Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-08-01
GLADSTONE TO THE FORE.

Mr.. Gladstone's arrangement OF the policy
of the Beaconsfield ministry exhibits more
of petulence than is consistent with true
craftsmanship. It is true he has no doubt
been irritated by Beaconsfelds rather I'M
gentlemanly and contemptuous references to
himself, but that does not excuse him for
making private grievance a national issue.
His chief cause of complaint with the treaty
of Berlin was the meager advantages that
kingdom appears to be his especial pet, but
why it should have especial claims upon Eng
lands patronage it is difficult to discover.
To be sure, the integrity of Greece was
made an especial feature of the treaty of
Paris, which has heretofore been the inter-
national law of Europe, but it is in no way
interfered with or jeopardized by the Berlin
treaty. In fact, Greece has obtained very
substantial advantage. That she has not
received as much as Austria, or Russia, or
England, is no proof of injustice done her.
But little dogs generally make the most
noise, and Greece seems to be no exception
to the rule.
Mr.. Gladstone objects to the partition
of Turkey, and says it has been as complete
as that of Poland. He is undoubtedly cor
rect, and his criticism of Earl Beaconsfeld's
claims that all negotiations were had with a
view to the preservation of the Ottoman
power is perfectly just. We are convinced
that the preservation of Turkey scarcely
entered into the consideration of the British
plenipotentiaries although we hold that the
result has been for the best interests
of Europe, and that the preservation of
Turkey would only maintain thoroughly
undesirable status on the continent. Mr..
Gladstone desired the elevation of the native
races instead of the suppression of Turkey
by another power. His desires are purely
chimerical. The native races of Turkey are
as incapable of self-elevation as are the ma
tive races of America. They have for so
long been under the yoke Of the intolerant
despotism of the Sultan that all idea of
progress has been crushed out of them.
They are debased, degraded specimens of
humanity. Their manhood lies dormant,
and needs the fostering care and the kindly
encouragement of some enlightened govern
ment to develop it. Under Turkish rule it
wonld have continued to lie dormant, or
would have been wholly obliterated.
Another criticism of the treaty is that by
her course England has aroused the jealousy
of Russia, which is liable to cause trouble
between the two nations. Reference to the
homely smile of spelling rotten eggs is the
most complete answer. Jealousy between
the two nations is inherent. One cannot
blend the interests of the two any more than
he can mix oil and water. Concessions to
Russia would have been simply suicidal on
England's part-would be giving her an adj
| vantage that would some time be employed
to the injury of the over-gene1ous giver.
1t is evident that Mr.. Gladstone made as
| vigorous an onslaught upon the policy of
the ministry as the limited merits of his
cause would admit. He succeeded in awaken
| ing some enthusiasm among his followers
which showed that, notwithstanding his
mistakes, he has not lost his power as an
orator or his magnetism as leader. Ear
Beaconsfelds reply was brief. He left tc
his subordinates the task of Analysing the
objections to his policy in detail, but will
probably close the debate with an effort
worthy of his reputation and of the occa-
sion,