New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-04-25
FIGHTING FOR MoSLEMs.

" our Fred. here, hc is Second Lieutenant
FIGHTING FOR MOSLEMS.
LETTER FROM ELIHU BURRITT-ENGLAND's POSE
BEFORE EURoPE-NEw SPECTACLE FOR MODERN
CIvuIzATIOS-wHAT A WAR WILL REALLY
MEAN.
To the EdttOr Of The Tribune.
SIR According to the latest news from Europe,
England is preparing spectacle for modern ciyili-
zation which must produce no little sensation. She
is going to show the world the solidarity of her
empire. that covers such large proportion of the
globe and embraces so many of the races, religions
and languages of mankind. Boosting, as well she
may, and do with her, that nation in
Europe surpasSes her in courage, strength and
wealth, stin she hesitates TO encounter Rus
STA snele-handed. She has put forth British in-
terests' prominently, if not exclusively, in this
Eastern question that the Powers that fought by her
side IN the Crimean War for other objects as well.
now stand off and decline TO go with her into
another struggle for ends vague and even so re-
pusive to the best mind Of Europe She is, there
fore, about TO show them that she dispense
with such allies and depend upon the resources she
has held in reserve against great crisis in
civilization.
The significance Of one of Disraeli'5 famous say
inGs begins to unfold itself. Before this terrible
struggle commenced he declared in his great place,
that England was then the second greatest Moham-
medan Power in the world. He can now truly say
that she is the greatest Mohammedan Power in the
world, since Turkey has been so wasted by this
desolatIng war. lie can, perhaps, say with equal
truth that EnElands Moh1mmcdan subjects in India
synpathze deeply with their Turkish corcligion-
lists the subjects of the Car can with the Chris
tan populations Of the Ottoman Empire. Con-
structiyely or politically, England is as much the
head Of the Mohammcdan religion rs Russia is the
head Of the Greek Church In this sense she il the
natural defender Of the Faithful" Reducing all
vague gcncrnlties of prctcnsion to their true
value. this is the greatest, if not the only,
British interest " involved in the sustentatOu
of the Turkish dominion in Europe. And
England under Disracli's lead seems determined to
defend aud uphold this impcrilled interest without
the help Of other European Powers She has or
dercd a dozen regiments from India to Malta, rs
first detachment, including native Infantry. They
VIII probably come by the Suez Canal, which the
world had come to regard as neutral water, con-
sccrated to peaceful commerce. Lord PalmcIston
opposed its construction vigorously, believing it
might open an aggressive road to India. It's ag
grcssvc capacity is now 10 be reversed by DSrac's
policy. and utilized to bring Eugland's Asatc
power t. bear upon Europe.
H.rc, then. we are to witness n new incident
in the history OF European civilizations; England,
Us the greatest Nolammodan Power ia the world,
marching az the head of her Asiatc forces against
Christian nation 10 rcG,tabii-h the integrity aud
Independence of the Ottoman Empire" For il she
is victorious. her victory must mean the restoration
Of the Turkish rule over Bulgaria and other pro-
vince, that have been rescued from 1t by Russia.
Doubtless The Blshi-Bazonks and Crcassians
would eagerly join with her black pagans from
India In rebuilding the prison-houses Of these
Christian populations. Let us assume her complete
.ucco-, In such war. One Of two things must
suit from IT, She must either suppress the autonomy
OF Bulgaria and each Of the other Christian pro-
viccs, or she must recognize and uphold IT, Ii
she suVpTcssc, il, then she must deliver It over 10
Turkey IN sfatH qlO ante bciHm with promise, prob
ably. that the restored Turkish rule shall be more
moderate and equitable than before tho war. But If
England recognizes the autonomy which Russia is
cndcayoriug 10 establish, what then' What kind
Of government will she orgnnizcf viii il be more
liberal than Russia proposesi II 50, Will that be
more acceptable 10 Turkcyg VIII she make Bull
CARA pay a larger annual tribute 20 Turkey or di-
mluish lac amount partially agreed uponl
In either case how viii the two parties
be affected by the changer il less Is to
be paid to Turkey, vii that Power have
reason TO THANK England for her interference
II more is cXactcd, how will Bulgaria and the by
standing nations be affected by such Increased cost
Of so small measure Of frecGomY Then whom
would England put at the head Of the tributary
proyiuccH She might set Prince Alfred in the high
place with the consent Of all Europe except her own
For the wife of the Prince is the only daughter of
tire Emperor of Russia, and the English Russopho
bists would probably oppose and denounce such an
appointment. Then some German prince discOn-
nected from the houses Of Hohcnzoen ard Haps-
burg would have to bc put in the position. England
would not consent to this if she could not fill the
subordinate throne with prince Of her own. Well
if she objects 10 the Prince of Batenberg, proposed
by Russia let her nominate some other German
prince more acceptable to herself This she can do
now more easily and successfully than after another
war.
But the new incident in modern civilization we
have dwelt upon is fraught with other aspects and
possibilities which must impress the nations of con-
tncntal Europe IL constitutes "A serious precedent
which will be- likely to disturb their thoughts For
England will not trust her Indian regiments the
Sucz Canal until she has made sure OF the road, and
its seizure is a necessary part of the new spirited
policy" now contemplated. England seldom, If
ever lets 90 ythng she selZcs upon; and, doubt
less. she will retain the canal as permanent mill
tary road from and TO India. So. if France and Bel
GUM should ever become nation, even by mu-
tual consent England could prevent tho union with
the help Of her Asatic forces. Should Germany
attempt TO annex Holland, she would be confronted
by an army Of such races and tongues as she never
met on the field Of battle before.
The American reading public surely must watch
with interest the impression this new spirited
policy" of England makes upon the nations OF con-
tInenta Europe. On both sides of the Atlantic il
must be regarded one of the most important Incl
dents Of modern civilization. E.B.
NeC- Britain, Conn, April 20. 1873.