Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1877-04-18
IuawIAN VA CLOUD.



must all along have foreseen that
war between Turkey and Russia was
inevitable, simply owing TO the logic
OF the situation. That logic may be
summed up in very few words,
namely, the condition of Turkey
Until a radical change takes place
in the present condition Of the Otto
man Empire, peace even for a year
will remain impossible.
The situation at this time is as
follows: 1t is well known that the
question who should disarm FIRST,
Russia or Turkey, had been left an
open one. even in the protocol. The
general belief was that there could
10 little doubt on this point, as Tur-
key would be only to glad to disarm
soon. But the obstacles in tho Sui
tans way of disarminS seem to be
almost insurmountabie. He cannot
do 50 until peace is made with Mon
tenegro but the cutlery against the
claims OF Montenegro Is so great
that the Coustautinople Government
dare not grant them. Prince Mich
ola., for his part, has the sanction
and the authority of Europe in sup
port of his demands. which Europe
cannot easily withdraw. 1t would
be impossible for Russia TO demo-
Billie until Turkey disarins, because
Turkey could then throw her whole
force against Montenegro and crush
the gallant little State, result
which no Russian, even Of the peace
party will conteml late for single
moment Russia would rise as one
man ii she thought such an idea
was contemplated. Prince Nicholas
knows this very well. If he yields
au inch, it is because he really wishes
to avoid war; but the more he
yields the more the Turks think he
will yield, and the more arrogant
and insolcnt they grow. But Prince
Nicholas vii! not yield everything,
knowing rs he does that he can call
the Russians to his assistance. That
he has yielded so much shows his
extreme moderation and great desire
to avoid war, but there is point
beyond which he will not 60. I'M
less the Turks can still be brought
to their senses, there is no issue bat
an appeal to arms The whole ques-
| ton hes in the action Of Montenegro
| aud the Porte With them virtually
rests the decision of peace or war
The Russian Government cannot iu-
tlueuce Prince Nicholas beyond q
certain point---even if it would-be-
cause he can appeal to q greater
power than the Russian Government
that is, the Russian people.
The diplomatists who have lately
been engaged in IL protocol which
cannot affect tho real obstacle to
peace, have split hairs, drawn fine
| distinctions about the meaning Of
words, turned round and round the
same point, like squirrels in cage,
and made as much progress as IA
horse in II tread-mill. There are
two games being played in Europe
Just now---the diplomatic game in
the Cabinets of the Great Powers,
tho game Of events in Turkey.
There is not the slightest connection
between them. The issue of one
will not have the Sill htcst effect up
on the result of the other. Russia,
it is certain, will never diSarm until
peace is made with Montenegro, and
| Turkey demobiiizes. Negotiations
are still Turning on this point, but
there is very small prospect of sue
cess. Whatever Vi w is taken Of
the situation, their is only one issue,
coercion, if war is 10 be avoided.
The Turba must be forced TO make
peace with Montenegro. disarm, and
guarantee for their better conduct
in future. aS far as the Slavonic
/ Christians are concerned.
This is the price at which war
alone can be ayerted. As Europe
refuses to coerce Turkey, the only
alternative i for the Russians 10
cross the Pruth- th,cdgo JooiHdi