New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-04-17
THE EUROPEAN WAR.
world,


THE EUROPEAN WAR.
The ostimportant feature ofthe news from europe,
brought by the Arctic which arrived yesterday morn
ing is The certainty that the Russians have crossed the
Lower Danube some $1,000 strong in three corps under
the immediate command Of Prince GorchakOh, Gen.
LADDERS and Gen Oushakof, and have occupied part
of the Turkish district of Dobrudja This district be-
longs to the province of Bulgaria and is narrow plain
incosed on the west and north by the Danube-wbicb
bends northwardly at Chernowoda, aud makes large
detour before reaching its mouband on the east BY
the Euxne large part Of the district ia marshy and
liable TO be oyerhowed il contains several orresses,
such as those of Babadagh, Isaktsha, Matshin aad
Tultcba which it is stated have been captured by the
Russians but this report our well-infOrmed London
correspondence proDOulces mere stock j0bDiDg in
vention. Between the plain of the Dobrudja and the
interior Of Turkey the Balkan stretches its protecting
chain. The Russians nearer Constantnople than
they previous to this movement, and have gained
by it no new advantage over the Turks In fact, 1t
seems perfectly clear that it is merely de-
fensive movement indicating simply their Intention
to withdraw from the most western portions of Wal
Iacbia. Their entire force in Waachia mustered
seven divisions Of infantry one reserve division at Is
mail and further back the corps of Tscheodaje num-
berDg three divisions, which is supposed to have
reached Jassy The eight divisions together with the
cavalry, are hardly above 10000 strong. Consider
ing the possibility of the landing of Anglo French
corps on the northwestern shores Of the Black Sea-
menacpg the Russian rear it is plain that the object
occupation of the DObrudja is to secure the Russian
flank with the smallest possible sacrifice of ground
There were but two of securing position
~ II Tho sf hahn
cut either direct retreat upon the Sereth max
/ ing the Lower Danube their line Of defense, with
Fokshani Gaatch and Ismail supporting points; or
to dash at TIE Dobruda with their front leaning upon
Fostepdie, Hirsova, OlteDtza and Bucharest the
wall of Traan, the Danube and the Argish to be the
first Buseo the second and the Sereth the third line
Of defense. The latter plan was decidedly the best
as for the terrain abandoned Oh the one side new one
il gained on the opposite flank which gives to the
treat the character Of al advance and saves the mil
itary point dhonHeu of the Russians The possession
of the Dobruda shortens the Russian 'front.' allowing
them in the worst case to retire upon ChOtm the
Dnester even if landing should take place at Aker-
man Odessa For the details of the maneuvers by
which this change in the Russian position has been ef-
fected, We have yet to wait.
Next in interest is the moral certainty that the
Greek Instruction will be supported by what infu-
belongs TO the monarchy Of Greece, the King and
Queen both having gone to the frontier to encourage
the insurgents In this emergency war between
Greece and Turkey, backed by the allies is nearly in
eviabe, adding to the complications if not seriously
increasing the dangers of the general conflict On the
other hand we have the news of another proposal of
peace from the Gar himself, communicated by way Of
Prussia Nicholas offers TO settle the quarrel if the
allies will obtain from Turkey an act of complete
emancipation for all her Christian subjects. In
that case he will evacuate the Principalities
when the allied feet passes the Dardaueles. Had
these terms been openly preferred sooner they nigh
have greatly diminished the chances OF the war, as
there is no doubt that the allies mean to procure Just
such emancipation, and refusal to admit at eas.
part of ii has already led to the dismissal BY the Sui
tan of two important members of his government But
the offer cannot probably prevent the war for to
the allied feet French and English army is now
added, while Sir Charles Napier viii have probably
attacked and taken Alaud before new orders could be
sent out and reach him. Still this proposal may have
greater importance than We are inclined to attribute
to it; that head shall doubtless have full inor-
nation by the next steamer.
Amid all this confusion and uncertainty, one thing
alone seems clear, and tnat is the extinction OF the
Moslem power as distinct pOlty in Europe. The
emancipation of the Christians of Turkey whether eff
eeted by peaceful concession or by violence degrades
lslamism from political authority to a religious sect,
and utterly uproots the old foundations of the Ottoman
Empire. 1t not only perfectly recognizes the truth Of
the Cars statement that the Ottoman Porte is labor
ing under dangerous malady, but cuts the patents
throat by way of medication After that operation the
Sultan may possibly be retained as political fiction
upon the throne of bis fathers but the real rulers Of
the country must be looked for elsewhere II
is clear why in such a case the Russian sutocrat
should be willing to settle quietly with his western
antagonists. They will have effected in Turkey the
most complete revolution conceivable and effected it
wholly in his interest. After such dissolution of the
present ruling authority, his relations to the Greek
Church in the country and to the Slsvons will really
endow him with the supreme power over il; he will
then have the oyster while the western governments
are obliged TO content themselves with the shells.
Such contamination, though now improbable, is not
impossible. But We may be sure there are plenty of
elements not yet developed which will presently rush
in to exercise powerful influence the progress of
this great struggle Among these how far the long
slumbering European Revolution is to play lea ling