New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-02-08
RUSSIA md CONSTANTINOPLE.

The English journals made another pyro-
tcchnic display yesterday morning, and, turn
inc thci, lurld Bengal lights upon Constanti-
nople, beheld Russian troops already occupy
inc the old Byzantine Notifications, 1his
would not be a surprising circumstance, even
if it were true and it would not furnish the
slightest grounds for believing that IA p"rma-
nent seizure of the Turkish capital is intended.
Russia has solemnly precludcd herself from
taking such step She knows that the mere
ATTEMPT would unite all Europe against her f;
and she is in 10 ~dition, even i'll the flush
of victory, to ell in such tremendous,
prolonged and unc, Iin struggle. Neither Is
il likely since the bases of peace have been
officially announced, that the rumored Occupa-
ton of Constlntinople is owing to a secret
clause, forced upon Turkey. but hitherto with
held from publication. Such circumstance
would give some colorlng to a charge OF in
sincerity on the part of Russia yet it could
hardly be characterized as menace. The
marching of Russian troops through Constan-
tinople and their embarkation there. would be
both a convenience and an expression OF vic
tory. such as the German army allowed itself
in Paris. in 1871. 1t is not thing, however,
that need excite Europe or alarm England.
But we suspect that this sudden agitation
springs from an actual change in the situation
1t looks very much as if Russian diplomacy
had once more gained brilliant advantage
over that of England. The ordering of Adj
miral Hornby's squadron to the Dardanclles,
followed by an immediate countermand, was
n keen offence TO Russia, while at the same
=, 4 bn los rnm N y
desperate hope of English aid. The CORE
spondent Of The London Daily NerS, whose au-
thority is very trustworthy, declares that Server
Pasha, one Of the commissioners appointed to
treat with the Grand Duke Nicholas at
Adrianople, and Minister of Foreign Affairs III
the new Ottoman Cabinet, is wholly alienated
from England and favorable to Russian al
lance Nothing is more natural than that the
Porte, IN its present straits, should suddenly
change its policy, and eDdcavOr to soften the
conditions of peace by entire subserviency to
Russia. And further, seeing that the supple
mentary credit is sure To be voted by the Eng
Iish Parliament, it is equally natural that Rus
sja should take advantage of the plant tenn
per of Turkey, and arrange to place the bulk
of her army in positions which practically de-
interfere when Turkey (whose independence
as a European Power she has undertaken to
sccme) voluntarily comedies so much to Rus
siai Here is the double dilemma in which
she is placed. Turkeys change of policy not
only removes the former pretext of interven-
ton, but it also enables Russia, in case of
necessity, to close the Dardaneles.
The report of a neutral zone having been
established between the Russian and Turkish
forces, il front of ConstantnOplc, is probably
true. A week ago to-day the Russian army
occupied line reaching from Chorlu (about
seventy miles from the capitaD to RodostO, on
the Sea of Marmora. If the limits agreed
upon be Buyuk GREAT and Kutchuk (Little)
Chckemdiell-twO considerable fortresses on
the southern shore Of the Byzantine PENN
suIa-thcy are about fifteen miles from Con-
stantinople. From Rodosto, a march of three
to four DAYS would also bring the Russians to
Gallipol. on the Dardanclles. The advantages
of their position do not need to be explained.
The distress of the Moslem population OF Tur-
kew has evidently driven the Government to
choose. Instantly, what seemed the least OF
many impcnding evils. Hundreds of thousands
OF homeless and starving men, women ana
children are crowded into Constantinople, or
perishing along the shores of the Marmora
and Egean Seas. The movement OF Greece,
although apparently suspended already, must
have fastened the decision, and driven Tur-
key into sudden accord with her hereditary
enemy. We suspect, at least, that this Is the
secret Of the present situation. II so, it is