The Democratic advocate., 1878-12-07
LETTER FROM LONDON.
Correspondence of the Democratic Advocate.
LONDON, ENGLAND,

The enormous ornaments of Continen-
tai States, magnifed, as they are to the
sight of the people whose ideas of glory
they foster, and upon whom they entail
heavy burdens, which they are encouraged
to bear, are standing reproach to civil
zation. They are organized not for de-
fense, but defiance; not for protection, but
aggression, for conquest, annexation and
spoil England is being forced into war
with the Ameer of Afghanistan, through
the reckless ambition and intrigues of the
Gar, or of the military authority behind
the throne, which seems to be more poten-
tial than that of the Gar himself. Eu-
rope, bristling with bayonets and lurid with
the flashing of blood-stained swords, is in
a condition which only semi-savages could
approve, and rational and humane men, to
whatever nation they belong, must deplore.
The ornaments, great before the struggle
between France and Germany, have been
further increased since that struggle was
over. The French army has been recon
structed upon the German model, and
Russia has added to her already immense
legions, and for what purpose? Certainly
not of peace. The British army has al
ways been small in comparison with the
armies of other Powers, but her insular
position is not so secure as it was before
the progress of steam and the noble ''wood-
en- walls of former time ceased to be
effectual for her protection. The evils
weighing upon the social condition of Eu-
rope effect her position, and compel the
enlargement and the cost of arrangements,
which would not be thought of if States
addicted to warfare would only fight among
themselves, and allow her to remain at
peace. The English have no thirst for
conquest, no desire for extension of terri
tory, no idea of aggression. Russian in
trigues, however, being now carried to her
frontier, are to be dealt with. Whilst
they remained afar off she could look on,
unmoved; but the Russians are now at her
gates, and the question must be asked,
what are they doing there?
There is, now, however, some improve
ment in the situation Of Eastern affairs,
from various causes. The appointment of
Midhat Pasha to be Governor of Syria,
has produced good effect; first, because
it is regarded as proof of union between
England, France and Turkey; and second
ly, because his energy and experience,
both of which must have been ripened by
long residence in France and England,
cannot fail to prove beneficial to Syria.
The removal of Said Pasha from Ango-
ra, where he has gained golden opinions,
to Kostambul, is also regarded with favor,
as it is thought he will be succeeded by
the Governor who preceded him at Ango-
ra, and who also gave great satisfaction.
There will be thus three good men in three
important places. There is growing be-
lief in the existence of an alliance between
Austria, England and France for the exc
cution of the Treaty of Berlin. On the
other hand, the Greek difficulty, which
was falsely reported to be settled, is not
yet arranged, though it is in fair way
for settlement. On the whole, things look
better, and the public statement of the
Gar that he desires to carry out the Ber-
lin Treaty to the letter, adds to the pros
poets of settlement in due course.
On Tuesday evening singular company
assembled at the new Mission Chapel, Lit
tie Wild street, Drury-lane, when 800 of
the thieves of st. Giles and the ada
cent district, in answer to an invitation
the third of its kind-from Geo. Halton
and his friends, sat down to most sub
stantial supper. For long time the st.
Giles Christian Mission, of which Mr..
Halton is the indefatigable superintendent,
has been carrying on its work to the spir-
itual and the material advantage Of many
hundreds in the neighborhood in which it
has located itself, and among the various
ways in which it is sought to extend its
usefulness are efforts for the reclamation
of thieves as they come out of prison on
the expiration of their sentences. For
this purpose the charitable public have
been from time to time appealed to for
subscriptions, under the head of "thieves'
honest labor fund" to which moro support
is earnestly needed in furtherance of the
philanthropic object in view. As to those
who partook of the good cheer on Tuesday
night, there could be no possible mistake,
for every one of the 300 was a recognized
and admitted thief. The sight Of these
criminals was Enthusiastically striking,
and the scene was altogether strange