The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-02-01

Will SOOu DecOme palnIul.
England and the War.
Last night the proposition to vote money
for war preparations was debated in the
House of Commons with great heat, and,
indeed, with rancor and display OF
party spirit which plainly indicate that
the topic has reached ground on which men
are not at liberty to use their reason under
pain of denunciation as enemies of their
country. 1t is the average prejudice OF the
British patriot that is to determine
the issue, and not enlightened views of
the course that it is wise or just for
England to pursue in the difficulties that
are before her and the average prejudice
of the British patriot is against Russia and
in favor of Turkey. Consequently the sup
plies demanded will be voted when the vote
is reached, which, to judge by the little
progress made last night, will not be for
two or three days. The attention OF the
Commons in last nights debate was given
to Mr.. Forsters amendment declaring that,
"as the conditions Of British neutrality
have not been infringed by either
for adding to the peoples burdens by
voting additional supplies" In what was
said for and against this there was little
that has not been said before, save that Mr..
Cross, on behalf Of tho government, denied
what was said a. few nights since by Sir
Stafford Northcote as to the government de-
handing the vote on the supplies as gen.
eral vote of confidence. Mr. Forster hap
PLY characterized the attitude of the Min
istry as calling for the vote simply to
flourish it in the eyes Of the conference.
But the speeches were Of little moment.
What was significant was the demonstration
of passionate spirit that may sweep the
government beyond its depth ere it fairly
sees whittier it is going.
For the attitude of England is one in
which great Power is not often
placed with regard to another great
Power Its policy has no substantial
foothold in any grievance; it proposes
no definite purpose; has no objec-
two that is not abstract and metaphysical.
Its one demand has been that Russia shall
respect England's interests and it is not pos
sible for any human creature to put his
finger on a point where England's interests
have not been respected. On each occasion
to come down from the clouds and
name the interests for which it demanded
respect it has been assured with all the con-
sideration that one nation could show
toward another that the interest specified
should suffer no violence at the hands of
way toward the Cancellation of England in
this respect. It has repeated its assurance
over and over again and nations Of less
susceptibility might have been excused
from the reiteration of declarations that
could only be doubted in spirit Of gross
imputation on their honesty and good faith.
Between individuals, where the repetition of
An inquiry implies an opinion that the man
probably lied in his earlier answer, the per-
son whose veracity is thus theoretically i'm
pugned will sometimes consult his dignity
and refuse second answer, and in diplo-
matte intercourse this principle of action is
carried to extremity. Yet England's whole
recent course rests upon the assumption
that Russia's word is unworthy Of credit,
and that the Russian Chancellor and the
Russian Emperor have lied in all their as
surances. And England is arming now
for contingency that cannot arise unless
Russia has deliberately and Systematically
deceived her. National action is not often
inspired by these mean motives.