The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-07
From the Paris Moniteur.
Position of the French Government
on the Eastern Question.

Uu Luc GidStSIu Qu0SC1Ous
As the official documents recently pub
lished have made known, the question
opened some months ago at Constantin o.
pie has just entered new phase The
Porte has concluded that. in consideration
Of the point to which things have come, it
ought to abandon the channel of the nego-
tiations, and there would no longer seem
to be any room for hope that contest
can be avoided. A declaration of war is
no rare thing in the history of nations,
and this is not the first time that we have
beheld the same rivals contendng on the
same scene Of operations. The import
ance and the nature OF the interests con-
cerned in this dispute having, perhaps, a
nearer relation to the other cabinets Of
Europe than to France, are only SO many
reasons for contemplating this new revo-
luton OF the Eastern question with calm
ness.
In the outset O. this crisis, His Impe-
,ial Majesty appreciated it in its full bear
ing; he comprehended that the integrity
and independence OF the Ottoman En-
plre were at stake. and that these could
not be compromised without the equipoise
Of forces upon.which the peace OF Europe
rests being seriously disturbed. The oc-
cupaton of the Danubian Principahties.
contrary to treaty stipulations. was moi
long in bringing out in bold relief before
the eyes of all the character Of universal.
ity which marked this question from its
origin.
The Cabinet were profoundly moved by
Iit-Great Britain was already acting with
us in demonstrations OF naval force. des
tined to indicate the solci,ude she felt, in
common with us. for the Independence OF
Turkey. The two Governments found in
those of Austria and Prussia co-opera
ton that enabled them to give their open
negotiations for the discovery OF an ami
cable solution, the European character
that was befi,ting them. Thanks to this
concert Of action. created by the incon-
testible community Of interests, the hope
of pacific conclusion could, Tor some
time be nourshed.
1t will be remembered that this unison
of effort was formally signalized by note,
in which the Cabinets essayed, not with
! out finding great difficulties to overcome,
; to restore to the parties beligerens or in
dispute. the just share Of the rights con-
: tended for, belonging to each one The
Interpretation given by one Of the parties
to this note has given reason 10 the fear
that the common work oil the Vienna Con-
ference did not respond with sufficient ac-
curacy 10 the interior that dictated it, and
that i, would not achieve the end proposed:
that is TO say. the maintenance Of the Sui
tan's sovereign rights, sole basis Of the
Independence OF the Ottoman Porte. and
consequently of the European equilibrium
The Porte, having from tina, moment
!, deemed war alone satisfactory to the de
mands of her national dignity, the Gov
ernment of His Majesty could not deviate
from the line of policy which he had mark
, ed out for himself since the beginning oil
the affair Hence. as in view Of the oc-
cupaton Of the Danubian Principallties.
he has arrived at the same opinion enter
tanned by the British Government The
two Cabinets have ordered their squad
rons TO pass the Dardanelles. and they
should be at this moment anchored in the
Sea Of Marmora.
Such are the onsideratious which de-
cilcd the advance Of the flee, from 'rouin
to Salamis. and from Salamis 10 Beisla
Such is still the thought that will guide il
4,
is the aim which the Imperial Government
will not lose sight OF until peace can be
re.est ablished upon the only found dations
tha, make it profitable and sure. A SINH
lar enterprise was worthy o! bringing into
, union the flags Of the t.o great Western
Powers, and so give rise to the pleasing
spectacle of perfect harmony in the ac.
ton as well as in negotiation. II on tho
!, other hand. the two Governments who
lent their aid to the two Cabinets in the
Conference of Vienna. do not consider i
necesssry TO join them in the naval dem.
ons,rations made for the sake of interests
which are there in common with England
and France. the evidence Of those very
interests still authorises us to think tha
their neutrality cannot be Indifference.
:, II the Government who dispose of the
material means best adapted to influence
the course OF events, have considered j
: necessary to draw nearer the scene Of ac
ton. the cooperation of the other two
. Cabinets cannot be lost for the negotiation!
which should serve to facilitate the solu
: ton Of the difficulty.