Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-03-01
war an Europe.


dedly warike than any heretofore received. fh'
British Government is vigorously preparing ~
the struggle, and even the. Times newspaper
which until recently inclined 10 the side OF Nus
STA, now asserts that war the best pot'cy l.or'
John Russell said IN his place in Parllament,'h tina
The Emperor of Russia was ready TO add TO al
unjust and unprinciplcd aggression something tina
he did not hesitate to characterize as fraudulent
He felt confident that the British GovernmeIt
we're not disposed to let the Gar take advantage
of time in appearing to negotiate, while ne wa;
really making warlike preparations Such is EVIL
IDENTIFY the sentiment Of the nattun, and the next
steamer probably, will bring news Of the deciara-
ton Of war.
The Emperor of Russia lately despatched
Count Orloff to Vienna to endearor to bring about
an alliance with Austria and Prussia. The prop
ositons which the minister was instructed to
make were, under the circumstances, very extra
Ordinary. Among other conditions of peace with
Turkey, they required the Sultan TO enter into an
Engagement not to give an asylum TO political ref
ugees, and to recognise the Russian protectorate
of the Greek Church. Turkey refused less than
this before she commenced fighting. and il is by
no means probable that she would accede to any
such terms after the recent brilliant achievements
of her soldiers The Emperor proposed also TO
lake Austria aud Prussia under his protection, re-
curing from them guaranty of neutrality, and
promising aid to them when needed and share
of the spells when he had subdued Turkey. Its
stated that the Emperor of Austria and the King
of Prussia promptly declined the overture and in
Dictated their determination to make common cause
with the other Powers against common eeemy.
These singular proceedings Of the Emperor
Nicholas have revived the suspicion that he is at
flicted with insanity. malady which IS heredita-
ry in his family. The idea was first suggested
in this country, we believe, by the editor of Lit
tell's Living Age, some six months ago, and is
now rapidly gaining ground. Nicholas is certain
ly under the influence of some ihfatuation more
unpoyernsbe than mere ambition. This, howev-
err. may be merely religious fanaticism. In the
Church of Russia, the Gar is "ycegerent ofGod
on EARTH" and as such is the object Of faith and
worship. Herein lies the secret oi his influence
over his Subjects who profess the Greek religion.
Fauaticism and ambition combined have probably
unsettled the Emperor's intellect. But all Eu-
rope is against him, and if he is not confined in
straight jacket and shut up in lunatic asylum.
he is in fair way of being driven back to his own
frozen regions and kept there.
In the approaching war, the respective combat
ants will be anxious to secure the alliance OF the
United States, and it will be extremely difficult
for us TO keep out Of the strife. The North Brit
ish Reuie,c for February imagines that we are
painting to measure arms with Russia. Speaking
of the American, it says:
''As people they are essentially ambitious,
and vain-glorlous; military fame, 1t
has long been seen, is the road to high office and
to public estimation; and the admiral, the gene
raj ave, or the private individual who should plant
the national flag on the batteries Of Sebastapol, or
drive the Russians out of Bucharest, would, be-
yond all question, find the Presidential chair rea
DIV cushioned for him when he returned home
Nor could their success be very doubtful.
The writer undoubtedly mistakes the sentl-
ments of the people of this country. They OF
course sympathize with Turkey. but still have no
wish at present to take up arms against Russia
And, moreover, Jonathan understands his own IN
terest well enough to know that in general Eu-
ropean war we shall derive rich trade with all
parties by remaining neutral. But just here our
danger lies, and if we are involved in the war at
all, it will probably be on the side OF Russia, not
withstanding the popular sympathieS are the other
way. The temptation will be very strong to sup
pIy contraband articles TO the belfgerents-we
shall at least be suspected of doing so-and Eng
land and France, taking allthey need themselves,
will be in position to call US to account for deal
ing with Russia. Wisdom and forbearance on
the part of our Government can alone carry US
safely through the war. 1t will be better for us
to endure some evils from the jealousy of the mar
thine Powers of Europe, than hastily to resent
them and thus lose all the benefits we may de
rive from legitimate trade.
Since the above was put in type, the news
brought by the Europa has arrived. The most
important item Of information is that changes ia
yorabe to compromise with Russia have taken
place in the Turkish Cabinet. But the truth of
this is doubted.