Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-02-17
Public Sentiment In England.

The last number of g Blackwood's Magazine con-
tains manly article the Oriental question. is
presume, from the pen of Alison, who, tory as he
is, has, at least, like of his party high Eng
lish heart. As a revelation of the opinions, held by
large body of the British people, it is worthy of
particular notice at this time We call attention 10
it, for additional 1t takes substantially
the same view of the Russian aggression; which the
Bulletin has, from the first indeed if the arguments
and sentiments had appeared in Blackwood original
ly, might have been liable to a charge of pagiar,
ism. The belief is inculcated, for example, in the
article in question, that, if England had acted with
vlGor IN the beginning, the Car would never have
crossed the Pruth his hastY demands on Turkey
would have been quietly suffered 10 drop; and gen
eral war would have been avered. But the timdity,
or the treachery of the Aberdeen cabinet, according
to " "Blackwood," induced Nicholas to push matters
to extremity under the idea that England would not
seriously interfere, and that as France would not
probably care to fight alone the Sultan would have
succumb. At present, it is too late for the Car to
retreat, at least with honor; and appears inev-
table.
The article in question is very severe on Aber-
deem, and even speaks boldly out against Prince
Albert. thong without mentioning the latters name
1t tells the latter emphatically that if he is willing
to see Turkey dismembered, Poland was, the
English people are not " 1Heg, at all events" it
says "are not disposed to sit by idle spectators
while Russia is extending her frontier towards the
coveted DardaneIles." II adds significantly, {" IHeu
lutte ministry compelled to face Parliament s0hq
it was that British fleet was to the waters of
the Bosphorus was it to support Turkey ?-and, ii
so, what support was given! 1t argues, with con-
Vincing array of facts, that, from the day Russia
seized the Danubian Princpaites, negotiations ought
to have ceased and active begun, for that every
hour since then has been lost TO the allies while il
has been so much gained to Russia Finally, Black
wood THINKS that the ambition of the Gar has en-.
larged with the apathy of the Western Powers, and
| hat no n0Xu hons In HS,a1 AIz
total subugation Of Turkey, partly trusting to SOW
dissensions between England and France, and partly
hoping in the good Offices of Aberdeen and Prince
Albert. As for Austria, Blackwood" regards it
merely the tool of Nicholas, and predicts that it
will, in the end, openly take sides with Russia
An article of this character, appearing in any
British newspaper, unless, perhaps, we except the
" Times" would be far less significant. Even the
Times, though influential from its circulation, has
less weight in itself, than Blackwood" because il
is not free from imputatons of venaity, while the
latter ls The may be often wrong, and frequent
ly even prejudiced, but it is invariably sincere MOI
so the Times" which blows hot and cold as it has
done through this whole quarrel, in obedience TO the
intgues Of minister, or the influence of the money
ed classes. We may regard the article in " Black
wood" therefore, better exponent of public opn
ion than even the readers in the ''Times" If We
correct in this conclusion, the great Londor
Journals that " fourth in the realm, as it has
! been called, will eventually be driven to hold sub
stanallY the same sentiments; tor though the ImeS'
may trim for while, ii we'll knows that, if it attempts
go counter to the natural indignation of the people
when that indignation has once become aroused, it
influence will depart Indeed for several months
the $ Times has only been enabled to forward Der
deems views by yielding occasionally to this rising
public opinion, and denouncing Russia with the lou
dest, But unless we greatly mistake, the storm can
not be managed much longer in this way, and ther
the Times mark words-will bluster as lou
for war, as it has whined for peace-Pi1l Bulletin.