The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-04-05
The News from Europc-Secret Correspond
ence OF the European Governments.

which we publish this morning, we give in full
the most remarkable correspondence that, to
our knowledge, has passed between any two
first class governments since the close of the
last European war. Ii will at once be per-
ceived that we refer to the correspondence be-
tween the British government and their envoy
to ST. Petersburg, at the time that the Gar
began to disclose, for the second time, his de-
signs upon Turkey. Perfectly unprecedented
in the records Of diplomatic intercourse, as
bearing upon the disposal of the possessions of
an empire then unassailed, and with which
both OF the negotiators were at profound
peace, this correspondence brings to light
several new facts, and opens door
for world of surmises. 1t confirms our
previous information of the Cars designs upon
| Turkey and shows that at one and the same
| time Nicholas was assuring Great Britain Of his
| desire for the maintenance Of the Ottoman
power, promising her Egypt and Gambia as her
share of the spoil in case she would consent to
partition of Turkey, and sending Menschikoff
| 10 Constantinople to pave the way for his own
conquest of the Porte. So many inconsistent
statements and acts will surely defy the most
that though Nicholas declared that he would
not permit the Russians to hold Constantinople
he thought it very probable that he might
possess it las trust" We learn also that
the Gear would not permit any Of the
Western Powers to erect an empire on the ruins
of Turkey; saw that Greece could not and
ought not to possess it; was convinced that
left to themselves the Turks would fall q prey
to the most f9ghtful of anarchies; and left it
plainly to be inferred that the only possible
solution of the Turkish problem that would
satisfy him was Russian protectorate. We
are further told that Nicholas never took
France, Austria, Or Prussia into his calcula-
tions. The first he seems to have despised, and
deemed unworthy Of notice. The second
Austria-he considered so wholly and entirely
his, that he assumed to speak for Francis Jo-
seph as fully as that monarch could have done
for himself OF the third he said nothing.
The position assumed by Great Britain in
these negotiations was, that Turkey should be
sustained in her present condition and integ
rity. Both Lords John Russell and Clarendon
assert this to be the design of England in the
most emphatic terms, and dsclaim with equal
emphasis any wish to seize Constantinople. 1t
is worth while comparing their ardent protesta-
tons of regard for the Sultan and the indie
pendence Of his empire, with the first article of
the treaty Just concluded between France
England and Turkey of which a synopsis is
published elsewhere. Turkey is bound never
TO negotiate with Russia without the interven-
ton of the Western Powers 1t was of course
only prudent to stipulate that Abdul Medjid
should not have the right of making peace
with the Gar ON his own terms, while France
and England had put themselves TO great ex-
pense to aid him, But the bargain that
the poor Sultan. is never to negotiate with
Russia except by permission Of France and
England, is, TO say the least, singular way of
assuring the independence Of Turkey. France
and England have further secured vast conces-
sions to the Christians in Turkey. These rights
gained at the point of the sword-for, whe
Their in the hand Of friend or foe, rights now ex-
torted from Turkey are gained at the point of
the sword-will hereafter prove sad source of
contention if the allies should be successful in
the war; and the Sultan firmly re-established in
his dominions.
AT all events, whatever were the intentions
of men and nations twelve months ago, their
position and prospects are clear enough now.
Our London correspondent informs US that
telegraphc. intelligence had reached the Foreign
Office when he wrote, to the effect that the Gar
had formally rejected the ultimatum Of the
Western Powers; and the statement is confirmed
in every quarter. 1t was expected in London
that the Queens proclamation, declaring war
against Russia would appear in a few days.
Meanwhile the Baltic feet had reached Wingo
Bay: and the combined fleets were TO enter the
Black Sea Immediately. Nicholas was display
ing unexampled energy, as well in the south as
in the north. Night and day men were at work
at the ships of war and forts in the Baltic, and
the garrisons Of Sebastopol and Odessa were
strongly reinforced. The war will obviously
be waged with vigor and energy.
The attitude of the Germanic Powers is not
openly changed. Prussia has declared that she
will remain neutral, and the English presses
, therefore accuse her of being under Russian
influence. Austria, on the other hand, which
Nicholas seems to consider his sure ally, is
, mentioned in England as sympathizing, if not
cooperating, with the Western Powers. Thus
far, neither Power has compromised itself on
one side or the other both might declare for
Russia tomorrow without breach of faith. The
Grst shade is said to have fallen upon the French
and English alliance. 1t seems to be nothing
more than petty piece Of professional jealousy
between the finance ministers Of the two coun-
) tries Louis Napoleon having resolved to
raise money by loans, and Mr.. Gladstone
by taxation. Hence has arisen, it is said,
squabblc about the principle on which the
expenses Of the war should be paid but it
will not probably 20 further than the cabinets
| of the respective ministers Of finance. How
| little lOnis Nnnnlenn thinks OF INCH mnttnrs