New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-10-07
on TILE EDGE OF VdR.

Since the beginning of this week a new diff
iiculty has been added to the Eastern question.
Turkey, as might easily have been foreseen,
has followed the example OF Seryla III object
ing to the terms prepared for her acceptance.
Once more the evidence of violently fanati-
cal anti Christian excitement among the
Moslem population is brought to light: nay, 1t
is ADM ted and urged by the Porte as reason
for more moderate stpulations on the part OF
the Great Powers. The interests which might
easily have been compromised four months
ago, become stubborn and unmanageabe IN
proportion as they recognize their real strength
No easy diplomatic meanderng viii now aVall.
Every movement to prevent war by " under
"standingsr between this and that Govern
ment has not delayed the steady dlllt OF the
struggle toward the Iaggedest edge OF danger
TO the peace of Europe. With Sclyia refusing
4 s,1spepsion of hostilities because she knows
what fierce and widespread Slavic sympathle'
stand behind her, and Turkey refusing guar
antces on the pretcxt of threatened revolution
among her own people, n mere concert OF
opinion among the Powers Is useless. There
must be an immediate concert of action.
The position of England is alike peculiar
and embarrassing. Meetings III dcnunciaton
of Turkey are still held at the rate of twenty
or thirty week, while Russia is swiftly APP
proaching the step of overt alliance with Ser
via. English sympathy and policy are thus
drawn into direct conflict and while the Gov
ernr cnt would probably be sustained in res
cuing something of the latter from the wreck
consequent upon Russas participation in the
war, it can no longer work through an ALL
ance, direct or indirect, with Turkey. The
dilemma of the Bcaconsticd Ministry Is all
the more painful, following 30 close upon ITS
premature exutation over the failure OF the
Berlin Conference. The chance then thrown
away would be a godscnd now But neither
can the English people Immediately decide
upon a policy which might satisfy their feel
ings without involving the sacrifice of old ana
hallowed principles. The alarm which Is re-
ported rs prevailing in London Is moro than
half confusion Events have gone so much
faster than discussions and deliberations, that
the crisis finds everybody un repaired. The
Government. of course. will make the most OF
this state of things. 1t is too late 70 call
special session of Parliament; prompt action
has been determined upon. at last; and thus
there will bc at least a cessation of popular
create further embarrassment.
Russia's course can only be arrested by an
immediate, clear and positive declaration from
the other Powers, coupled with Turkeys as
sent To terms which must deeply humiliate her
Mosem population. The cXigcncieS Of the sit
uation are such that both these movements
may still bc carried ont. The Government of
Roumania is powcrlcss To prevent the rcCn-
forcemcnts for the Seryian army passing
through its territory, and in case of war it
would be, by the necessity of situation, race
and creed, the vassal of Russia. More than one
line of railway crosses its territory, and large
army could easily be transported i'll a week
from BcSsarabla to the Danube. Ii Is this Ia
cility of action which gives such character
of impending momentum to Russia'S present
attitude She will move strongly, if she moves
ut all. And so much force is already piled up
and topping, among her people, that 1t will
be soon self-started unless instantly and firmly
stayed. 1t changes no fact to say that Seryia
is acting like a spoiled child and Turkey like
petulant invalid. Reproof of the one, respect
for the territorial integrity of the Other, are
no longer operative factors in the question.
The situation must be grasped, just rs 1t Is,
and heroic remedy applied. Otherwise. Eu-
rope will experience an epidemic of war.