Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-01-04
The Eastern Difficulty.
Comments from the English
Press.
The Effect Of the Course of Russia
IN The Powers.
TURKEY WILL PROBABLY SUE
FOR PEACE.
Remarks of the Earl of Carnovan on tn C
Situation.

LONDON, January g. The Times despatch
from Vienna points out that by admitting that
Russia may negotiate separately, the powers rec
ognize tine privileged position she had so long
claimed IN the settlement Of the Eastern question
and to cancel which was one of the main objects,
il not the chief one of the treaty of Paris. The
despatch says
"By allowing Russia to take upon herself the
enforcement OF certain things upon Turkey, the
powers have indeed already taken great step in
this direction, but so long as Europe upheld the
principle that no negotiations could be carried on
between the beligerents themselves, this privi-
legged position assumed by Russia would close the
moment negotiations began.
Ii on the contrary the principles of separate ne
sotiatlons ~ admitted, an exceptional position Is
thereby sanctioned, and it becomes only "a ques-
uon how far this exceptional position is TO extend.
The firm ground is abandoned and in spite of all
reservation the powers have given up their of par
tcipating IN the settlement OF the question.
The dissemination shown by the British govern
ment to encourage separate negotiations, is an iu-
dlcaon that it was aware Of the Importance of the
principle at Stake. Still, the principle which is
an European one and could only acquire validity
by the JOINT VIII OF ALL or at least most of the pow
eIs, has been abandoned by all except England,
there remains but the alternative for England
either TO dispute single handed the claim OF Rus
STA, or follow the example of the other powers nd
make reservations on paper, or secure guarantees.
We hear from st. Petersburg that the inter
II,
foreign secretary end Lord Softus, British Am
bassador, on this matter. has been of the most
friendly character, and that the teegraphic reply
sent from st. Petersburg was drawn up jointly by
them.
As for all the reports that the Porte has already
come to a resolution of accepting armistice, in
principle they seem premature.
1t is not likely that anything decisive will be
done until Russia's reply is officially communal
Gated to England. The decision OF Turkey will
no doubt depend in great measure on decision
of England.
The Times leading editorial SAYS:
Once more in the midst of disquieting rumors
we have the satisfaction to report re-assuring
statement made by one of the ministers, and at
the present moment 1t ought to be,regarded as
finally deciding the position, as summed by thi,
country. We may interpret his words as mean
ing at least as much as they say, and the unmi is
taxable expression OF the present view of the
ministry. What then is the npshot of Earl Car
novan's speech 1t is an emphatic, a peculiar ly
emphatic reiteraton of the natural policy which
ministers on all responsible occasions have again
and asserted. This decisive declaration has been
made not at all too soon, but it ought 10 terminate
finally the alarm excitement by which the public
have been recently disturbed.
For this purpose it should be only necessary to
add single consldeIs alton to Earl Carnovans
statement. If this is the deliberate judgment of
member the cabinet is it conceivable that any
less decisive opinion can be entertained by the
nation as whole? If there be any disposition
anywhere to enter this war, if insanity of such a
kind anywhere prevails. it is to be found beyond
the question in the conservative, rather than in
the liberal ranks. And if the Earl of Cornovan
cannot conceive repetition of the policy of the
Crimean war by his own party, is it Tor a moment
to be supposed that the other half of the nation
would entertain it /:
1t should clearly be understood that the most
earnest and energetic section of the community is
prepared TO act decisively, without wavering in
support of the principle laid down by Earl Carno-
van. Let it be understood once for all that the
most responsible leaders in both parties deem the
policy of the Crmean war so obsolete that II
would be insanity to revive j. and there will be an
end of the present uujustifcable scare.
New YORK, January 3. A cable special says
Turkey is disposed 10 approach Russia; and Aus
tia, Germany. France and Italy, while admitting
the priuclplepf separate negotiation, will claim a
voice in the final settlement.
LONDON, January g. The Earl of Csrnovan
made concilistory speech yesterday to deputa-
tion OF South African merchants, a portion oil
which is as follows
81 hope sincerely that the Russian government
and people will remember that many of the ques-
tons aiising at this moment are questions not for
settlement of the two beiligerents alone. They
involve European interests. They are European
questions, and We as member of the European
family, have not only right to be heard upon
them, but 1t IS very important that we should have
distinct voice in the final decision of them. | do
not feel any difficulty in reconciling these two
views, provided only there is reasonable manage
ment and moderation on each side"