The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-07-15
THE EASTERN QUESTION.
Lord Derby Explaining Eneia rd's Policy-No
Fears of General war.

LONDON, July 14.-Lord Derby to-day
received the deputation on the Eastern ques
ton, consisting OF forty members Of Parliament
and 81 gentlemen from all parts Of the king
dom. The Right Hon. John Bright presented a
memorial In favor Of strict neutrality, except
when 1t may be possible to interpose friendly Of
ices to mitigate the horrors and to hasten the
close of the conflict. Lord Derby in reply to
Mr.. Bright acknowledged the importance OF the
deputation, and spoke In sympathy with its OBJ
jects lie said that although he might not in
dorse the exact expression Of the memorial he
agreed absolutely and entirely in its object. lie
had refused to adhere to the Berlin memorln-
dun because II was a com promise between the
powers who were DESTROYS OF acting together,
yet not quite agreeing. He did not think, there
fore, that n compromise would ultim atcly
work. lie felt sure trat the Porte would not
accept II, nor even the insurg' nts. The rendez-
vous ~ the II set In IBeska Hay was not Eng
lands initiative, but all the ambassadors at Con-
stantnoule, VINO wanted to be armed against
eventualities and against the massacre OF British
SO far az hum n foresight could discern. a
general war most unlikely to result from
the present conflict. France and Italv, for
financial and other reaaons, do not desire war.
and Germany has no direct interest In tho q ics-
ton. England will not make r, and Austri',
though pee iliarly placed, will not break peace,
for reasons Of self-inter At powerful putty
In Russia sympsthizes with the scltyonians, and
der Russian guidance ana influence. but that
party Il not in power. Inc Car Ia a sincere
lover of peace, and Russia has other reasons -
her finances and the extent OF Asiatic conquests
for not wishing war The understanding
reached at Iieichstadt was on the basis Of aoso-
lutte non-nterterence during ne conflict, not
excluding Efforts IN favor Of peace but " any
steps should be taken, they would lie In concert
with all the powers. Engands endeavor Ia to
keep the conflict within Its present II nits, and
to Impress that view upon others.
Lord Derby said he had no doubt OF England 8
success and continued; All We desire Is TO
see fair play. II turkey Is decayed we cannot
help II. We have guaranteed Turkey against
murder, but not against suicide or sudden
death. II an opportunity OF mediation offers,
which OBJ ortuniy may even now be at hand,
Lord Derby afterward received the deputa-
ton OF tho Christian League on the same sub
! iect, which WIS introduced nv Mr.. Morley, aud
Earl Russel's memorial was read. 1t recites
that tho Porte has been free from all foreign in
reference klr the last twenty wears. ana has re-
ceivcd financial support TO the am cunt OF $1,000
Wp,OO vet now Ottoman integrity IL "A delusiOn,
| EnHldnd's support hi- only resulted in bringing
misery aud want into English homes, and rivet-
| ing the chains more firmly about the necks OF
the POrte's Christi N subjects. During the same
twenty wears the Pores reform edicts have
remained inenectusl. All Europe sympathizes
with the oppressed Christians. while England
stands alone IN supporting their oppressors
| The religious feelings OF great part OF the
English people are shocked AZ being made e
| apl ear before the world az the upnodcr- OF
Christianity Is only profession and not a belief
| and their love Of liberty nothing but an etnutl
| boast. The petitioners, therefore, pray tht
Lord Derby, In the interest Of peace, will with
| mold support, botn moral and political, ron
the Suitan's Government, ana permit III,
| Christians OF European Turkey TO carry out
their future destiny without any external inter
ference wh4tever.
Lord Derby severely criticised their memorial
| objects. In regard to atrocities, he said tina
| doubtless both sides committed them.