The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-10-25

Turkey Will have to submit TO the ultlmatum
of Russia-resign absolute control of the re-
volted provinces and give guarantees of Sc
curity to the Christian population within her
realm. To do this is to the last degree
humiliating, to refuse, under the circum-
stances, is to proclaim war. Evidently Rus
STA prefers that the Sultan should refuse, for
in that event. the Gar has a plausible ex-
cuse for compelling the submission of the
turbaned monster to his sway. Evidently
the time is most favorable for Russia to carry
out her plans. The savage barbarities
perpetrated by the Turks upon their con-
auered foes, have shocked all Christendom
and aside from all questions of the balance
of power in Europe or the ambitious de
signs of Russia either in Europe or Asia, or
any of the other intricate questions discussed
in European courts, the verdict is, that the
Ottoman Empire in Europe, ought not
longer to exist. But ii will not
do to suppose that Russia is impelled
TO draw the sword against Turkey simply to
defend or succor oppressed Christians. The
heart of the Alexander is not so sympathetic
or so easily touched by the wars of mankind
though they be Christians and members OF
the Greek church-that he would engage in
destructive war to enable them to say their
prayers in peace or worship unmoleSted
according to the rules of their church.
In this regard, however, the Emperor of
Russia occupies a more favorable position
before the Christian world than England can
claim. for it is well understood that the
cruelties of the Turks in their treatment of
christians have not been of sufficient impor
lance to enable the ministers of the Queen
to look at the subject from any
point more elevated than that of
pounds, shillings and pence, and if may
| credit the half we hear of the indifference of
the English government to Turkish atroci-
ties, we may conclude that these wrongs
might continue forever provided EnglandS
cammerce and England's empire were left
undisturbed The struggles of the
weak against the strong though
the weak be Christian and the
strong barbarian, has aroused no friendly
aid in all of Europe, except such as is found
| in courtly and almost meaningless phrase.
| And this apathy on the part of Christian
nations has served to make the Turks more
brutal. and defenseless Christians have been
butchercd very much after the style of Sitting
Bull when he falls upon pioneer village.
1t is plain. therefore, that the war will not
be urged against the Sultan in the defense of
| Christianity or the Greek church, and it is
quite possible that the Turks may find again,
as was the case in the Crimean war, their
! best and most powerful friends among gov
ernments the most boaStful OF their civiiiza-
| ton.
Evidently the war, if it begins, will be a
war for territorial conquest, and the dis
memberment of Turkey if other powers
stand aloof is inevitable. The civilization
Of Turkey, if civilization il may be called
stands in direct antagonism to Christian
| civilization. In this we do not refer
to the religion of the Turks, but to all
those other evidences of thrift and pro-
gress that distinguish the march of
| Christian nations. Turkey in Europe has
an AGRA of about 10000 square miles. and
though Astounding in resources, is the least
productive of any country on the CONT
nent. The population of European Turkey
is set down at S,50O,OOO of these 100000
are Turks proper, and the remainder is
made up of Christians and Jews-Of
the latter, however, there are only
| 10000. From material standpoint,
leaving all other considerations out
of the question, the Turks may be re-
garded as a barrier to progress. In this re-
gard they are little better than so many
North American sayages. They can not be
enlightened or improved. There is no i'm
polling power in the Koran except to infu-
ence believers to kill those who do not be-
licye it. Turkey in Europe is a
nuisance that ought to be abated-
huge tumor that ought 10
to be removed. If Russia will perform this
service for civilization and for mankind in
general, ChIistendom should bid her God
speed in the good work. England's ambition
ought not to stand in the way of so great a
triumph There is certainly room enough
in Asia for England and Russia to OPP
crate. Fortunately, the probabilities
are that Germany, Austria and Italy
will look with favor upon the plans of
Russia The United States has no sympathy
with the Turks. If war comes it will create
an active market for our surplus products
and will add millions to the wealth of the
country, and, since it is war in the inter
est of progress and civilization, it can only
| he r0stDoned To the detriment of mankind