New-York tribune., 1878-02-06
ETROPE md TIE PEACE.

RUSSIA and Turkey. The terms are such that
Great Britain is disturbed, Austria shows dis
content which may or may not have been en-
tirely removed by later diplomatic representa-
tions, Italy and Germany make no signs OF
dissent, and France, if correctly represented
bv NJ. Gambetta, is disposed to object. Ncv-
ertheless, the discomfort of other powers does
not seriously threaten the peace OF Europe. 1t
has been conceded that Congress OF European
Powers shall be held to consider the details,
and the victory of Russia is so complete that,
in accordance with established principles OF
international law, its demands appear
reasonable and cannot well be resisted.
England clone, it is probable, will be
disposed to make strong opposition to
the opening of the Dardanelles to Russian
ships of war. Austria, if pacified Ill other
respects, has 10 considerable interest. Italy Is
Jealous of England's naval supremacy i'll the
Mediterranean. France, it seems probable,
NAV be influenced in some degree by like
feeling. Hence, if Great Britain should
threaten hostilities on that account alone, 1t
would probably be left without an ally. AS
TO other items of the Russian demands, they
can apparently be arranged to the satisfaction
OF all European Powers except Great Britain.
Dismember1nent Of Turkey, independence OF
Roumelia, extension of territory for Russia III
Furope. and for Servia and Montenegro, and
the establishment of Bulgaria as principally,
are not matters upon which Germany and
Austria arc likely to disagree with Russia to
the end, or about which France or Italy will
feel great interest. The acquisition OF terri-
tory in Asia by Russia concerns England
alone
Apparently, therefore, Great Britain will go
into a Congress of Nations, if one is held. with
demands not supported by any other Power.
II can no longer object OH behalf of the Tu. x.
His treaty has been signed, and the refusal Of
England to interfere hitherto has not tended
TO make Turkish feeling friendly to England,
while the result Of the war COmpels the Turk to
consider Russian demands more seriously than
those of any other Power. As to distribution
Of Turkish territory, not one of the Christian
Powers can well object to any settlement which
nrotoct, the Christians of Bulgaria against such
atrocities as have been recorded, while the
conquest of territory in Asia, il disturbing to
England, establishes claim to have and to
hold which that Power only will be likely TO
dispute. There remains only the question of
the Dardanelles, and in respect to that the
wish of Great Britain can hardly be with rea-
son treated as the public law of Europe.
"Tbe straits are the key of my house, said
the Emperor Alexander. AS Russia has gained
n large frontage on the Black Sea, so that a
great part of its commerce is with Russian
pOrts. what good reason can be given for de-
b1r,inp Russian vessels Of war from convoy
mo its merchant-ships into the Mediterranean 7
But one can be named Turkey holds both
shores of the gate. But if Turkey sulrenders
the powel to exclude any or all foreign ships
of war. on what ground can any other nation
object The power was at first ex-
ercised 10y Turkey at time when
no other power disputed lis supremacy in the
Black Sea was formally acknowledged in the
treaty of 1909, and again in 1S41. and again
bv the treaty of Paris in 1856 and finally,
With slight modification, b. the Conference at
London in 1871. But there is probably no
student of international law who can cite a
recognized principle upon which the exclusion
can be sustained If Turkey surrenders its
claims, other nations may, indeed, demand
flat the Dardancl.es shall be opened to their
fleets rs well as to those of Russia, but the
concession WOulu Dc tinptJ w u'Nh, pcHchCHti
to Russia only, and conceived 10 be injurious to
England only. For it is feared in England
that Russia, now walled in by the severe
Winter of the Baltic, would become a mighty
naval power with command of the Black Sea
and freedom of exit. and might at any time
threaten English communications with India
by way of the Suez Canal. English fears are
not nnnatural. But there is nothing in recog-
nized principles of international law, and moth
ing in the interests of other Powers, to bring
support to England in its demands. The Black
Sen is not FL nglish it is partly Russian and
partly Turkish; and if those Powers agree as
to the use of it, and of the necessary entrance
to it, who can with reason object On this
question is likely to turn all the diplomacy OF