The Portland daily press., 1878-01-30
The Terms Of Peace.


The terms of peace which Russia offers to
Turkey are substantially those published in
the London Post and made known in this
country Sunday. Their final acceptance will
probably depend upon Germany; for if that
power supports the demands of the Gar the
opposition of England and even of Austria
will avail little. At the most only unimport-
ant notifications will be permitted. The
terms upon which Russia insists are these:
]. The autonomy Of Bulgaria. As this
was in effect one of the proposals Of the
Constantinople conference a year ago it will
not be seriously objected to now. But there
will arise some oppo.ition to the extension of
the Bulgarian boundaries south of the Bak-
ans. However, with the memory of the
Philippcpolis massacre fresh in the minds of
Europe there can be no serious intention of
continuing the rule of the Turk over that
district.
II. A Christian administration for Bosnia
and the Herzegovina. This will of course
be conceded; as it was one of the conference
conditions.
1l1s lOfLSlOuo IOI Uuo UCLLCE duulQISLra.
ton of the other Turkish provinces. This
article will be conceded in theory, but wran-
giles may come about when the discussion of
particulars is entered upon. Russia's view
of proper provisions may differ from that en-
tertained by some of the other powers. But
if she has the support Of Germany she will
probably carry her point.
". The independence of Seryia and
Roumania. As this is an accomplished fact
its recognition will not be delayed.
V. The increase of Montenegrn territory.
The only power this increase can affect is
Austria, and it is not clear how her interests
are menaced by it.
vi. The cession of Bessaraba to Russia.
Austria and England both will object to this
restoration of the old Russian boundary.
But unless Germany is unwilling it will be
effected. There is every reason to believe
that Italy will be governed by the course of
Germany.
VII. The annexation of part of Arme-
MIA. England will of course oppose this.
The other powers will be Indifferent.
VIII. A war indemnity of 100000 900.
This is reasonable claim and will not be
opposed.
TX. The opening of the Dardanelles to
Russian war ships. This is really the great
question at dispute between Russia and Eng
land; but unless England has allies in the
conference or is willing to 60 to war Russia
will probably gain this point.
1t may then be assumed that the first,
second, fourth, fifth and eight propositions
will be accepted with little debate; that the
third will give rise to much discussion over
its definition, but will finally be adopted;
that the sixth will be opposed by England
and Austria, and the seventh by England
alone; and that the ninth will command
more attention and excite more opposition
than all the others. Germany will doubtless
have the last word and her opinions will
shape the final settlement. The Russian
terms seem eminently reasonable. The stip-
ulations concerning the Christian provinces
are in the direct line of the Conference pro.
posals, and certainly no severer than every
body expected. The money indemnity will
not begin to repay Russia's expenses in the
war, and it seems no more than just that she
should have the moderate territorial indem-
nifty for which she asks. The freedom of
the straits seems reasonable too, however
much it may be opposed to English interests.
The world has not yet come to the belief
that the interests OF England are always the
interests of civilization, and it does not see
the absolute necessity of sustaining the Brit
ish rule in India even were that rule men,
aced by the freedom of the Dardanelles. II
Russia consents to the passage of the strait
by the war vessels of all nations English
opposition will have little reason for further
continuance.
The debates in the British Parliament
afford 10 indication of the course England
will take. The preposterous idea that Tur-
key can be induced to continue the struggle
IN the interests Of Great Britain when she
can no longer defend her own interests will
exctei mirth rather than apprehension in
Europe. But If England does arm and send
into her feet the Dardanelles, refusing to
concede the freedom of the straits, another
conflict is inevitable, for Russia will never
voluntarily consent to lose the fruits of her
victory.