Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-04-19
England and Russia.

England and Russia.
The news BY the late steamers settles tho cues
ton Of peace or war, which has been 50 long pend
ing in Europe England and France have made
oint declaration of hostility against Russia, to
Sc commenced actively on the 90th instant. The
only other item of special Importance is, the an
nouncemeut in Parliament that England would
rot surrender the right 10 search neutral vessels
for articles contraband of war.
A week ago, the rumor was current in this
country that Mr. Buchanan had concluded trea-
" with the British Government by which the
riQh; of search and impressment was abandoned,
and the principle that free ships make free goods
fully recognised and established. 1t will be re-
collected that this right claimed by Great Britain
was the chief cause of the war of 1912. That
country has always maintained that none Of her
subjects could expatriate themselves; and that
she had the right in time of war to arrest neutral
ships on the high seas. and finding British born
sailors on board to compel them to return to their
native allegiance. The practical assertion OF the
claim in numerous instances during the wars with
Napoleon, induced the United States to declare
war in 1912. out peace was finally concluded
without any settlement Of the vexed question:
Frou, that daj to this it has remained opeu-Eng-
land never formally renouncing her pretension,
and the United States protesting against it
What bloody war did not accomplish, 1t was
hoped that England, on the eve Of desperate
struggle in Europe, had conceded to diplomacy.
Her refusal to do so, is a matter Of extreme re-
greet, and increases the probability that our coun-
try will DO compelled to take part in the strife.
Since the commencement of the troubles in Eu-
rope, the people of the United States generally
have sympathised with Turkey and her allies.
But latterly it is obvious that Russian party has
been arising amongst us. The object of this fac
ton seems to DO to excite prejudice against Great
Britain with the view of preparing the minds Of
the people for taking sides against her should an
opportunity offer. The old fires Of hostility are
not vet extinct, and the adherence Of England IL
the right of search and impressment may give q
fair excuse for our becoming the ally of Russia
Independently OF the old grudgc, and the aPpre-
no reason why we should withhold our sympathy
from her in the war with Russia. The Gar is
undoubtedly the aggressor against Turkey, and
England occupies the position of defending the
weak and oppressed. Moreover, Russia is the
great despotsm of the world, and England the
freest and most enlightened government on earth
except our own. The triumph of Russia will
fassen the most grinding tyranny upon large
quarter of the globe but the triumph Of England
will dlffuse christianity and liberal principles
wherever her influence extends. We do not de
fsnd tho disagreement of Great Britain over :
portion Of her own subjects, nor her aggresslon'
against the rights Of other countries; but howev'
or the impending war may eventuate otherwise
we hare hoped for the sake Of chrstendom, tha
she might come out of the fray with her power
undiminished.
Some persons in this country are disposed Il
compare Russia and Turkey, as christian and in
}idel nations. and on that account give the prefer
ence 10 the former But what sort Of christionL
~ is found in Russia? The Greek Church, q
nero drivoling superstition, is there established
by law, and the Gar worshpPed as the Vicc-Ge-
rent Of God No other form Of christianity or re-
ligion is tolerated; the press and every other
means of enlightenment are suppressed; and not
withstandng the bOased physical progress OF the
country in late years, the minds aud souls of the
people are kept shrouded in darkness. In Tur-
key, on the other hand, the press is free, all re-
ligions are tolerated, and the people are rapidly
advancing to take their stand among the enllght-
oned nations of the world. IT, however, Turkey
must fall. far better that she should fall into the
handle Of England than of Russia.