Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-03-23
.
THE PEACE OF EUROPE.


The London correspondent of the Philadelphia
American writes as follows, under date Of 25th.
ult: -
The peace of Europe was never in more
threatened condition than at this moment. The
''amicable relations" which are so frequently ad-
ver,ed to by members of the government, certain
" cannot justly apply now to our position with
other European governments. We are openly
distrusted by Austria. We have always-at least
for ccntury-stood in an antagonistic position
with respect to Russia and, notwithstanding the
professions of the Emperor of the French, the in
crease in our naval armament and army, the en-
rolment of the militia, and the ratification Of the
whole coast, show pretty plainly what faith is
placed In these professions by the Home govern
ment. Prussia finds it a matter of policy, indie
pendent OF inclination, to favor the views of Aus
trla; and thus, it may be said that the whole of
the Continental powers are disaffected towards
England, Daily the breach grows wider, and
the events of the past ten days are rapidly extend
ing it, until it promises to become very serious
The position of Turkey is one ofimminent dan
ger. The dismemberment Of the Empire is
theory which has long been cherished by Austria
and Russia; while Prussia, who would expect to
come in for slice, would not be averse to- such
an event. Every opportunity likely TO tend to
such result is eagerly seized by Austria, and ev
cry pIetext employed to insult and annoy Turkey
which chance or contrivance can give it. The
Montenegro question was eagerly taken as an OPP
portunlty for concentrating large body of troops
on the Dalmatian frontier, and the despatch of
special envoy to Constantinople with demands
couched in a tone of insolence, and an autograph
letter from the Emperor Francis Joseph, dictated
in imperOus terms, to the Sultan. These de-
mands were the surrender of the ports of Suttari
| ma and kleck, on the Damatian coast, through
which the Montenegrns receive their supplies of
arms and ammunition-a claim by Austria TO- be
the protector of Christianity in the East, and
recognition by the Porte Of the independence of
the Montenegrns. Five days were,alowed by
Count Leiningen for the ultmatum Of Turkey
An additional three days has been asked by the
Minister, Fuad EHendi. The Ministers of Eng
land and France have had frequent interviews
with the Ottoman Minister, and have supported
him in his determination not to comply with the
demands made by Austria. 1t is, howeyer, ru-
mored that the Intervention of France will be ask
ed by Turkey and accepted by France. What
ever the result of this negotiation, England will
stand by Turkey. One fact, alone, will compel
her. The total amount of wheat imported into
England, last year, was about 6,750,0 quarters.
Of this large quantity, no less than $3.50 ,OOO
quarters were supplied by the East, or, at least,
came by, way of GalaIz, from Hungary and Tur-
key. The absorption of this large empire by
Austria and Russia would not be, allowed quietly
by England OF France. Yet there is no question
that an effort is being made by the three Powers
most interested to accomplish this result as quiet
ly as possible. The events at Milan, coupled
with an attempted assassination Of the Emperor
of Austria, have led the foreign governments to
believe that these wicked, mad attempts have
been concocted in London, which is deemed the
hot-bed of revolution. An energetic note on the
subject of the refugees in London and jersey, re-
uonstfatng with the English Government, is
said to have been prepared by NJ, Drouyn de
'Lhuys, to be jointly forwarded by Austria, France
aud Russia, to England. That this will have the
effect Of causing England to expe the fngitives.
is not for a moment to be supposed. That any
other result will satisfy the complaining Govern
ments cannot be expected. That the breach be-
tween them, now existing, will be lessened there
by, is, not likely. Thus we are slumbering on
smoudering volcano. The explosion cannot be
prevented /; and, when it does take place-which.
sooner or later, it Wilt is to be hoped we shall
| find our house in order.