, 1876-11-24

Grafton Of which we have held in
abeyance by reason Of the stirring
events attending the campaign in
our own country, is again assuming
Importance in political and social
circles on both hemispheres. 1t is
now beginning to be recognized that
the outrages of the Turks in Bulga-
ria concern only one aspect Of the
Eastern complications, and that the
humiliation of Turkey is of less con-
sequence than the disposition of
her territories. There can be no
doubt that Gladstone and his follow
ers in their appeals for the overthrow
of the Ottoman empire and leading
the masses of the British people,
always averse to war, to solely look
upon the barbarities of the Turks,
and to shut their eyes to the conse-
quences of the destruction of Tur-
key, have been unwittingly playing
into the hands Of Russia; and has led
the latter to count confidently apon
success in carrying out her designs
upon the sick man. 1t will be re-
membered that Nicholas went into
the Crimean war in the firm belief
that Englnnd would not fight. Now
Russia does not concern herself so
much about what England will do,
so long as she can secure the adhe-
sion of the other great powers to her
policy. With Austria and Germany
bound not TO oppose her movements
in Turkey, and thus tacitly agreeing
to repel outside interference, Russia
can snap her fingers at Great Britain.
The London Times has recognized
this aspect of the case in saying that
the time has gone by when sending
5000 troops to Besika Bay could
settle the Eastern question. Indeed,
feeEng that it has gone too far in
stirring up British ire on the Bulga-
rian atrocities. it is now eager to
show that the Russians have perpe-
trated similar outrages on their east
ern march. 1t is easy to get up an
excuse of this kind, but there can be
little question that the strong gov
ernment Of the Colossus Of the North
is better for that country than the
weak rule Of an Asiatic despot. But
the main question of Russian ad.
vance in the East which is now clear
lyin view in the present emergency,
is as to its effect upon European in
terests. The great Powers of Eu-
rope are not concerned as to the
movements of the Gar east or west,
except as they affect their own rela-
tions. England is, of course, virally
interested in this matter in conse-
quence Of her Indian empire. The
partition Of Turk y and the posses
sion Of Constantinople by a foreign
power are a menace to India, not
merely by the facilities thus afforded
for an advance upon that country,
but by the probable effect of such
measures upon the inhabitants of
England's Indian empire. There the
Mohammedan element is the most
formidable one to contend with, and
it will be remembered that this was
At the bottom of the Sepoy rebellion
and the murder oeLord Mayo. Now,
As the Sultan is the head Of the Mus
sulmans, and as religious fanaticism
is 50 strong among them, there is no
telling what the effect Of his dethrone-
ment would be upon the people who
of all others control the peace of
India. These considerations among
others, have not escaped the atten-
tion of shrewd observers of the sit
uation. There is little doubt but
tiat the position of England is an
expectant one. The way in which
the question of a neutral zone in
Afghanistan was once regarded as
all important as a barrier to the