The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-09

and that ho means TO fight if fighting is neces-
sary. 1t is this, more than any other cause,
which makes the situation critical
II is not our business to inquire here which
Of the two Powers is in the right. If a secret
understanding between the two governments
was the result of Mr. Forsythe's mission, it is
most certainly the duty Of the one Power and
the other 10 abide by the terms of the agree
ment 1t is quito possible, however, that for
the misunderstanding regarding the boundary
lines neither is wholly to blame. 1t is the
less necessary for US TO attempt to determine
tho right, ~ when national passions are
aroused right is never q prominent question.
1t is quite natural for Great Britain to look
after her Indian Empire, and to fight for that
Empire if necessary. Russia, however, has as
much right to place and power in Asia
as has Great Britain; and no one will refuse
TO admit that it is the duty OF Russia to
punish the Khivsns Tor their maltreatment
of her citizens. WHAT lends most interest
to the general question is the probability
that should war break out between the two
Powers it would range Europe into two hostile
camps and wrap two Continents in flames.
The British government has been busy
ascertaining the sentiments of the various
Powers and q il has been stated. ap-
parently on good authority. that Sweden,
Germany, Austria, France, Italy and Turkey,
take the English view OF, the difficulty. It,
would not be difficult to show that most, if
not all. of the Powers just named have
an interest in the humiliation Of Russia
Sweden breads her great power and
aggressive policy in the West quite as much as
does Great Britain in the East; and war
which should humble Russia might lead to
the restoration to Sweden of her regretted
Provinces, which line tho northern shores Of
the Baltic. Germany longs for the recovery
of her Baltic Provinces and the defeat of
Russia might fling the whole Of Poland into
her arms. Austria seeks to extend her sway
along the line Of the Danube, and the great
power of Russia is the only barrier which
stands in her way. The Sultan knows that
each successive conquest Of Russia in Central
Asia imperils the independence Of Persia and
that the fall of Persia would be the deathblow
of the Mohammedan Empire in Europe.
France and Italy do not forget that, fighting
side by side with England they shared with
her the perils and glores of the Crimean
campaign. A grest European war would
imply great sacrifices, but it might lead to a
fresh rectifcation of frontiers and where
restitution is expected the promise of the
rectifcation of frontiers is q powerful bait
1t is not the first time tina. Irish gold has
put upon the field the armies of Europe
What British gold has done it might do again.
1t is not to be denied, however, that Russia,
too, could hold out the tempting bride. The
conflicting offers might divide Europe. An
appeal to the sword in such circumstances
and with such surroundings fills the mind
with alarm. As we have no wish to see
Europe and Asia converted into one great
battlefield, let US hope that the difficulty will
be adjusted by peaceful means.