Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-12-21
rEnns OF ApyERTlsIne.
From the London Illustrated News,
American Diplomacy In Greece.

American Diplomacy n Greece.
If Russia have friends in varions quarters of the
globe, it is certain that she has enemies in many
To do The advisers Of the Gear Justice they neglect
no opportunity that diplomacy or cunning allows to
establish amicable relations in all parts OF the world
From Athens to New York. from Annoy TO Paraguay
from the fords of Norway to the pampas of South
America, Russian agency is busiiy al wnlk-with
brbts, where brides acceptable, and with threats,
where bribery is of no avaiI-to construct and
plete her network of political influence.
! Long ago the instinct of The English people point
ed to Sweden and Norway as the countries where IT
was essential to meet and combat the arts of the
Gar; and we find that the governments Of
France and Great Britain, tagging behind the peo-
pie. have at the eleventh hour Judged it inexpedient
to try whether be possible enlis the Scandina-
wan nations in the great Europ can league against
Russia We shall have occasion hereafter to advert
to the mission of General Canrobert to the Court of
Stockholm. In the meantime wishing all success to
mission which has been but too long delayed, we
wish to direct attention to the affairs of Greece
country where Russian influence is predominant
and as regards which new competitor, 5odlng mis-
| chief, has suddenly started up.
The government of the United States, strange as
it may seem. is desirous to obtail. foot in ancient
Hellas, by the purchase of one of the multi
tudinous islands of the Morea. What, then, is the
real condition of Greece and what are the duties of
Great Britain and France towards state of which
they were, in an unhappy hour and in conf junction
with Russia, the founders and protectors In the
outset of this inquiry we emphacally disclaim any
inteniion of indulgng in vituperahve language
against Hellenic royalty. But facts must be record
ed, Degertheless, with that unmistakable language
which 10 t5e prerogatiye of truth.
Since The year a1S43. when the constitution was
wrung from the unwilling hands of King Otho by
General Kaergi, his Majesty has labored hard to
convince those through whose nstrumentality the
new system OF government was introduced, that the
change did not in the least benefit the country but
that, on the contrary, it created new difficulties for
he utivo hv ifa mo 10
such an infant state as Greece. 1t is well known
tact that the prominent political weakness of his
Majesty consists in steadfast desire be despotc.
The knowlege of this fact served as medium
through which the band OF unscrupulous courtiers
who surrounded him worked out their own ndividu-
al views, at the sacrifice of the country's welfare;
and, unfortunately, the Prime Minister in Office at
The period referred to, was able to paralyZe the
wholesome operation of the constitution by the bold
ness OF his measures and by his unflnching determ
nation TO do the kings bidding at any cost. The
occupation Of Greece by the Engshjand French only
cherished the irritation of the king and completely
ba1ed the Hellenic Court when engaged in seconding
the views of Russia by its insane aggressive move
mens in Epirus and ThessaIy. No doubt his males
y, hemmed in all sides by the preponderal ling
force of Eng land and France feels ''rather annoyed
but has he ever considered the disastrous results
the nation which must inevitably be superinduced by
ms perseverance in line of conduct indicative only of
his determination to revenge the ideal injuries be has
suffered from the best friends of Greece! If he has
'ver thus reflected, his dogged obstinacy must at
once be characterized as criminal. inasmuch as a
whole nation suffers for his folly England and
France however, are too much Interested in the po-
tlcal well-being of Greece to alow shch state of
hings to continue. We feel persuaded that they
lavs defnitvely resolved having the county proper
y governed. The temporizing system pursued by
he King, and his dependence on contingencies will
orove to be unavang, and may eventually n axe
hose two Powers difficult to deal with, when
he day OF reckoning arrives.
The King has still time for reflection, and it is to
De hoped that he will see the danger of the
he is following. He is positive of one thing-that,
considering the actual circumstances of Europe and
ais openly expressed sympathy with Russia, the pa
lence and forhearance of England and France are
likely to be soon exhausted. His desire to be des-
1otlc monarch he cannot be allowed to crafty; it
would be WE'LL therefore, for his own sake, If he
we're to inaugurate and wiser policy, an gov
rn his adopted country as becomes the ruler of an
intelligent nation.