The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1866-09-25
The Position OF Ra..ia.
A SIGNIFICANT ARTICLE ON THE EASTERN
.at -a QUESTION.

The following article on the political situa-
tion of Europe, and ON the policy that Russia
ought to follow, is translated from the Russian
correspondence, organ of the War. Ministry in
81 Petersburg. 1t has produced immense sem
sation in that capital
Inc events which recently occurred in Eu-
rope, the partial agitation which troubles the
East, tne general suspense which has succeeded
TO the peace concluded in Germany as if all
those stormy questions had not been definitely
settled-in a word, every event. every symnto,1o
now occurring in Europe, has much concern
for the Russian nation, inasmuch as she fully
understands how peace is necessary to Russia
in order to complete the fundamental reforms
which were inaugurated few years since.
But is peace possible with all the changes
which have Just taken place in Europe? Some
are for the affirmative, Others for the negative,
and both parties, numerOusly represented in
Russia, passiOnately adhere to their opinion.
Russia, say some politicians, has no interest
to mix herself in a new warm Europe, which
is too probable; she ought to draw the sword
only tO~defend her real interests, and it Is only
IN the East that those interests exist There
fore, the Oriental question is not ripe, the mo-
ment is not propitious, the occidental Powers
are not inclined to dissolve, or rather to assist,
their arms folded, in the dissolution of Che Turk
ish domination, and to substitute for it the au-
tonomy and complete independence of the
Christian races. If certain powers keep up
permanently sort of fermentation among the
Christian population of the East, if they fiat
ter their national passions, they are far from
wishing to free them from the slavery under
which they are crushed. On the other side
they know how to WELD that sword of Damo-
cles to compel the Porte to act as they like.
As to us, who do not believe that the hour Of
liberation has struck for the Christians in
Turkey, we can but advise them to unite all
their strength to ameliOrate their fate and well
being, and to patiently wait the day when their
Independence will be possible. Let Europe as
sst them, and Russia shall applaud it; but If
Russia were to join other powers simply to en-
ulate them in their intrigues for using as tool
the Christian populations of the East, it would
be insanity. The time will come-and perhaps
1T is not distant-whcn those populations, re-
membering the ties which bind them to Rus
sia, and the sincere sympathy which we have
always shown for them, will turn their eyes
upon u.s. Till then, let us observe the greatest
circumspectiOn in the opened questions, and
especially in the Oriental one.
/ Other Russian politicians believe that the
decisive opportunity is at hand. They say: We
do not reopen the Oriental question; on the
contrary, our well-understOOd interest COM
mands us to postpone for the present that ev-
entuality.. But it has risen again without the
participation of Russia. On the one side Aus
tria, since her defeat, is pushed forward to the
East by her friends in Europe; they try to place
her at the head of the SlavOnic races. On the
other hand, Turkey is fighting against dangers
Wncn are obviously above her strength. 1t is
evident that the occidental Powers are trying
to settle the Oriental question to the exclusion
of Russia. Shall we remain motionless when
every one and everything moves about us?-
The principle of nationalities is assuming pro-
portions unknown till now. Germany is con-
centrating her whole strength. Italy had be-
gun to work her unity before Germany. Rus
sia would then be the only country condemn
ing that principle, and that in face of her CO.
religionists of the East? We do not aspire af-
ter conquest-we do not wish to extend our
sway in the East; but when the Christian pop
ulations, who grOan under the Ottoman yoke,
begin to stir, would Russia alone Withdraw her
port their efforts? aan as>.a +. iielit..
AS to the Russian government, it would be
difficult to predict now the attitude it will as
sumo to meet future events. 1t has not taken
any measure yet shadowing its intentions, and
we must leave to the future to inform-us what
one of the two opinions we have sketched shall
have prevailed in the imperial councils IF