The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-12-29
The Eastern Question.

The Eastern Question.
From the London Evening Post, Dec.8.
The demands of Turkey contemplate no more
or less than an honest adherence TO the terms of
o treaty TO which the protecting powers are
parties. How will the respective governments
act in the business! 1t is stated, and with OBJ.
vious justice, that more than two years ago,
when Greece fist began TO meddle in the affairs
of the Turkish dependencies, the European
powers ought to have entered an energetic pro-
test. Had this been done promptly we should
now be spared the revival of a question which,
whenever 1t is brought on the tdpis, becomes
the subject of great differences of opinion aud
very serious embarrassment. Unfortunately,
we have not yet altogether exhausted
the narro-wminded and the little spirit
which possessed our ancestors. There
is something In the antagonism of the Cross and
the Crescent which revives the old religious and
racial prejudices, and, as matter OF fact, if we
are not prepared tor new crusade, our sympa-
thies are by no means as strong or as generous
towards the Turk as they are towards the
Christian. Then, again, there is something in
the classic name of Greece which, even against
our better judgment, kindles a flame of sympa.
thetic enthusiasm. government Illuminating
mischief from Athens is not nearly as likely to
be visited with its deserts as though it dated
from Bucharest. Buman nature is the same
in the council chamber as it is in the library
and 1t cannot be denied that influences which
have no place in the political system, and
which could not be seriously recognized,
play a part in the affairs of every State
and produce results in no sense justified by their
character. Deeply grounded prejudices on tue
score of religion, and no less potent, though
unconfesSed pre- udces with respect TO race,
impair the perceptive faculties and pervert the
judgment OF European statesmen; and hence it
is that under the protection of powers neither
OF which could approve or even tolerate the
course of conduct pursued by Greece, If only it
we're 10 take the matter into serious considera-
ton, the Hellenic Government and its people
are permitted to assail the Ottoman authority
In Crete, and to play part which is trea-
chprOua in itself and nprilOuS to the Dpacp Of
Europe.
If anything is to be done in the matter, there
must be no delay. war 10 the East would be
a calamity the extent and severity of which it
is impossible TO forecast. There is not a po wer
of the first magnitude in Europe which may not
be embroiled II some step is not Immediately
taken with view to arrest the progress of
events which are following each other with the
greatest rapdity. In Roumania remonstrance
seems to have been of signal service. The CIV
eminent of King George may lot prove so
amenable to reason as that OF Prince Charles,
but the experiment ought to be tried, and
promptly. A collective expression of opinion,
distinct and final, by the protecting powers,
might even now be effectual and avert the catas-
trOphe which appears imminent Had an ener-
getic protest been entered IN the earliest stage of
Greek kntermeddling, it is probable that the infu.
cnce of wise counsels would have been greater
| and the peccant power more responsive TO
moral suasion than now. Two years industrious
| wrong-doing has doubtless produced its char
acteIistic effects on the sensibllity and consci-
| euCe Oh Ming OeOrRe anu MS evil huVlSeTS.
| Moreover, the incessant and to a serious extent
| successful, promotion of conspiracies in the
Turkish dependencies has committed the Gov
| ernment OF Greece to particular policy which
| it is difficult to abandon, while the futile
| attempt TO defeat those underhanded manoeu-
| vres has enfeebed the authority aud impoVe-
! rished the resources OF the Sultan. King George
and his counseilors are cognizant of these facts,
and 1t is only natural they should rend to
strengthen the sinister purpose OF an aggression
which of course has for its aim the reduction,
and possibly even the overthrow, of the power OF
| Turkey.
a 1t is impossible to tx limits to an unreasoning
! lust OF power such as that which the Govern
| ment OF Greece has manifested. It IL therefore
possible that remcnstrance, to be efectual III
| this last stage OF the affair." must be OF the
strongest possible description and of the nature
| of an ultimatum. Clearly no European power
which has any CLAIMS to selfrespect can allow
| its good name to be compromised by the mis-.
conduct OF Greece. With respect to that con.
slderation there can be no cause fer misgiving
The danger and it is as well to face it, lies in the
contingent possibility that at this stage OF the
revival of the Eastern question 1t may occur TO
| certain of The European powers winch IRE not
particularly happy in their domestic conditions
that disturbance in the East would serve as
| diversion, and, rs they have so long abstained
from interference in the quarrel between Tur.
| key and Greece, they may be tempted to abstain
| longer, until, pluDgng into the midst OF g
fray with which they will disclaim all previous
connection they may find their account and
avert worse troubles at home. It's needless tC
say that such conduct on the part OF any State
though 1t has plenty of precedent, would bC
most unworthy. Now is the time for action
and promptly brought to bear on the question
the necessity for more serious and expensive
arbitration in the interests OF peace may bt
obViated. While we write news reaches US tina
the powers who are intervening in the interest
OF peace between the governments of Turke!
and Greece have induced the Sultan to dete
the appeal to arms until the 18th inst, in orde
| 10 give King George and his counsellors tim
for reflection. This course is magnanimous Oh
the pslt of Turkey, and will rebound to he
credit Meanwhile it will be incumbent on tn
a m $50 thst har s1 mSs
inur ously affected by the &C! of leniency.
ENGLAND.