Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-09-14
The Crisis In Europe.

The crisis which the Disraeli Govern
ment congratulated itself on having SC
skillfully delayed. in May, has arrived in
September. This time it will require
something more than the mere retractior
of the step to atone for the lost opportu
nifty. Had England acted with firmness
and frankness. she might have secured
the cooperation of France and the Great
Powers, have prevented the bloodshed in
Servia and Montenegro, and suppressed
the Bulgaria horrors at their commence
ment. Turkey would then have yielded
to demands which she will now attempt
TO resist; Russia would have been more
compliant, since the blood of her popula
ton was not then stirred as at present {:
and the English people would have accept
ed the result with satisfaction. But the
Government was far from approaching
either the true state of things in Turkey
or the power of the conflicting interests
and prejudices. The present excitement
in England is to some extent the express
sion Of gradual change in the political
views OF the people. Lord Stratford de
kedcliffe's letter. published nearly three
months ago, forshadowed it; and now.
when We find Mr.. Gladstone carried into
action by the force of the current, and
Mr.. Forster on the way to Bulgaria, we
may be sure that the tenure of the present
Government depends ON its capacity to
meet the crisis promptly and wisely.
In Russia the excitement is doubtless
stronger and more general than 10 Eng
land. But scarcely any form of public
expression is granted to it; the feeling
seethes among the people, burns fiercely
in the army. and i. bending the peaceful
and cautious Emperor into obedience to
its clamors. Russia 10 ready, at this mo.
menl. to begin war upon Turkey. and on
ly Restraints herself out of decent consd-
Grafton for the single remaining chance
Of peace. 1t can hardly be doubted that,
il this chance fails, she will take some
sharp and definite line of action, without
further loss of time. Germany and
France, of course. retain an apparently
neutral attitude, and will take no initiative
unless there should seem to be certainty
Of its being successful.
Since England has been compelled to
withdraw from her semi-sympaihetic rela'
rv<
ton to Turkey. the latter Power seeks an
approach to Austria. which is inclined 10
receive her overtures favorahly. The
change probably comes too late 10 have
much effect in the negotiations which mus,
speedily ensue: moreover, Austria has
long been casting lustful eye upon Bos-
mia and the Herzegovina, the Catholic
population Of which provinces are strong
ly anti Russian in feeling. To-day Lord
Derby will receive a depuiation on the
Eastern Question, and his Ireply may pos.
sibly give some indication of the policy
which the Government has decided te
pursue. 1t will be awaited with the deep
est interest; Tor the continued success OIL
the Turkish arms. aud the reported begin.
ming of new barbarities in Servia. are
stirring the blood OF Slavic Europe to q
dangerous temper. There may be the
seecs Of peace in the English staieman's
u,tsrance. If he should be in different or
equivocating. he may speak war without
knowing it.--NsW York Tribune.