The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-28

TIE An&1O vrSncn Con0p4rOey A8eAnnt INC
Unised States.
It iswell, before our sympathies take root on
the Eastern question with either side, that we
endeavor to ascertain whether we have not
some more direct and immediate interest in the
pending European combinations, than that
which we feel as common lovers of liberty and
enemies of despotism We believe that the
United States are, in point of fact, as directly
concerned in watching and il need be in inter-
vening in the progress of affairs in Europe as
any nation on that continent. Not from any
stake in the fate Of Turkey, which may perish
or thrive without affecting us in any way; but
simply because the power which is now being
arrayed against the projects OF the Gear may
tomorrow be welded against us. Because that
prospect is no longer mere coDjectural posi-
bility, but has been converted by the published
correspondence of one British minister and the
published speech of another into an imminent
and threatening probability. The language
used by Lord Clarendon in the House of Lords
places it beyond doubt that the present
British Ministry intend to carry out to the let
ter the significant intimation given by Lord
John Russell in his correspondence with Mr..
Everett. They intend, after having settled the
affairs of the East to their satisfaction, to turn
their attention to Cuba, and to make use of
their alliance to prevent the accomplishment of
any scheme by which that island might fall into
our hands. The evidence of this intention is
too clear to admit of dispute.
What steps it may be due to our national
credit to adopt in order to Danish the notion Of
any such conspiracy from the minds of the
French Emperor and his English allies, is mat
ter for future discussion. For the present, the
discovery ought at least to suggest fresh ex-.
animation Of the Eastern question. IfEngland
and France openly own to design Of imperti-
nent interference in the affairs of this continent
the presumption is that they are acting on the
same unwarrantable principle in the East
If we separate the Eastern question from the
treaties, and the ulfnmata, and the protocols
and the hundred petty disputes which have
arisen incidentally in the course of the contro-
versy, it will be found to be neither more nor
less than religious quarrel The hereditary
feud between the worshipper of Christ and the
followers Of Mahomet. is at the bottom of the
whole. Whatever may be the personal motives
of the Car. the agent that is swaying the Rus
sian people towards war is religious zeal; and
in like manner if the Turks are fighting for
their homes they are contending still more
fiercely for their faith The Greek Church in
the East now stands in position very analo-
gous to that occupied by the Latin Church in
the West eight or nine centuries ago. Then in
Gaul, Germany and Spain, as now on the con-
fines OF Asia, conflict arose between the hu-
manizing and civilizing influence of Christiani
~ and the dark superstitious spirit of Moslem
ism. That conflict lasted for upwards Of a GEN.
fury; and more than once during it's existence.
the issue was doubtful. Christianity triumphed
at last The Moors were driven from Spain
and the red cross was carried even to the walls
Of the Saracen ports in Asia. From that day to
the present, Mahomedanism has been unknown
in Western Europe; and the consequence of
its extirpation has been the unparalleled pro-
gress of the Christian nations of that cline in
power, wealth and civilization. The beginning
Of the struggle between the Gear and the Sui.
tan looks very much like q repetition Of the
same contest. Moslemism still holds one of the
noblest countries in Europe. 1t is an invader
there and has erected its mosques on the site
where the temples of Christ's church once
stood Centuries have passed oven since it re-
treated to Turkey as its last foothold: and dur
ing the whole Of this time the wild "a ces in
Russia have been gradually growing in power
and intelligence under the influence Of the
doctrines Of the Greek Church They
now occupy a position very similar to
that Of the people of Western Europe
in the tenth century. Proximity of situation
and frequent border disputes have brought these
two antagonistic elements into direct collision.
And the war that is growing out of this COLI
sion is like those between the Crusaders and
the Saracens and Moors simply contest be.
tween Christianity and Moslemism, civilization
and superstition.
1t is on the side of NE latter that England
and France are found. These two Christian ma
tions are seen on this momentous occasion, en-
bracing the cause of Mahomedanisn and SUPER
stition, and laboring sturdily to prevent the
flow of Christianity and civilization into Tur-
key. II they succeed, the cause Of human pro-
gress may be delayed for centuries.
Is it fitting that we should follow their exam
pie, and allow jealous animosity against
single man to delude us into course so incon-
sistent with our mission among nations? And
can we not, if we are satisfied that the cause of
is the cause of the Greek Church
discover some means of evincing our real feel
ings in practical manner?
HER0IsM AT Seat has been our pleasing
duty to record within the last few months, in
with the maritime disasters that
are unfortunately so prevalent at this season of
the year, numerous instances of selfdevotiop
and heroism that reflect honor upon the profess
sion Of the sailor. The circumstances of the
loss OF the San Francisco placed in bold relief