The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-19
Prominent Arrivals in this City.
Greece and Turkey--yyar i'm Europe


The news Of the rejection by Greece Of the
Turkish ultimatllm and of actual collision be-
tween ships of the two nations comes rather
suddenly on the heels of the hope that diplo-
matte Intervention and the attitude of the
Western Powers would prevent rupture 1t
was held as certain that the hint from England
and France that Greece was outside the pro-
! lection OF International law in the part she
was taking in the Cretan matter would render
it impossible for that government to deny the
positive and even imperative demands of Tur-
key But il seems that Greece believes her
self able to cope with her stronger neighbor
even without the moral support Of the Western
Powers and is disposed to venture the posi-
bilities Of war. It is hardly probable she
would dare this step if she had not some
assurance of support and comfort not apparent
on the surface; and in any speculation on this
support Russia inevitably becomes promi-
nent figure in the story with her ancient, insa-
tate hunger for Turkish territory. Yet the
name OF Russia can scarcely be mentioned;
but the thought comes that her appearance in
for the balance OF the Continent that they will
be forced in also. And then how can Prussia
and Austria keep out? Thus it appears how
readily this little blaze may light up all Europe
1t is consistent with what we know Of Rus
sian ambition, Russian history and Russian
character that the great Northern Power
should endeavor to accomplish through Greece,
and using that Power as her tool, what she is
estopped from accomplishing in other ways
and ii is not consistent with the history of
Greece that she should venture to fight Tur-
key alone. True, she may count upon the i'm
punity of her own nothingness Her integrity
is guaranteed by the Western Powers, and
Turkey is warned off on the same authority,
and she may count on this for her safety In
defying the latter but if she thinks thus she
iorgcts that many changes have taken place in
Europe since the Powers stood her sponsors,
and does not consider that they may have
quite different thoughts in these days as to the
necessity even Of her existence. It is the
more probable view, however, that her present
attitude is the result Of Russian influence, and
that her rejection Of the Turkish finality is |
simply Russian defiance to Turkey to mi |
tiate, if she dare, general Greece Turkish |
war--a war that would put any semblance of |
national authority behind the arming and up |
rising of the disa1ected populations of the |
Turkish territory in Europe. for that is the |
direction the war would take. There will be
general fighting in all the waters of the two |
Powers between the not unequal navies; but |
the Significance Of the struggle for Europe |
would be In the possibility of its finally driving
the Turk from his conquests. not only beyond |
the Balkan but beyond the Bosphorus. An |
uprising Of the people on the Danube and in
Bulgaria would be initiated in The name of |
Greece, but it would be managed by Russian
agents and Russian money, and its success
would be a Russian triumph.
What will be the attitude of England and
France in this war? England will leave il
alone. She has now in active operation in
her government that element which, If 1t could
have made itself felt in former age. would
have prevented the wars that kept down
Europe at the expense of the British tax
payers, and she is bound forever to wage only
wars Of self-defence. For France the position
is delicate and difficult. She has not yet con-
scented to relinquish her grand position as the
srbiter Of Europe, and if gre at changes occur
without her consent IL is evident that her
prestige is again in danger. France can
stand this, but can the Emperor, against
whom the silence OF France in Europe has
given recent occasion to most effective clamor.
But the danger TO French Interference would
be very great. for Frances appearance in the
quarrel would develop the position Of Prussia
which. beyond all peradvcnturc. would be on
the side OF Russia. in accordance with pro-
pramme laid down between the two Northern
Powers soon after Sadowa. Austria and
France would, no doubt. be together if
France ventured an active part, for Austria
has vital interests in that direction. Nor
could italy stand an idle spectator of "a war
that came 40 near Dalmatia. This war, then.
II not soon patched mp with peace, may prove
a grand affair. involving France. Austria.
Italy and Turkey on ono side, with Russia,
Prussia and Greece on The other-a war
whose end and results no man would venture
to predict
CoNptiMESrlNG FARgAeuT. Some agree
able gentlemen in this era Of good eating
want 20 give the old Salamander dinner,
but we hope they win reflect and do better.