Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-05-11
highlands Reply to Russia.


The reply of Lord Derby, the English Sec
rotary Of Foreign Affairs, t. the circular Of
Prince Gcrtschakod Iepudiates Russia's
claim that. in declaring war against Turkey,
she IS representing the views and interests of
Europe Lord Derby says:
Her Majesty Government cannot admit,
as contcnccd by Prince Gortschakoii, that
the answer of the Porte removed all hopes of
Difference to the wishes and advice of Europe
and all security for the application of re-
forms. nor necessarily preclude the posi-
bility of the conclusion of peace with Mon
tenegro or of an arrangement for mutual dis
armament.
Her Maesty's Government still believe
that with patience and moderation ON both
sides. these objects might not improbably
have been attained Prince Gortschakoff,
however, asserts that all openings are closed
for attempts at Cancellation. The Emperor
resolved to undertake the task of obtaining
by coercion that which the unanimous efforts =.
of the Powers failed to obtain by persua-
sion, and he expresses His Maicsty's convic-
ton that this step is in accordance with the
sentiments and interests of Europe.
1t cannot be expected that Her Majesty's
government should agree to this view. They
have not concealed their feeling, that the
presence Of large Russian forces on the from
tiers of Turkey, menacing its safety, render
ing disarmament impossible and awakening
feelings of apprehension and fanaticism, con-
stitutcs material obstacle to paciication
and reform. They cannot believe the en-
trance of these armies upon Turkish soil will
alleviate the difficulty or improve the cOndi
ton of the Christians but course on
which the Russian governmer has entered
| involves grayer and more SCI Is cOnsidcra-
tons. Ii is in contravention {, the stipula-
tiCn of the Treaty of Paris, by which Russia
and the other Powers engaged to respect the
independence and territorial integrity Of the
Ottoman Empire.
In the conference of London in ISL, at
the close of which the above stipulation with
Others was again confirmed, the Russian
Plenipoteniiary, in communication with
these of the other Powers, signed a dcclar-
alton affirming it to be an essential principle
of the law of nations that no Power can
liberate itself from the engagement of a
treaty nor modify the stipulations thereof
unless with the consent of the contracting
| parties by means oil an amlcaDle arrange
mcnt In taking action against Turkey
on his own part, and having recourse to
arms without further consultation with his
allies the Emperor or Russia has separated
himself from European concert, and
has, at the same time, departed from
the rule, to which he, himself, had
solemnly recorded his consent. 1t is
impossible to foresee the consequences ct
Srch an act Her Majesty's government
would willingly have RETAINED from any
observations in this regard, but as Prince
GOrtschakOif seems to assume, in his decar-
tiOns addressed to all the governments Of
Europe, that Russia is acting in the interest
of Great Britain and of the other powers,
they feel bound to state, in a manner equally
formal and public, that the decision Of the
Russian government is not one which car
have their concurrence or approval.
Signed DEREY.
London dispatches say that Lord Derby:
reply had bad effect on the Stock Market
and the press on both sides of the water
comment pointcdly on the brusque tone o
the reply. \ sharp rejoindcr is expected
from Russia and it may not be far from
words to blows between the two nations.