Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-12-23
Things In Europe.

1t was long questioned whether, indeed, hostli-
ties would actually break out between even Russia
and Turkey It was asserted that diplomacy and
red tape would settle the whole matter but diplo-
macy and red tape have failed and the question
now Is not whether there shall be war at all, for
that has been settled by the occurrence of actual
hostilities but whether the war already known to
exist, shall be confined to its present limits, shall
become general involving all the leading powers of
Europe The professed object of England and
France is to obtain such an authoritative decision
of the other four powers, to wit France, England
Austria and Prussia as shall COMPEL the bellger
ents to peaceful settlement upon basis agreed up
on by the four powers and ostensbly for this pur-
pose treaty has been negotiated in London between
England & France, and the cooperation Of the Ger
man powers invited. On the other hand, the Empe-
of Russia is equally opposed to the wars becom-
ing general. He has long been seeking an occasion
of war under the pretext Of which to seize upon
Constantinople and is no doubt confident of being
able to do SO if left undsturbed pursue his ambi-
tious designs upon Turkey, with no other opposition
than that weakened power offer. To these de-
signs the Intervention of the other powers would OPP
pose an eectual barrier and of the effort of
Russian diplomacy has been. if possible, to prevent
and England and also 10 embarra8s in every posi-
BILE way Louis Napoleon, who is really willing
enough to go at once into the defence of Turkey but
does not wish to move separately from England
The recent 4" fusion of the two branches of the
Bourbon family has, no doubt, been gotten up by
Russian intrigues so to revive the hopes Of the
Royalist party in France and thus give the present
Emperor full employment at home. For the same
Il r.
people with some effect and it is further said thai
in ORDER if possible to put end to the cordial I'M
derstanding between the French and English Court
Russian diplomatists have given covert assur
ances to the latter that the Emperor Nicholas is de
sirous of treating separately with England and vii
make all fair and proper concessions, which he vii
not do to Louis Napoleon. So far, however Eng
land has entertained proposition not made to he
and her allies jointly.
Austria is in fact neutralizcd. She cannot move
She dare not declare against Russia without loSinE
Hungary, nor against the Western powers withou
losing Italy-and besides, she has got money; s.
that whatever she may do, it will be in sort 0
spasmodic way. which no man can foretel. Sh
cannot make common cause with France and Eng
land, for that would place her in opposition 10 Rus
sa. Prussia will not, for she is always trimming 70
her own interest and will be bound down to nJth
ing. So all chances of stopping the war by tn
united action of the four belligerent powers
over, and we think the continued good understand
ing between France and England shows that tn
Cars plan Of having snug little time Of it all t
himself is equally hopeless, Diplomacy has faile
at every turn throughout the affair, when mos
confident of success and we think it will fail now
It could not prevent the wars breaking out, and
hardly prevent its extending beyond its preser
theatre. And if it does spread Europe will Sc
sghts-that's all.