The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-09-22
The Rnsso-Turkish War.

The Russo-T Turkish War.
This war has surprised the world very
mach for the remarkable pluck and herolsn
displayed by the Turks. The Russians
have, indeed, had their hands full, and We
may look forward to tough work for tho
car. As we have before said, lie is placed
to disadvantage for the want OF Transports
ton. The Black Sea, which borders for {
great distance upon his territory, is practl'
calS useless to him; FOR, being shut Of
from exit, he had to send of bis ships be-
fore the war to avoid their being caught III
4 trap, as it were. 1t is indeed to get al
outlet to sea that the Car is now fighting
This outlet by all means he should have.
This is great disadvantage in carrying
on war against powerful nation upon
the frontier Of his kingdom, so far from his
munitions and supplies. He has fought
braveIy, indeed, and been put to disadvan-
tage to q degree that has excited the sympa-
thy OF the friends Of Russia, and, we may
say, OF civilization.
Nevertheless, Russia, we believe, Will
triumph. She continues to move to the
front her powerful reinforcements, and her
condition is just one that makes her triumph
necessary-necessary both for Europe and
herself. Islamlsm is uncompromisingly hos
tile to Christianity, and Uice versa. The two
faiths cannot live together in harmony.
From the time of the Crusades they have
been at war. Turkey carried on war OF ag-
erosion, and swelled her conquests in ELL
rope so that at one time there was apprehen-
sion that she would inundate Western as well
as Eastern Europe with Islamism. Fortrl-
nately for the Continent the Turk was
checked. But the Turkish provinces
in Europe, where now some H.
100000 Christians are governed by say
1000, 900 Turks, have been ever in state
Of discomfort, with frequent rebellions and
bloody wars and massacres; for the Turks
are prone to the business Of massacres.
They have no mercy for Christians. The
unhappy political condition OF Turkey in
Europe has been constant cause OF trouble,
and but that England's Indian interests
created with her sordid jealousy against
any European Power getting possession OF
Constantinople Gor so long time regarded
as the way to India) the European king
doms would ere now have combined for the
expulsion OF Islamism from Europe, and
the putting an end to the detestable Eastern
question.
IF by intervention peace were now estab-
lisbed, leaving Turkey still with her Euro
mean provinces, that would not end the
Eastern question. It would reappear with
renewed bitterness and hate; for the int1u-
ences of civilization, growing in force and
flowing eastwardly, tend to ALLEVIATE the
Christians from their Turkish rulers, and
make them more and more discontinued
with their CALLING yoke.
So that Europe must see that the only way
to put an end to the Eastern troubles is to
drive out the Turk and establish homoge-
neous condition of the Christians now I'M
der his dominion.
Islamism is aggressive. Very naturally,
as it hates Christianity it will ever be in
clined to war upon it. If the Turk were to
defeat the Russians we cannot doubt that
he would desire to extend his power in
Europe. Logically, Turkey cannot stand
still. She must recede or move forward.
This follows inevitably from the antagonism
that exists ever between nations Of such
hostile faiths. We are sure the leading
statesmen of Europe must see these things.
Without being an admirer OF BISMARCK, we
regard him as the most sagacious statesman
Of Europe. He understands fully, no doubt,
the situation, and we suspect that he sees
that it is necessary to end the Eastern ques-
ton.
What BIsMARCK's plan or map may be is
a matter of secondary Importance. We con-
lecture that it is based upon the expulsion
of the Turk from Europe. Entertaining
that idea. we think this result will take
place. Russia will, we believe, gain the
victory; but II she lacks strength to do
so we suspect it will be furnished to her in
some way or other.
Europe, civilization, humanity, wants the
Eastern question ended, and that never
will end while the Turk is in Europe. The
unspeakable" gentleman will have to go.
OF this we have little doubt, unless we read
all the signs in the wrong light, and are alto
gether mistaken as to the logic Of events.