Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1876-07-29
THE EASTERN QUESTION.
Isrd Derby RxplRinins Eaalaad's Pslicy.'
Ne y. ars Of = General War.

Lord Derby received the deputatiol
ON the Eastern question, consisting O.
forty members OF Parliament and 57l
gentlemen from all parts OF the king
dom. The Right Hon. John Brish,
presented a memorial in favor Of strict
neutrality. except when it may be posi-
BILE to interpose friendly offices to miti
gate the horrors and to hasten the close
Of the conflict. Lord Derby, in reply
to Mr.. Bright, acknowledged tho impor'
tance Of the deputation, and spoke in
sympathy with its objects. He said
this. although he might not indorse the
exact expression of the memorial he
agreed absolutely and entirely in it's oh.
ject. He had refused to adhere to the
Berlin memorandum because it was a
compromise between the powers who
were desirous Of acting together. yet
not quite agreeing. He did not think,
therefore, that compromise would ulti-
mately work. He felt sure that the
Porte would not accept it, nor even the
insurgents. The rendezvous Of the fleet
in Besika bay was not highlands initia-
tive, but all the ambassadors at Con-
stantiuople, who wanted to be armed
against eventualities and against tho
massacre of British and other subjects.
So far as human foresight could discern,
n general war was most unlikely to re-
suit from the present conflict. France
and Italy, for financial and other rea-
SOUS, do not desire war, and Germany
has no direct interest il the question.
England will not make war, and Aus
tria, though peculiarly placed, will not
break peace for reasons Of self-interest.
A powerful party in Russia sympathizes
with the Sclavonians, and desires tho
erection Of Sclavonic empire, under
Russian guidance and influence, but
the party is not in power. The czar 10 a
sincere lover OF peace, and Russia has
other reasons-her finances and the ex-
tent OF Asiatic conquest-for not wish
ing war. The understanding reached at
Reichstadt was on tho basis of absolute
non.interference during the conflict, not
excluding efforts in favor of peace; but
if any steps should be taken, they
would be in concert with all the powers.
England's endeavor is to keep the con-
flict within its present limits, and to
impress that view upon others.
Lord Derby said he had no doubt of
England's success, and continued: "All
we desire is to see fair play. II Turkey
is decayed we cannot help 1t. We have
guaranteed Turkey against murder, but
not against suicide or sudden death. If
an opportunity of mediation offers,
which opportunity may even now be at
hand, we shall avail of it,"
Lord Derby afterward received the
deputation of the Christian League on
the same subject, which was introduced
by Mr.. Morley, and Earl Russell's me-
mortal was read. It recites that the
Porte has been free from all foreign in
reference for the last twenty years, and
has received financial support to the
amount of 81 ,OOO, ,OO0, 900, yet now Otto
man integrity is O delusion. England's
support has only resulted in bringing
misery and want into English homes,
and riveting the chains more firmly
about the necks of the Porte's Christian
subjects. During the same twenty
years the Porte's reform edicts have re-
NAMED Intellectual. All Europe sympa-
thizes with the oppressed Christians,
while England stands alone in support
ing their oppressors. The religious
feelings of a great part of the English
people are shocked at being made to ap-
pear before the world as tho upholders
of Islamism, thus meriting the taunt
that their Christianity is only profess
sion and not a belief, and their love Of
liberty nothing but an empty boast.
The petitioners, therefore, pray that
Lord Derby, in the interest of peace.
will withhold support, both moral and
political, from the sultan's government,
and permit the Christians Of European
Turkey to carry out their future des.
tiny without any external interference
whatever.
Lord Derby severely criticised their
though in the main he sympa-
thized with their objects. In regard to
atrocities, he said that doubtless both
sides committed them.