, 1876-11-15
AMERICAN qBLBGRAMS S,
EUROPEAN AFFAIRS.

no AIbCl OSbthS Cobul ~ WhlCu bAAC
student of the philosophy of history can give
his attention is the curious religious nntago-
nisms which threaten to c~onvulse Europe. In
Spain Catholicism is trying to crush out PrOtes-
tantism. In the East, Northumberland in
Arabia, Egypt, Persia, India and Turkey
threatens to renew its crusade against the
same Christianity and Gothic civilization
which it obliterated in Spain so many centu-
ries ago. Events are ripe for a second Sala-
din or Abdarrahman DeSpised, accused of
the Anglo-Saxon race, the Mohammedan, call
him Moor or Turk, turns upon bis old and
bitter enemy and defes all Europe. Already
are heard the rumblings Of a storm which may
repeat the history Of The darkest Middle Ages.
Already are seen the elements Of an invasion
of Europe which may unite oil interests and
cause European Christendom to proclaim a
crusade outrivalling the days of Richard C@ur
de Leon or Godfrey de B0uillon. From all the
provinces in Turkey, in Asia or Europe, come
reports of growing excitement among the
Mohammedans. People who should know
whereof they speak declare that several millions
Of men in India are ready to march upon the
West to protect their faith.
Conventicles are held In mosques, and Just
such a religious foment is being fostered as has
been stirred up in Southern Russia. The only
satisfaction for such a gloomy prospect is to
be found in the pride which we feel for the
nineteenth century-an age which gives us iron
clad nayies. A halt dozen ships 10 thu Oar
danelles and the BOsphorus enable the Europe of
to-day to defy all Asia. The famine in India
which a thoughtful Providence sends at the
right moment, will disarm the religious fana-
tics of the far East, and render impossible an
advance to the aid Of Turkey in Europe.
The outlook in Turkey is very gloomy. The
Ministry is divided against itself, and the
Sultan is too inexperienced 20 take the leader
ship Of affairs. Thus the position is most
favorable for Russia's diplomatic action.
General I|gnatielf, the Russian Ambassador at
OOnstantinople, may carry every thing before
him, or, if he fails, may induce such an
outbreak Of Mohammedan feeling as might
justify almost any step on the part Of Russia.
Mr.. Barring, the Secretary of the British Lega-
ton, is about to return from PhjlIipoppolis
being convinced that the commission for the
punishment of tho perpetrators of the Balgari-
an atrocities il a deluSion and a mockery. The
worst criminals are regarded as humane, and
moderate men are in disgrace. The old paaio
Is renewed, and u most trustworthy gentleman
has travelled with the utmost haste to Con-
stantinopIe to inform Mr.. Elliott, tho British
Ambassador, that the Turks threaten new
massaores. and have even appointed a day for
beginning the slaughter.
Turkey has declared her readiness to accept
the six weeks armistioe provided it is recon-
mended by all the Powers. 1t is reasSuring to
hear from ConstantinopIe that hopes of a more
peaceful turn in affairs have considerably in
creased. This feeling is caused by the uneXpeot-
eddy conciliatory attitude of General I~gnatieff.
There has not been any trace hitherto of
Russia's offering provocation with the view Of
bringing about a collision. On the contrary,
any such intention has been distinctly and
decidedly disclaimed. While affairs thus look
better in Constantinople, one can trace all
around Turkey the iron ring prepared by
Russia, which is closing and Tightening rapidly
and firmly. The friendly relations between
Ssrvia and Montenegro, which had become
embroiled, have been restored. Prince Nikita
has promised Servia that he would in no case
accept an armistice extending beyond the
present year. On the Roumanian side mat
ters have not gone so fairly. Prince John
Ghika 10 going on a special mission to the
European courts. This seems to indicate an
earnest desire on the part of Roumania to
avoid, If possible. making common cause with
Russia. She probably wishes to ascertain