Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-11-30
ARE you cossAcK OR TURK /.

rier and Enquirer. The Courier well observes
that a great change has taken place in the
American mind since the commencement OF
the Russo Turkish war. At first it was viewed
as simply war between Russia and Turkey
contest between strength and weakness, and
sympathy for weak Turkey pervaded the Anne
riean heart. The protection which Turkey
extended few years since to Hungarian refu-
gees and exiles, and her undisguised approba-
ton Of the course pursued by Commander
Ingraham in the Koszta affair, tended to slim
ulate and vitalize that sympathy, which had
sprung up spontaneously in the American heart
towards her on account of her supposed weak
ness.
But events have occurred to bring about
great change. American sympathy has been
diverted from its first channel, to Russia.
This is not owing to any hostile demonstra-
tons or manifestations on the part Of Turkey
towards u.s. Our relations with her are as
amieable as they have ever been, Our feel
ings towards her, as an individual nation, are
unchanged. But new and controlling Euro
pean powers have allied themselves with her
and taken into their ambitious hands the con-
duct of the war. These powers, England and
France, were impelled by no generous i'm
pulses, no humane motives to espouse the
cause Of the Turk. They were influenced by
national interests and selfish views. More
than this, these two nations-and England
more especially -are jealous of our growth.
Finding Turkey in such company, it was
natural that the first glow of American sym
patty should experience a chill. But other
things of more specific and definite charac-
ter have occurred to render US sensitive to the
Anglo-French alliance. Their joint Efforts to
hinder the acquisition Of Cuba by seeking to
entrap us into the Tripartite treaty; the con-
slant declarations of British journals, that we
viii not be permitted to effect that acquisi-
tom the jealous espionage pursued by her
rulers towards all our movements, and the
hints thrown out, since the commencement Of
the European war, that the formidable alliance
now existing against Russia, may at any mo
ment be turned to this continent to settle the
balance of power and to check American am
bition-these things have had much effect in
producing the change Of feeling to which we
allude.
Nor are these all. The bombardment o.
Greytown, the only recourse left us to redress
unattoned outrages, elected in distinct form
further manifestations of English jealousy
and English hostility. Scarcely has the story
Of Greytown died upon the ear before we hear
Of the inhospiiable treatment Of our Ambassa
dor to Spain, in the confines Of France ma
ton against which we would not willingly speal
harshly, because we owe that nation much fol
assistance in our hour Of need. Close on the
heels Of the French discourtesy to our Ambas
sador, comes the intelligence that the English
Consul at Honolulu has ofIiciously informed
died in negotiations supposed 20 be going on
for the annexation Of the Hawaiian group o.
islands TO the North American confederacy
This consul's conduct is not only officious, but
ofensiye-ofensive both to the Government
Of that sovereign country, and to our own,
In his elaborate speech before the King, Chiefs,
and Priyy Council he declares that the treaty
with England, and the joint declaration Of
England and France Of the 2Sth November,
ls43, settle the question; that the character Of
the Hawaiian Government cannot be changed,
as if treaties Of peace and commerce enslaved
the nation making them, and as II the "ioini
declaration Of England and France had such
marvellous efficacy as to modify the powers Of
n sovereign nation. These arguments are alike
offensive and stupid. The Consul's remarks
in regard TO this country are even more often
sive. He is represented as saying TO the King
"That the effect Of annexation would be 10
make slaves Of the natives that slavery is re.
cognized by the Constitution Of the United
States, and that all persons Of dark color are
liable TO be sold into slavery; that natives OF
their color could not enjoy citizenship in the
United States, and that no treaty provisions TO
that effect would be recognized by the Amer.
can people. That there is no distinction in
rank in the United States--no titles Of nobility
and that the king and chiefs would lose their
rank and position and be despised on account
of their color. That the institutions of the
United States were demoralizing and corrupt.
ing, and destroyed the amenities Of social life.
That there was no real security to person and
property there"
We may also mention, in passing, that
late arrival brings the news that the Pacific
squadron Of England has been ordered 70 Uo.
nolulu, which cannot but be regarded with sus.
pcion.
Now these things we only recur to for the
purpose Of showing that il is the most natural
thing in the world that the sympathies of Amer.
leans should be directed to Russia. II is plain
and palpable that the mailed hand Of the ALI.
anceis beginning to point towards us. English
officials are too well drilled and disciplined TO
act without instructions from their superiors,
except in emergencies when instructions are
unattainable
But we desire to be understood. When we
speak Of American sympathy in behalf Of Rus.
sia, we mean the abstract sentiment--we mean