The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-04-14
Division of Turkey.

The following abstract Of The secret cOrrespon-
drpce between the Emperor of Russia and the
British Government relative 10 the partition Of
Turkey we extract from the Philadelphia Ledger:
One Of the mos. remarkable and interesting
revelations made in reference the affairs Of the
East that contained in the secret correspondence
between the Emperor OF Russia and the Govern
men Of Great Britain, relative TO the affairs OF the
East, the position of Turkey, IFS probable dIssou-
ton, and It's partition between Russia and Great
Britain. In 1874, it appears that Count Nessel-
rode drew up memorandum, laying down the
principles which should govern Great Britain and
Russia in their conduct towards Turkey. They
were TO MAINTAIN the independence Of that Country,
and her existing territorial possessions; and not
TO allow the Porte TO play oft the differ nj States
OF Europe against one other, but 10 MAINTAIN, as
far as possible, the unanimlty OF tie representatives
OF the foreign powers without assuming the charac
ter OF exclusive ascendaEcy. For nearly ten years
these principles were observed, but in January,
1858 the Gar minated TO Sir g. IL. Seymour
his conviction that Turkey was on the verge OF
rum, and 1t very important that England and
Russia should come to perfectly good under
standing on these affairs, and that neither should
take any decisive step of which the other IS not
apprized. Turkey, according TO the Gar, was
ga sick mnn-a very sick man." and II would be
q great misfortune to Europe if he to slip off
without disposing properly OF his effects, as his
dear friends desired. awe cannot" says the
Gear, "resuscitate what is dead. II the Turkish
Empire fulls it falls 10 rise more. And pat
IL TO you therefore, whether it Is not better be
provided beforehand for a contingency, Than to
incur the chaos, confusion and the certainty OF
European war, all of vi ich must attend the catas,
Tophe if it should occur ApecteOly, and before
some Interior system has been skcched."
The British Minister suggested that "great
Discrimination might be expccied in England 10
dIsposIng by anticipation Of an old friend and
ally" The Emperor admitted this might be so,
but said frankly, that if England thinks Of ever
establishing herself at Constanlinople, he would
not allow it. He equally disposed 10 enter
into an engagement not TO establish himself there
rs ''prOpreIor," but if every thing were left 10
chance, circumstances might compel him to "oc.
cupy" Constanlinope. lie must keep his word
as a sovereign, and protect the Greek Church-but
negotiation would probably be sufficient TO do so.
These facts being communicated Ia Lord John
Russell, the latter suggested that ali agreement
beforehand, made with view TO Turkeys disso.
luton, would probably hasten it. Austria and
France could not, in fairness, be kept in ignorance
OF the transaction, nor would such concealmcnt be
consistent with the end OF preventing European
war. conflict would arise from the very means
taken to prevent; for neither England nor France,
nor probably Austria, would be content 10 see
COnslnntinoPe permanently in the hands of Russia.
On the part Of Great Britain, her Majesiy's Gov
eminent declared that they renounced all inteD-
tion or wish to hold ConstantinopIe. He would
also give assurance that Great Britain will
enter into agreement provide for the con:in-
gency of the fall Of Turkey. without previous COM
municaion with The Emperor Of Russia.
February 81, the Emperor again spoke to Sir
6. Fl. Seymour about the ''dying man." and the
necessity of understanding. Rather than
submit to Constantinope being held by either
English, French, or any great nation, or any at
tempt 10 reconstruct Byzantine Empire, or any
extension of Greece as would render her power
full State-or any breaking up of Turkey into
little republics, asyums for koSsuIh and Mazzinis
he would 60 TO war as long he had man and
musket left to carry it On. The French Govern
ment appeared to be DESTROYS OF embroiling them
all in the East, with a view TO get Tuns. All he
wanted was a good understanding with the En-
glish, he cared nothing about the rest. The
British Minister said, "your majesty has forgotten
Austria The Emperor said, ''when speak of
Russia, | speak Of Austria as well what suits The
suits the other; int rests regards Turkey
are perfectly Identical" 1t was at this interview
that the Emperor proposed the division Of Turkey
between Russia and Great Britain 'In the event
Of the dissolution OF the Ottoman Empire, he
thought it might be less difficult to arrive at a sat-
islaciory territorial arrangement than com.
monty believed. The principatS are" he
said, "in fact an independent State. under my pro-
lection; this might continue. Seryia might
receive the same form of government. SO again
with Bulgaria. There seems 10 be no reason why
this province should not form an Independent
State. As to Egypt, quite understand the I'M
portance 10 England of tha, territory. | can then
only say, that if, in the event of distribution Of
the Ottoman succession upon the fall Of the EN-
pre-, you should take possession Of Egypt. shall
have no objections to offer. | would say the same
thing Of Gambia that island might suit you, and
do not know whyit should not become an English
possession"
These disclosures were replied 10 by Lord Cla.
rendon, who said that the British Government
would adher 10 the principles in Lord John Rus
sells despatch that England wanted terriiarial
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, and could not be party TO q
previous arrangement from which she to de.
rive no benefit. No secret understanding could
be had which could be kept secret. This would
be the signal for preparation for nrigues of every
description, and for revOlts among the Christian
subjects OF the Porte. Each power and each party
would endeavor TO cure its future interests, and
the dissolution of the Turkish empire would be
preceded by state Of anarchy which must ag-
gravate every difficulty, il it did not render peace
ful solution OF the question impossible. The EN-.
peror, subsequently 10 the reception of this des-
patch said that he felt The two Courts clearly IN
dersood each other, and that there was nothing
ne relied SO confidently upon as the ''word of a
Urnllaman" Ile was diSDoSed 10 ac. up0n this