The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-11-02
Russia and tho Easfern Questionable Ru-
mored Secret Treaty.

1
the Wiesbaden treaty, has lens new and
somewhat lively interest to the European stu
alton. The burden of the rumored treaty Is
to tho effect that Russia was consulted before
the war was commenced, and that while Russia
bound herself to hold of for a reasonable
length of time during the continuance of the
war, she was bound. in the event Of Prussian
defeat, to step forth and forbid Prussian, or
rather German, ACKNOWLEDGMENT. Prussia, on
the other hand, in the event Of victory, bound
herself to stand by Russia in any attempt she
might make to force the annulment Of the
obnoxious clauses of the treaty Of Paris. Tho
French paper in London, La Situation,
inspired by tho imperlalists, admits the exist
ence of the treaty. That such treaty has
been signed by Russia and Prussia may or
may not be true. II is undenable, however,
tina. tho arrangement 1ts In most admirably
with the events and necessities of tho hour.
We are not disposed to regard 1t as mere
rumor. The action Of the Russian govern
mant, hitherto inexplicab!e, now begins to be
ineligible. Since the Crimean war Russia
has been peaceful. Russia, in fact, SO far as
tho government was concerned, practically
| ceased to be European Power. Internal i'm
| provements, the emancipation Of the serfs, the
construction Of railroads, the strengthening Of
her position in the East, occupied the attention
and, to all outward seeming, satisfied the am
bition Of Russian statesmen. To watchful and
knowing observers 1t was apparent that Russia
was making good use Of her quietude and
| leisure; and such persons felt satisfied that
Russia was preparing for eventualties after
| such fashion that, when the eventualities
came, she would be ready to make war in the
East or in the West as was most convenient.
In other words, it was the conviction Of many
persons well qualified to judge that Russia
was waiting her opportunity. If the Russian
government now thinks that tho desired oppor-
tunity has arrived few will say she has mis-
calculated
From Russian standpoint Let us look at the
situation. Since the days Of Peter the Great
Russian ambition has been directed towards
Constantinople. It has been-it still is-her
belief that she has been commissioned by Pro-
violence to restore the Greek empire, and to
make an end Of the work which the temporiz-
ing policy Of the Western Powers has left
unfinished, by driving the turbaned Turk out
of Europe. In the pursuance Of this policy
the late Emperor Nicholas moved little too
fast. He badly chose his time. A new man
with great name had acquired the control Of
the Treasury and the armies of France. The
Crimean war was singularly convenient for
Napoleon, It cost France much, but 1t made
Napoleon the Third secure on tho French
throne. Great Britain, which had destroyed
the first French empire. through Napoleonic
| cunning strangely lent helping hand to build
up the second. The treaty of Paris, 1885,
saved Turkey and humbled Russia, by driving
her war ships out Of the Black Sea. Russia felt
then what she remembers now-that she was
beaten down by foolish, If not Ubiquitous, alli-
ance Of the two greatest military Powers Of the
West. Great Britain alone, France alone,
| could not have taken Sebastopol; but Great
| Britain and France combined were too many
for Russia single-handed. Russia bowed to
fate-the fate of the hour-but she bowed
most unwilingly. sNot yet but another
time," was the sentiment Of the Russian gov
eminent and the Russian people when Sebas-
topol was dismantled and when the treaty Of
Paris was signed. Since 1856 Russia has been
seemed power the time was not yet. Even
Napo.eonic overtures to undo the treaty Of
Paris could not drive Russia from her waiting
and watchful attitude. After her Crimean ex-
perience she was not willing to trust the Turk
even when bringing gifts. But the time has
come at last. No NapOleonic cunning, no
French and English alliance, can hinder her
marching across the Pruth or hurrying her
war ships to the Golden Horn. It may be that
the Gear Alexander's known love Of peace
and universally recognized honesty Of purpose
will prevent Russia from awaiting herself Of
her opportunity; but no one can deny that
Russia's opportunity has come. 1t is said,
indeed, that Russian agents have been to
Tours, sounding the French government as to
| the feasibility Of sale Of the national feet to
the Gear, but that they have had no success in
this direction to the present moment. We are
told that the Russians offered France certain
political inducements" as well as money
payment for the vessels. There may be some
thing in this statement IF the Gear be really
intent on 'going to the East" 1t is good
policy to have as powerful navy as possible.
It would also be q very astute diplomacy to
disarm France at sea by purchase Of her
| iron-clads.
| If Russia were to order her armies across
the Pruth tomorrow wha. Power In Europe
could hinder their triumphant march to Con
stantinople7 We know Of none Great
Britain would protest, might fight; but Great
Britain alone could not arrest the conqueror's
! IN cok Goo Rypcn{ In,