The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-27

will the congress do? II 3 not at all impossi-
BILE that an attempt may be made to widen the
scope Of the conference so as to allow con-
sideration Of the general condition of Europe.
We know that there are many unsettled and
disturbing questions besides that Of the Orient.
Such proposal, it will be remembered, came
from Napoleon when the London Conference
was first mentioned in connection with the
Luxembourg difficulty. The manner in
which that proposal was received by the
other Powers may prevent Napoleon from re-
peating it now; and if it emanates NOT from
this source it is little likely to emanate from
any other. The presumption, therefore, is
that the conference will be convened for a
special purpose, and that the attention Of the
representatives will be confined to the dintcul-
ties in the East. Since the proposal has come
from the Prussian government, not imyrobably
at the suggestion of Russia, it will By curious
to learn what Bismarck has to PROPOSE as
solution of the difficulties. We know that
there is trouble in the north of Turkey almost
az serious as that in the south. Crete is i'm
DaLlenp Oh luEklSu uoiIiudtiOh dho uCiiohuo
annexation to the kingdom of Greece. Rou-
mania is impatient of Turkish supremacy and
demands independence. With the Cretans
and with the Roumanians Russia is in sym
pathy. The Prince OF Roumania is ascion of
the house Of Hohenzollern. and it maybe taken
for granted that the sympathies Of the Prussian
government are with him and his people. The
probability is that Russia and Prussia are
pretty much agreed. Will they jointly pro-
pose the annexation of Crete to Greece? viii
they insist on the Independence OF Rouma-
MIA /? 1t is well known that when the crown
OF Greece was offered, in 1880, to the late King
of the Belgians, then Prince Leopold of SAKE
Coburg, one of his principal reasons for re-
fusing it was his dissatisfaction with the boun-
dares of the kingdom. 1t was hip opinion
then-and to this opinion, we believe. ne chung
to the last-that Crete should belong 70 Greece.
The Roumanian difficulty is not so old as that
Of Crete, although it has already more than
once engaged the attention Of EUROPEAN diplo-
matists. That some such proposals will be
made there can be little doubt. That, if they
are made, they will come from Russia or Prus,
sia or both, is certain.
How will the other Powers entertain
such proposals? The great difficulty il
that the annexation of Crete to Greece
and the cutting Of the connection be-
tween Prince Charles and the Sultan would
establish precedents which could not fail com
pletely to break up Turkish rule in Europe
Annex Crete? Then why not the Other
islands? Why not Thessaly and Macedonia
and the other Greek provinces on the main
land? Give Roumania independence? Their
why not grant the same favor to Bulgaria
Servia and the other Slavic provinces? The
disintegration Of the Turkish empire will thus
be fairly commenced. Where or how will i
end? This it is which will constitute the rea
difficulty of the congress. 1t remains to b.
seen how the difficulty win be met. Race ant
religion, fortunately or unfortunately, are both
opposed to the continuance Of Mohammcdar
rule in Europe.