The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-09-16
RUSSIA VERSUS

A truly singular aspect has been presented
by Europe for many months past. As far as
common d:scernment can penetrate the clouds
and darkness which have for months past
spread over political Europe, it would appear
that u controversy had risen, and from thin
clouds gradually became u deep and dense
tempest, threatening canopy, from which
lurd flashes were followed by bursts of thun-
der, as if heaven and earth had entered into
war, threatening destruction TO Nature. AS
vet but little of what was threatened and
dreaded has really happened, and the earth
moves on without seeming arrangement.
In plain prose, whatever may be the issues,
il is too probable that an unusually long peace
In Europe may be followed by most extend
ed, destructive, and, 10 duration, perhaps an
unexampled war. Should such war supervene,
the parties who in all probability were its real
instigntors will have more cause of regret
than self-gratulation, unless they conduct
their operations in its issue with more wisdom
and foresight than they have hitherto display
ed 10 their incipicnt preparations.
As far as conflicting accounts can be under
stood, il seems that Russia had some claims
against Turkey, and, depending on scll-con-
sciousness of strength md the justice of the
claims, made demands for reparatIon, threat
ening at the same time, if justice was denied
her TO invade, seize, and hold Moldavia aud
Wallachia, two very important provinces of
Turkey bordering on Russia. This was
most momentous crisis in the history OF Eu-
rope. In all rational probability, if the par
ties lilgant had been left to settle the matter
between themselves, a peaceful arrangement
would have been made; but Great Britain,
moved by fear of increased Russian power in
and on the borders of India, !ntervened, and
gave a new aspect to the politics of the par.
ties who were more or less involved. Now
commenced the action of tho present drama,
the close Of which seems to threaten denoue-
ment very different from the announcement
of the piece. As In oil like cases, fear and
discretion could not operate together Great
Britain sounded the alarm, announced herself
the guardian OF Turkey, and mighty COM
binstion was not only threatened, but pro.
nounced as formed and ready to strike vitality
the Gear and his country, should Russian in
vasion of the Du,hies be made. These threats
resounded over Europe and the United States,
plentilully admixed with contunelious Ian
euage. What followed! Turkey. depending
on the support so loudly and widely offered,
lost what Ia all probability she can never re.
gain--an opportunity.to bonorsbly arrange
with her powerful opponsst.
In the interim, what has been the course
pursued on the side of RussisI TO pause
not: 10 make her arrangements as if what hap
pened was foreseen; and In the face Of the
loud thrsstenings to await the action Of the
allies, who COMPOUNDED or mis.ook ealmness
for fear. But presumption and foresight never
acted together, and now, volunteered on the
opposite side. they performed Characteristic
services. As soon as ready, the Russian ar
nv marched and occupied Molduvia and Wal
i-shis TLis was done in the face Of the