Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-03-26
The Island of Perrin.

The French journals have lately published, without
reflection and fact-and as matter of congratua-
tion rather than pt-the of the amicabe arrange
ment of the little difference which had occurred between
the cabinets of London and Constantinope on the sub
ject of the island of Perrin. England has been willing
to recognize that this island belongs to Turkey and that
she had taken possession of it without any right The
right of Turkey being recognized she willing to re-
ceve in exchange indemnity of which it only re-
mains to fix the sum, and the matter is ended
The Ottoman Porte will receive or will not receive
the price of her ancient possession England will remain
elated with her acquisition, and will add peacefully
this new jewel to the maritime crown with which she
will soon finish by enclosing all seas.
We do not wish to take up questions and diff
cuties nevertheless it to that there is
than consideration for politicians to mediate upon
In profound article on the question semi-ocal
French ournalthe Constitutional of 9th June last
brought out the military Importance and great interest
of this little island which commands the Red Sea and
the Indian Ocean. Situated in the narrowest part of
the straits of Babelmande its could not
mand the space between the shores of Africa and Ara
bia and command the whole strait An English garri-
son on this sraegetic point of the first order second
key Of the Red Alden being the first takes away all
chance of merchantmen man-ofwar to go in
out of the Red without the authority of the British
government and thus assumes on this side the absolute
monopoly of the commerce of the Indian seas to Eng
land. The Constitutional after having established this
fact draws other conclusion from it than sentiment
of profound admiration for the political genius and the
depth and the perseverance of English views 1t
to us, nevertheless that some general conclusions to
be deduced. What will become, for example by the
opening of the Isthmus of Suez which France in par
tcuar and with her all Europe are interested for the
glory of civilization and the general interests of nviga
ton whilst England, already in possession of Aden
without having bought it, buys Perrin. M. de Lesseps
continues to fight for his project against the difficulties
which English diplomacy raises against him. But
whether his succeeds not what matters it to
England? She holds the two keys to the Red sea-
Alden and Perrin. Cut as many canals you choose
you only get in get out Of the Red according
to the pleasure of her cannon
There is, meanwhile another question which Europe,
with her eyes, open ought not it to u.s. for
ment to lose sight Of England advancing unceasing
E the seas, of which she sucsessvey occupies, and
as if by preemption right, all the commercial and
strategic points Has she on this head no account to
render to Europe? She is just now very mportunate
in Asia but is that she should be permitted to
take there position contrary to all the interests of Eu
rope? She takes Alden and Perrin. The Times ~ is
asonshed that she has not thought of sooner since
suits her well. 1t is especially astonshed that she
abstans any longer from acting politically in Egypt it
SELF With all this, what becomes of the balance of
power? Recently, to guaranty her this balance war
of giants undertaken between European nations
Turkey has been introduced into the European concert
of action the great powers have reunited themselves to
guaranty in common, by solemn treaty, the indepen-
dence and integrity of her territory and declare that
they will consider for the future any act of nature to
infringe them as question of general interest. This
thing be understood nevertheless if the integrity
the territory Of Turkey necessary to the equilibrium
of the powers of the world Turkey herself cannot in
fringe it. She more diminish it by voluntary
cesson than lose it by usurpaon and conquest It is
for the interest of Europe well her own that her
territory has been declared inviolabe. She owes it to
Europe to preserve it intact.
And let it not be said it is question of nothing o
trhe of an estate which neither be coonzed MOI
put to any use-fOr the principle would be the same
she yield or sell estate without vane she car
yield or sell province. Besides this estate without
value is strategic point of high Importance it
mand the strait which separates the Red sea from the
Indian ocean, and also the south of Arabia. This estate
in the hands of England Malta and Gibraltar in Asia
Can Turkey thus sell to whoever she peases on all her
coasts estates without value, what might eventually be
come formidable fortresses? What would be said if she
made similar concession to every other power well
as England If she gave for example, the Isle of Ser
pent to Russia what clamors would appear in the En-
gsh journals and with what authority would they not
demand the maintenance of the territorial integrity o
Turkey? Where is the difference if she lets Alden be
taken sells Perrin? Europeans must be very blind
or very feeble before the bold and INSCRIPTIONS genius
of England 1t would be well, however, to understand
for all the value and extent of the principle of the
territorial integrity of Turkey The European guarantee
under the ags of which this integrity has been conded
it is binding on Turkey and England the other
powers? Can Turkey, who cannot lose her territories
by conquest yield them by treaties The extent of the
conquered yielded territory is not the question. 1t is
the principle.