New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-03-15
IL Ii ANOTHER CRISIS,

I
last portially opened her mouth, and let slip n
few pleasant and plausible phrases, which
seem to mean peace, but will answer just as
well for war; 1t is impossible to avoid the
conclusion. which THE TRIBUNE has more than
once infereBtialy expressed, that the tentative
and rather amcss communications between
Russia and the other Christian Powers, since
the breakup of the Conference. have been
simply devices to gain time. If Russia really
meant war, she could well afford to endure,
temporarily a seeming humiliation. Further
more, if she meant war, two points OF poilcy
were clearly dictated to her,-frSt, to secure,
by something more than taclt understand
ing, the neutrality of the other Powers, ana
above all, England and secondly, to postpone
the beginning OF hOstiliteS until the favorable
season. We have now the middle of March 4:
the early Spring of the Lower Danube Is
somewhat delayed by the recent exceptional
snowfalls. but must come within fortnight.
All at once Russia speaks, and we nave thc
seventeen seventcentl-crisis III the p0llticai
circles of Europe.
What does the new proposition amount to
In effect, to nothing else but the terms agreed
upon by the Conference, and already rejected
by Turkey. If Gen. Ignatiefi's plan is correctly
rcported to us. it Is simply the same pill,
coated with different variety of diplomatic
SUGAR. There is to be either "a protocol
emanating from the six Powers, or dip!o-
matte instrument signed by Turkey alone.
"but countersigned by the Powers"-a very
delicate distinction !-rcairming all the de-
mands of the Conference and allowing Turkey
l.. h. 70 aapVx tIn pain
effect. There is no word of coercion, but
when the two months expire, :" the Powers
would no longer be bound to act collectively,
but wouM be compelled, in ciriue ot the
"protoc0I. to 0tIoW the free exercise Of armed
" Intervention by one or several Powers"
What is this but binding Europe to neutrality,
in case the declaration Of war is postponed for
two Inonthsl For even if Turkey should re-
cedc from her defiant attitude, and submit,
how is it possible for her 10 Introduce reforms
subvelsive of all her past systems OF govern
mcnt, in so short a term With new disturb
ances fermenting in Bosnia, with Monte
negro still shy Of concluding peace, with
deep and pOrtent0us rum0rs OF trouble
in the Ottoman Government, what can be
expected in two months Russia can well at
ford to wait until the middle OF May, the best
season for opening y campaign. Either way,
therefore, she prepares for herself ii final TIL
umph. Her apparent inactIon, up to this time,
will count as forbearance: she offers Europe
something which looks like compromise
something Europe has once accepted and can
find no good reason for rejecting nOW,--yct
which, however it may result, will answer her
purpose.
The hope of the Powers, of course, is that
they may persuade Turkey to accept the
"protOcol" or the "diplomatic instrument"
and thus stave Off for limited time, the evil
day. But Turkey, just now, shows the stub
bornncss of chronic invalid: she is tired of
the European nOstlumS she has tried, and finds
a tonic effect, however iiceting, in the dose
she herself has cOncOcted. Her condition is
too abnormal too prccariOus, too overweight,
to he depended upon. No: whatever may I'M
medatey happen, the Eastern Question has
entered upon its last stage of life. The politi
cal devices are breaking down one by one.
This is not a new crisis, but a continuation of
the former one. We have reached the begin
ming of the end.