Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-11-23
THE RUSSIAN QUESTION.

THE RUSSIAN QUESTION.
The question raised by Russia in the note
of Gortschakoff, declaring that the Czal
will no longer be bound by the treaty Of
1856, rises above the conflict of arms il
France, and dwarfs all other national ques-
tons before the world. Should it result
in war, all Europe will be interested and
actively engaged in the struggle, England
being the chief champion Of the Turk and
defender of the endangered treaty. Where
Prussia will cast her strength is left to
conjecture, but she can probably do Rus
STA no better service than to continue the
war with France. What Bismarck ma,
say to the Ambassadors of England wht
undertake to make him disclose upon the
subject and commit himself to an alliance
against Russia, is Of no consequence SC
long as the war with France goes on
That is not merely pretext, but an un'
answerable argument against his becoming
a party to such an alliance. By this Prus-
STA not only will keep out of the eastern
fight, if it comes. but prevent France like
wise from entering into it. What can
England reasonably object when Bismarck
points to Paris and informs Granville that
he has business enough on his hands in
that direction at present, and cannot enter
the lists against the Gar? Here, then, by
this web of war woven by Napoleon, are
two of the allies of 1858 bound hand and
foot, and if the treaty of 1856 is main
tanned, it must be done without them I'M
less the war in which they are engaged
ceases. Prussia might end the war sud
denly by yielding what she claims, which
she is not likely to do for the sake of enter
ing into an unremunerative war with Rus
sia nor will France care to dishonor her.
self by an ignoble and costly peace with
King William in order to join in u useless
crusade to curtail the power of the Cos
sack on the Black Sea. The whole ques-
ton of war or peace rests with England.
If she dares to fight there will be war; if
not, then peace.
1t is unquestionably true that British
pride would be best satisfied to have the
treaty maintained, and feels that it would
be humiliating to allow the case to 60 by
default while she has an army and navy
idle, and no apparent ENHANCEMENT which
she can give as an apology for not defend
ing her honor. A Congress of nations is
talked of to deal with this ugly question,
but with Prussia and France neutralized,
such meeting would make poor show
and accomplish nothing. 1t is rumored
that the United States Government will be
invited to attend such Congress, should
it be held, but the policy of our govern.
ment is entirely averse to such step, and
we shall wisely allow the European pow
ers to manage their affairs while we attend
to our own. One thing is as certain as
the rising Of the sun, that should England
put her foot into a war with Russia before
settling the Alabama claims, our people
will take satisfaction to the amount of both
principal and interest for what is due us
in that matter. The moment war is de-
clared, If it shall be, between Russia and
England, the settlement of the Alabama
account win begin, and we shall &c if it
makes any difference with John Bull
whether he is the one to gore or be gored.
With his fleets engaged in the Black Sea,
and his energies tasked in the struggle
with the armies of the Gar, his mer-
chantmen on every sea will be exposed to
priyateers, sailing under the flag of Rus
STA, but built and manned no matter where,
as far as England is concerned, so that
they are AS honestly built and manned
and sailed as the Alabama, because against
complaint or demand Of satisfaction on
account of the damage which such rovers
may do her flag and commerce, she has
forever sealed her lips by her own con.
duct toward us. Let war continue foul
years as the rebellion did, or the half Of
1t. and the commerce of England would
be swept from the seas, and we should
have full satisfaction for every loss occa
stoned by the Alabama We need seel
no war, nor hasty settlement, nor anuexa
ton Of Canada. on account of the Alaba
ma claims, for We are in no peril by rea
son of their standing, but our policy is t.
wait and let justice come, as it is sure t.
come, sooner or later, in the natural orde
of things. England breads itmorc to-da,
than = free fight With Russia, and if sh'
backs out from the support of the treat,
that she aided to force on the Gar, it vii
be through fear Of retribution forthe pirate
she sent against us. Appearances arr