Emperor IL attached,
and which he desires 10 consolidate.
The Emperor commands his minister at the court
Of London 10 submit 10 the British government these
serious circumstances, and 10 insist in the most ur
gent manner that Lord Pamerston should promptly
put an end TO state OF things in Greece which Is
equally contrary to lawful right and dangerous to
the peace Of tho east. The reception which the
British cabinet may give 10 these representations
will cast distinct light the nature Of the future
relations Of Russia with England. II will also serve
as warning TO other powers, great or small whose
maritime frontier may be exposed 10 unexpected
attacks for IL must be ascertained whether Eng
land intends TO use her maritime superiority which
IL uncontcsted, 10 pursue in future isolated pol
icy, with no regard 10 relations founded upon trea-
ties, or TO the consequences Of her actions the
repose OF the continent Of Europe, and whether a
great power can be admitted TO throw off all COM
mon duties, and to take counsel Of no law but her
own will and her material interests.
NJ. de Brunow was ordered 10 communicate this
despatch TO Lord Palmerston, and 10 leave him
coy oft;
upon document which IL at once 80 clear, 30 for
government, the claims which have been made on
Greece are obviously mere prctences for acts Of
violence, which were in reality designed TO give the
signal of n revolution in Greece, and possibly TO
drive King Ohio from his throne. The result has
already shown how effectualy that base design, il
any such existed, has been defeated and every
fresh account we receive from Greece abounds with
The ardor even Of the maritime population, who are
the chiefsuferers, in defence Of their nationality
and their government. But the political conse-
quences OF this act OF violence Swallowed forth in
this note, go much beyond the perls Of reecc
The Emperor OF Russia points out the dangers to
which every State in Europe is exposed, II the Brit