New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-09-25
THE NEW WAR CLOUD IN EASTERN
Europe.

EUROPE.
While the final solution of the German question has
been adjourned by the Peace OF Prague the Eastern
question has suddenly assumed threatening aspect
The Christian subjects of the Turkish Government
who in European Turkey number more than l2,O0O,OO
against only 1900, 900 of Mohammedans, again
begin to raise the standard Of revolt Inc
island of Gambia, which in total population oil
more than 10000 inhabitants numbers less
than $4,000 Turks, while the others are Greek
Christians, has risen against Turkish rule and
transferred its allegiance from Turkey to the Kingdom
Of Greece. The Greeks in the old province Oh
Epirus, which constitutes the northern frontier Oh
Greece, have also attempted an insurrecuon Win
the same object in view. The new Hospodar oil the
Danuban Prncipalites, Prince Charles OF Hohen'
zollem. has compelled the Turkish Government to
recognize him. and barely conceals the preparations
he is making for severing the last tie that unes the
Prncpaties with the Turks. 1t is better understood
than ever, among all the semi-dependent ana the
subjected Christian tribes of the Porte, that the
weakness Of the Government Of Constantnople Is
constantly increasing and all look forward with nope
TO the seasonable moment when one powerful blow
will end the Turkish dominion in Europe and restrict
the rule of the Moslems to Western Asia.
The Christian element in European Turkey is con-
stantly increasing in numbers and power; while the
Mohammedan element is decreasing at corresponding
rate IfTurkey were left alone by her powerful neigh
bors the moment would arrive when the Christian
races would conquer that ascendancy in European Tur
key which belongs TO their superiority IN numbers ana
civilization But, unfortunately these races widely
differ from each other. There are in Turkey about
900. 900 Roumanians, 100000 servians 3,OOOO 900
Bulgarans, 100000 Greeks, about equally divided
between Europe and Asia, 100000 of Albani-
ans, all of whom are not enough homogeneous
to establish on the ruins of the Turkish rule,
harmonious Christian Empire. This want Of harmony
aud of strength naturally invites the Great Powers OF
Europe especially Russia, to interest themselves IN
the impending ruin of the Turkish Empire in order to
turn it to their own advantage. The facilities oil
Russia in this respect so much superior to those
of any other European Power that the efforts OF the
Others have been mostly confined to combinations for
counteracting the schemes of Russia. Twelve years
ago this opposition of the Western Powers to the
Russian policy in the East led to the Crmean war
Now Russia is again charged with design of plan
ming IN aggressive policy in the East, and so great Is
the excitement which these reports have produced in
Austria and France that for time even the German
question is pushed into the background by the East
ern.
The press of both Paris aud Vienna confidently as
sert that Prussia and Russia have come to full
understanding about the situation Of those two great
complications Prussia is not TO be interiered with
bv Russia in the reorganization Of Central Europe,
and Russia is 20 have the sympathy OF Prussia in her
settlement Of the Eastern question. However much
or little truth there may be in these reports 1t is GER
tain that Germany no longer monopolzes the atten,
ton Of the European Governments, but tha' 'no
oos Of all are turned TO the East there awaiting some
s,ar,lina Developments The formation of new anti
Russian alliances is eagerly canvassed Some speak
of France aud Austria united 10 this end with England
and italy Others are of opinion that Louis Napoleon,
accepting the leadership of Prussia in Germany as an
accomplished fact would rather try TO gain Prussia as
an ally in union with England aud Italy. At all
events il seems that one Of the most probable results
Of the recent movements will be q closer connection
between the German and the Eastern questions.
Austria aud Turkey are the two most dccayed En-
pires OF Europe disagreement on the one hand,
and the divergent tendencies of conflicting nationa
ties on the other have undermined che existence Of
both The collapse of either would at any time hasten
the COLLAPSE of the other; but according to present
appearances they may yet be buried in common
ruin.