The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-10-24

Turkish territory was invaded on the pre-
tense of national and religious sympathy.
IL is of course possible that the rumors of
Russian ornaments may have foundation
in fact; but there is always balance of pro-
liability against the perpetration of an i'm
prudent act. A semi official Russian journal
probably represents the policy of the Gov
eminent when it declares that all the recent
rumors are unauthorized and for the present
false, but that they correctly indicate public
opinion and the probabilities of the future.
The veteran of the Foreign Office who at the
beginning of last July assured Lord Gran
vile that tranquility prevailed through
out the world expressed not unrea-
sonable judgment 1t was impossible
to anticipate the wanton blunder which has
for the time prostrated France; and the result
of the surprise which was effected by Napo-
leon III is not encouraging to wanton dis
turbers of the peace. There probably never
was time when more universal impression
prevailed of the serious character and fearful
consequences of war. In this, if in no other
way, improvements in armament and in mill
tary organization may perhaps tend even
tually to the benefit of mankind. Russia
would derive no real advantage from terrific
rial extension which could compensate the
sufferings and losses of one or two cam
paigns.
The extinction of English influence on the
continent has removed one of the chief secu-
rites of peace. Even the blunders of Eng
lish diplomacy were. formerly prompted by
sincere desire to avert the evils of war. Any
ambitious designs which might be cherished
by Russia would How be encouraged by re-
lance on Mr.. Gladstone's dread of war, and
on his sympathies with the Orthodox Eastern
Church. 1t is possible that some of his col
leagues may see the necessity of firmness, if
the Russian Government proposes a revision
.Nffh ~f Ia III |.
restrictions which are most obnoxious to
Russia refer to her naval forces in the Black
Sea; and notwithstanding the helpless con-
dition of the army, the maritime power
of England is still unbroken. The
object Of the stipulations of 1856 was to pro-
tect Turkey, and especially Constantinople,
against a naval attack. Sebastopol and the
feet which was ultimately sunk in its s-harbor,
formed standing menace to the Porte; and
it seemed to the Congress of Paris that it
was prudent to prohibit the possession of a
weapon which could only be used for mis-
chievous purposes. While France is for the
time incapable of taking a part in European
councils, the concert of England with Austria
would suffice to deter Russian aggression.
There is no immediate reason to appehend an
+. invasion by land, for an intended war would
have been preceded by revolts in the
Northern provinces, which might have
served as pretext for interven-
ton. The Bulgarian insurrection has
long since come to an end, and Servia and
Montenegro have lately been quiet. Greece
having sunk into the lowest disrepute, would
not be a useful ally, even if the Greeks still
wish to promote Russian aggrandizement,
which would involve the disappointment of
their own ambitious hopes. If Russia medi-
tates restless and troublesome policy, it will
at least be easy to the English Government to
indicate disapproval. Russian statesmen
must have learned, from the rupture which
preceded the Crimean war, that it is not safe
to rely on the inexhaustible patience of Eng
lish Ministers until it is known that their in
difference is shared by the nation. Firmness
is in public and private affairs often cheaper
and safer than anxious timidity.