The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-01-04
Fight or Fall Back :

The note ofPrince Gortschakoff upon the
Black Sea question, and the evident cordial.
ty OF the diplomatic relations between Ger
many and Russia, caused the English diplo-
matists some uneasiness, and the English
public some alarm. Mr.. Gladstone was at
liberty to choose between an active resis'
tance and q policy Of non-interference. The
latter course was taken, and England
promptly accepted the proposition Of Prus.
sia for a Conference upon the Euxine ques-
tion, it being understood that it would as
semble ''withaut any foregone conclusion as
'sto its results" In some quarters this was
regarded as a diplomatic victory for the
astute Gortschakoff, but the general feeling
was one OF relief and satisfaction. There
was what the Pail Mall Gazette called."a
"chorus of Thanksgiving" and upon this
point it is instructive to note the express
sions Of the leading English journals.
The London Morning Post had not much
faith in the Conference, but it hoped that
Russia would be 'induced, by The voice Of
sEurope, to return to due sense Of her
s'obligations." A more cheerful view was
taken by the Times, which suggested that
the ''mere appearance" Of Russia at the
Conference implied ga wish for concilia-
'fion, and it was sure that she would "have
''to fall back from the position taken up in
''her first note" The Manchester Erant-
ner peace paper, thought the potion Of
"going to war was absurd" and was very
glad that the question had been ''set at rest
"by the assent OF all the Powers to the as
''sembling Of the Conference" The London
Standard, the Conservative organ, regretted
the acceptance ofthe Conference, but DEEM
ed it idle to dwell upon that mistake. The
Saturday Reoieao considered the adhesion OF
Russia to the Conference s'an imaginary
concession"
: 1t is plain that the Conference was regard
cd in England as the best means Of escaping
from an awkward dilemma. War was
deprecated on all sides, and diplomatic
palayer might, OF least postpone the evil
day. But England counted without her
host. France declined to take part in the
proceedings, and the Conference is indef-
nitely postponed. The London Globe
month ago, said emphatically that If Eng
land was to ''confer with dignity" she must
be prepared "to support her words by
'deeds." The Economist, at the same time,
declared that, while the treaty OF 1856 was
in force, Russia must obey it. and that BY
''force, il necessary" And the Spectator
said that Prince Gortschakofl's answer
meant just this "Ishall do as like, but
"rl talk it over with respectable old man
'like you, il you think that will do you good
"Quarrels make such noise" In another
article the Spectator expressed fear that
England "would have to fight in the end,
"and fight under circumstances far less
"favorable than at present."
There is to be no Conference The winter
is passing away Russia has made another
aggressive movement, In inducing the
Prince of Roumania to declare the indepen-
dence of'the Danubian Provinces OF Turkey.
It remains to be seen whether the English
press will eat their words, and urge that the
Car be allowed to play "ducks and brakes"
with the interests OF Turkey and Great
Britain. So far, all the advantage is on the
side OF Russia, and, in her present position,
it IS about as difficult for England to stand
still as to move forward