The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-06-02
The Situation i'm. Turkey.

For the moment English influence is SUI
preme in Constantinople in so fnr as any
foreign or Christian or merely diplomatic
influence is of consequence in the game in
progress, and consequently the English
press gives rose colored views of the change.
In any case where England is triumphant of
course the cause of virtue, justice and re-
form is advanced; this is naturally their
view, because they cannot be supposed to
admit that the endeavors of England
should be enlisted on any side that
did not favor all that is good. But
we may take the views Of the British
press and the British brokers with allow
ance, and attend to what is said on the
other side. The other side is Russia. The
Constantinople are England and Russia, and
the latest event-the change Of Sultan-is
only an incident in the diplomatic phase of
their conflict. General Ignatieff for Russia,
and Sir Henry Elliott, for England, con-
Quoted this part of the struggle with vary
ing fortunes. Only few days since Ignatieff
was dominant. The Cabinet was such as salts
fed Russia and consequently it did not satisfy
England. In the English interest it was
overthrown by @ demonstration in the streets
prepared by the softas, who have been Sc
cured by England, doubtless by the use of
money in some degree, though great deal
was not necessary, because as between
foreign nations they can more readily SYM
pathize with England than with any other
Power, since from their point of view England
is not nation with hostile religion, but q
nation with no religion at ALL 1t was again
demonstration of theirs that changed the
Sultan and put the government into the
hands oil Midhat Pacha, Sir Henry Elliott's
choice.
The word sofia means theological student
but theological students are the only stu
dents there are in Turkey. Consequently
this party, made up from the strictly ecce-
siastical element, and from that class of
young men which in France or Germany
would be called the student element, COM
bines bigotry and enthusiasm. AS these
students study only the Moslem law their
enthusiasm is for its propagation, us the
fervor of students in France is for the prop
agation of democracy. Russia is the only
enemy they know, for Russia sustains in
their country the enemies of their religion.
Christians of the Oriental Church and
Christians of Rome they understand, but a
Christian that is in neither of these cate
gories they do not classify. AS Presby-
terrain and an Episcopalian might quarrel
over their creeds and both hobnob with a
Buddhist from China so these men can hate
the Christians who are their neighbors and
indulge grand indifference to those more
remote.
Hence, as the demands Of Russia are vital
to these men, and the interests of England
touch only commerce, for which they have
no regard, England controls them, and the
game is temporarily hers. But the change
of government does not change the demands
Of the three Powers. There they stand--a
two months armistice; restoration Of the
houses and churches of the Christians: food
enough to feed them one year and exemp-
ton from taxation for three years; with
drawal Of troops from the provinces in re-
volt These demands will be insisted upon.
England supports the Turkish refusal to ac-
cept them. How far will England 90 in
that support This is the problem. Rus
STA, Prussia and Austria must invade the
country to secure these terms, il that seems
necessary, and it seems very doubtful
whether England will commit herself to
position involving resistance to their armies.