Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1877-04-26
EASTERN QUESTION.
The Impressions of an Eminent
DiplOmate-The Points at Is.
sue, and the Extent of Euro
pcan Concern.

A Washington correspondent of the Phila-
delphia Press furnishes the following:
An eminent statesman, diplomatic and
author, for some years envoy of the United
States to one of the most powerful courts of
Europe, and for several years an honored res
ident of this city, in speaking of the question,
said to day that his sympathics were so heart
lily enlisted in favor of the expulsion of the
Turks from Europe that he could hardly trust
himself to the expression of an impartial
opinion. He stated, however, that both Rus
sia and Turkey have gone to such extremes
entirely antagonistic on the points of eentro-
versy that he could hardly see how eitler
could withdraw. So far as readiness for the
impending conflict WIS concerned neither
were in condition to undertake it. The Rus
sian army was deficient in many of the ae-
compartments to a vigorous prosecution of
active hostilities, while the Turkish govern
ment 10 in state of pecuniary distress which
is beyond remedy. Russia herself, he further
said, was not in the most flattering condition
sources. He supposed that it was still posi-
BILE to avoid a war if these considerations
should come fairly betareshe attention of the
two governments When al other means ot
settlement shall have passed he thought if
she struggle commenced there was nothing on
the part of Russia which would be likely 10
draw other nations into the vortex
Notwithstanding their present declaration
of a purpose to maintain strict neutrality,
should Russia, in her offensive operations,
move beyond the Pruth and take position
upon the soil of Moldavia, thus endangering
the embouchure of the Danube, Germany ard
Austria would be compelled to interpose. At
one time the mouth of this great artery Of
trade was held by Russia, but subsequently,
in tine readjustment of boundaries, it was as
signed to Turkish dominion that it might be
less liable to the exercise of jurisdiction
which would be hostile to the powers inter-
ested in its open navigation. This important
stream rises in the mountains of Baden and
/ flows with increasing volume through the
it'll fiiiCiPaiity Va dOhcuZoiicIu, WuIseiu
berg and Bavaria, entering the austrian do
minions at Instaddt, thence flowing through
its entire breadth, and through Hungary inte
the Turkish territory, thence into the Black
Sea- Upon its populous and fertile banks are
the great cities of Vienna, Presburg and
Pesth, and its tributaries are the Saye, Thiesse
and DIave, upon those waters, as vel as upon
the Danube itself, is .canied ar importan,
trade to the Black Sea. Therefore, from the
position of things, both Germany and Austria
will find it TO be important TO be prepared fol
any emergency that may impede navigation
or the means of trade enjoyed by them-eye1
this great stream.
Should Russia interfere in the direction o.
the established boundaries or in conflict will
the interest of the Christian nations by an at
t.mpt to establish their authority upon til,
bank of the Bosphorus, it would be regarded
as jeopardizing the interests, not only of tn
nations named, but more particularly tn
British Empire. The necessity which le'
the English to purchase controlling interes
in the Suez canal gives them justification O
any course they may decide to take for th
protection of British interests in the Turks
dominion. France and Italy, he though
would have but little interest in the conf1ic
but in case the other nations became involve
might find it necessary to participate to d
fend their own autonomy.