New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-08-31
MEDIATION At LAST.

If there were no other proof that mediation
in the TurcO-Scrvian war has been determined
upon by the European Powers, the dispatches
from the permanent battlefield at AlcXinatz
would be sufficient evidence of the fact.
They are no less contradictory than exag-
gcratcd. The Servian and Turkish generals
are not so much fighting as making reports
of successes, in order TO gam diplomatic
advantage. First there is a Servian victory,
accompanied by revival of the war spirit
among the people; then an enormous Turkish
victory, justifymg the Porte i'll asking for an
indemnity and the occupation of "A fortress or
two and now Servia takes her turn again.
Neither side has any time to lose for Europe,
delaying until the eleventh hour, suddenly
pcrceivcs that the opportunities for mediation
are slipping away, and the promptcst action
is necessary in order to put out the fire of
war while it is still cxtinguishable.
The simple truth is, that both Servia and Tur-
key are wearied disappointed, and anxious for a
settlement. The former country has failed
miscIably her military leaders have been III
efficient and her soldiers have consequently
not fought well. BY emitting to secure the CO.
opcration of Montenegro, she blundcr at the
outset From the moment she was TIN own on
the defensive, she has prosecuted the struggle
without spirit ard without hope. On the other
side, while the Turkish generals have shown
admirable military talent, and the troops have
fought bravely and stubbornly, the Govern
mcpt finds it next to impossible to procure
and forward supplies. Turkey Is bankrupt
and her armies are starving. With a diseased
and drunken Sultan about to be replaced by
an idotic one, she is forced 10 avoid a pro-
loncation Of the war. But she naturally seeks
TO gain some little profit. or nj least prestige ont
of a mediation which she must accept because
she cannot resist. When the truth comes To
be known, we think it VIII he found that the
recent series OF great battles before Alcxinatz
have been skmmIshes for appearance sake
rather than honest struggles for victory.
What is to be the basis of mediation A
return to the Stdtu geo, as England has tenta-
lively suggested Mr. Gladstone remarked
Yesterday that this would gave opportunity for
a repetition of the "recent" outrages. Bu:
when Europe is forced to believe that the ont
RACES in Bulgaria have not ceased,-tllat, in
all their nameeSs hidcousness, they are peIpc-
tiated at this very ment,-England would
hardly dare 10 propose, nor would any other
Power accept, plan OF mediation which fur
nishes no new security to the Christian sub
iccts of Turkey. England is already morally
answCrablc for a large proportion of these
horrors The programme of the Berlin Con-
ference would have been modified to secure
her adhesion, but Disraeh and Lord Derby
preferred what now turns ont To have been a
sham diplomatic triumph. The other Powers
have avenged their seeming defeat by waiting
for England TO take the initiative when the
alternative became Gas might have been easily
foreseen) Intervention or n general European
war. This she is doing, but in an uncertain,
half-hearted way. which promises nothing bet
ter than temporary prop 10 structure which
should be thoroughly repaired if il cannot he
rebuilt.
The prospect of mediation, as we see, affects
even the movements OF the opposing armies.
So much the mere will it tend to hold in
allowance the elements of rebellion or hostility
of race and creed in other quarters. 1t is still
possible, therefore, by forcing upon Turkey a
few real and Indispensable changes, and stcrnly
superintending their enforcement, to postpone
for some years the final catastrophe. But, to
accomplish this, the Christian Powers must
act Immediately, earnestly, honestly, and with
enough surrender of their individual interests
and jcalouscs to insure some appearance OF
unanimity. Anything less than this will be Il
mere criminal tampering with the agencies Of
blood and devastation. Meanwhile, the atroci-
ties in Bulgaria can and should be instantly
suppressed Every additional day OF them adds
TO the disgrace of Europe. If England, now
fully informed by her representative on the
spot, Mr.. Barring, heSitates longer, the world
will welcome the armed interference of Russia.