The Van Buren press., 1877-05-15
The English Manifesto.

Lord Derby's reply to tho Russian cir
cu,ar will be read with profound inter-
est on both sides of the Atlantic. Unlike
most documents of the kind, it is vigor
ously and plainly written, and leaves no
doubt on one exceedingly important
point; that is, tho feeling of tho British
government in regard to the pending
war. The minister for foreign affairs
does not hesitate TO declare that Russia,
in asserting that she is ACTIN ain accor-
dance with the sentiments 4 interests Of
Europe does not tell the truth so far as
England is concerned; that, in the opin-
ion Of England, the war might have been
averted, or, at least, indefinitely postpo-
ned by a conservative policy and that
Russia has taken an ungencrous advant-
age of the confidence Of the European
powers-more particularly Of England
and therefore need not expect, and
will not have English sympathy.
Now, while all this may be true, it is
difficult to see what England can gain
by proclaiming her disappointment and
dissatisfaction to the world. 1t is moth
ing more than frank, yet not very
goad natured, confession that she has
been out-maneuvcred by Russia in the
game of diplomacy; used as sort OF
cats paw in the business, and thrown
aside when that business had progressed
sufficiently to require no cats paw. 1t
is solemn, surly growl from the ever
jealous, though rather thick-hcaded Brit
ish lion but, at the same time, an unin-
territorial acknowledgment that the lion
has not yet decided what to do in the
matter. All the powers, except Russia,
will laugh at the Derby manifesto. Rus
sia will smile grimly, and prepare for tho
worst. She knows positively, now, what
she probably only suspected before, that
in spite Of the matrimonial alliance be-
tween the two countries, and in spite OF
the innumerablc professions of friend.
ship which preceded this alliance, Eng
land looks upon Russia as her most dan
gerous rival, and is merely awaiting the
proper provoeation and a favorable op-
portunity to cripple that rival by sharp
and heavy blow "Forcwarned is fore
armed" Russia will henceforth bo on
berguard against an assault, which, how
ever long delayed, is inevitable. While
fighting Turkey with one hand, she will
keep the other ready to fight England
and the first hostile movement on the
part of the latter will be met more than
half way. The manifesto was issued toe
late or too soon. Too late, if intended
to restore peaceful relations between
Russia and Turkey too soon, if intend.
ed as prelude to English Interference
Six weeks ago such an emphatic protest
might, and we think would, have preven.
ted the outbreak of war; but the wal
has now begun, and Russia cannot turn
back without incurring dishonor more
to be dreaded than defeat. Six weeks,
or six months hence, when England was
thoroughly ready to step into the ring
with drawn sword, this protest would
have been an appropriate introduction to
an appeal to arms. Coming now, it is
simply thinly-disguised threat, which
places England in the position of dieting
Il dare not wait upon | would" Il
will not frighten Russia, and it will no,
help Turkey.
Lord Derby, of course, does not say
what act on the part OF Russia will BE-
deemed sufficient cause for English inter
vention; but whenever it becomes rea
snnahly nA-ta;.. ,i,.t -~iti,out foIc,gu ait
Turkey must lose Constantinople, th'
sick man" will find an active and deter
mined friend. We question whether tht
government, however beIigcrently dis
posed can stir m n war snirit amn nny fhf
English people on any less provocation
than this; but that spirit will rise high
enough, and burn fiercely enough as soor
as the safety Of the city of Constantine
is seriously jeopardizod by a succession
of Russian victories, England's ultima
tum is on tho banks OF the Bosphurus
and should that ultimatum be reached
there will be war compared with which
the present one is child's play.-St- Lou
is Republican.
A nMIRAI poprru sors tho 'TurL al