Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1855-04-13
Mr.. Layard on the European
War.

ne Calls tnlngs Dy thelr names, WIN
out much respect TO persons ; and a,
he knows much more about Turkey
and the East than all the members Of
the British Ministry together, lac
would have been an acquisition 10
the Cabinet but he was kept out Of
II, apparently, on account of his su-
perlor qualifications, which is one oil
the lodges of the aristocracy to keep
able and energetic men, not of their
own class, as much rs possible in the
background. So Mr.. Layard did not
get the Under Secrelaryship of War,
which bad been promised him, and
which, in the public opinion, he
ought to have had. The following is
an extract from "A speech Of his, 10
his constituents
" There is party IN this country,
moi large, but influential from those
who lead it. at The head OF which are
Mr. Bright aud Mr.. Golden. have
great respect for the opinion of those
gentlemen upon many subjects, and
men who have done greater COOL 10
the public cause do not exist. | only
regret the line they have taken on
this subject, with which cannot at
all agree. 1t is not that | object TO
Mr.. Bright or Mr.. Golden taking the
peace line in the discussion of this
subject, but that they assume those
10 be facts which are not facts, and
that they argue the question upon a
false basis. From what those gem
tlemen say, it would appear that in
this war we are fighting for the Turks.
No doubt, 10 a certain extent, that
is the case but that is not the es-
sential part of this question. 1t is
very easy to excite public feeling a
gainst the Turks, and TO say that,
we are fighting for one despolism,
with another despolism, and against
third despotism. am the last man
to stand up and say that we ought 10
fight for any despotism and if this
were purely Turkish question, |
should no, take the interest IN it
which have always avowed
But there is far greater ques-
lion involved in ihis war lha~ any
that involves the Turks alone. Hear,
hear. This war has been truly cal
led s,atesman's war, and those who
have entered into IT ought TO see that
great question is involved in it, az
fectlng not only The present, but also
the future welfare and civilization Of
Europe. What are the real grounds
upon which this war is undertaken !:
| do not speak from mere book
knowledge, but from having devoted
mpself, for several years, almost TO
the study of this question alone
Hear. Although was concerned
10 the East in archaeological pursuits,
yet | was member of the diplomat
ic profession, and was, for a time, at
tached TO the embassy at CONSTANT
nople, where | saw, with my own
eyes, the progress of events which
have resulted in the present war
For some years past the Turkish
Government has been making great
endeavors 10 improve the condition
Of The population under its sway, al
though il has no, been able 10 carry
out all that i; prolessed, or all that it
wished to accomplish. 1t is difficult
TO change a nation in day. Hear,
hear. The rulers of Turkey are
many Of them men Of no principle
at all--ihey look 10 personal consid
erations-lhey look TO their private
advancement and filling their own
pockets, and they have done great
harm TO the cause which the Sultan
has sought TO sustain. But il is im-
possible to deny that great improve
men,s have been made. have
known Turkey for fifteen years, and
no one who knew Turkey then, and
sees what has been done during that
time, can deny the improvement that
has been made, not among the Mus
so!man and Mahomctan population,
because there are causes at work
which will probably lead to the de-
siruclion of the Mussulman in Tur-
key in Europe, but among the Chris
tan population of Turkey. Ii is not
for the Mahometans we are fighting,
but for the Christians. That is a
distinction which the heads of the
peace party have always kept out Of
view. Hear, hear. | do not say
tI.at the Christian population have
obtained all those privileges which
we should wish TO see them possess,
but they have been gaining wealth,
they are becoming more prosperous,
they have been intrusted with pub
lie employments of great weight
and importance, which few years
hence were denied to them.
The Turkish Government have
sent Christians to represent them at
foreign courts. The Turkish min
lister in England is Christian the
Turkish minister in Paris was
Christian the Turkish ministers in
Belgium and at Berlin are Chris
tians. Such thing, twenty years
ago, as a Christian being employed
by the Turkish Government as its
minister at foreign court was al
most unknown. In domestic affairs
they are making great progress. In
literature they are making great
stride, and in Turkey, at this mo-
ment, know that liberal opinions,
both in politics and religion are gain
ing ground. The Emperor of Rus
STA saw the progress making by the