The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1877-12-27
What is to Happen in Europe |?

Inc pOltlcS OF Europe are growing
more interesting day by day. The Rus
slams, having prevailed in the war, and
broken the power of the Turks, are pre-
pairing to reap and realize the fruits of
victory. The Sultan appeals piteously
and beseechingly to the great powers to
use their influence towards securing for
him and his nation the best possible
terms The Gar is apparently about to
realize what his predecessors have for
centuries dreamed of, schemed for and
fought for-an outlet to the Mediterrane
al, and a road to the east down the wa
ter shed Of the Euphrates and the Tigris.
Russia, great i'll territory, great in popu-
lation and in warlike resources, desires to
be in commercial enterprise, and if need
be, in conquest, the rival of England. She
has quenched in blood the hopes that the
Turks can have Of preserving unalded
their possessions in Europe. The tramp
of the countless and resistless northern
legions is already heard in the passes of
the lofty Balkans, laughing at the trosts
and SHOWS of winter, which have such
terrors for the shivering soldiers of the
Sultan Their faces are set with de-
termination towards the spires Of Con-
stantinople, and their hearts animated
by the belief that nothing can interpOse
to prevent the planting Of the imperial
eagles even upon the mosque OF st. Sophia
The fate of an empire is borne on those
northern bayonets. Shall the troubled
reign Of the Aosems in the European
possessions be prolonged yet a few years,
or shall they be driven back to the Asiatc
wastes from which their hordes emerged
five hundred wears ago, bearing the sym
bols OF a new and bloody superstition
and enforcing proselytism with the cry of
.'BelicYt or die. The situation has more
Of dramatic interest than the events of
Europe have presented since the fortunes
Of Napoleon went down before the resist
teloO.
The appeals of the Sultan are likely to
produce but little effect upon the CONT
mental powers of Europe. Austria, with
her borders upon Turkey, is at an under
standing with the Gar, beyond doubt
T-~--ee i i4,ointl ulIt, VIII grave affairs
of her own demanding her attention.
Germany, secure in her situation and
military power, is from policy friendly to
Russia: and to England's query as to her
intentions, returned Il cOntemptuous an
sWcr. England, then, must decide alone,
There is no doubt that she will fight hard
and long, in defence of her interests
But with the courage of the lion, there is
mingled the shreWdness Of the fox. She
had rather win by diplomacy than by
arms. She will watch and wait, as she
did during the late civil war in America.
leaning on her sword, but hoping that its
use may be averted. Her army is ready,
and her immense fleet, manned and in
perfect order, waits the commands of
the ministry. Gibraltar and Malta swarm
with soldiers, and fleets Of transports
have all the summer poured their cargoes
Of powder, shot, arms and provisions in
to those strongholds. What shall grow
out of this combustible condition of Eu-
rope, the future must determine The
division Of opinion in the English coun-
ellis have thus far it is said, delayed her
decided action. The calling together of
Parliament for the 18th of January may
settle her policy, and then the world may
know what to expect Renewed and eX-
tended hostilties are not improbable,
with a general European war looming in
the distance. Beyond that even coniec-
ture cannot penetrate.