The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1878-04-07
THE BRITISH CIRCULAR ON THE EAST
ERN QUESTION.

London, April 1.-The circular which
Sir Stafford Northcote stated had been sent
to the powers bears date Of to day, and is is
signed by the Marquis. Of Salisbury. 1t
summarizes all the recent correspondence,
and after giving Russia's refueal to consent
20 Englend's demand relative to the placing
Of the treaty as q whole before the Con-
gress, continues as follows: "Her Maies-
ty's Government deeply regrets Russis'e
decisions; even if q considerable portion Of
tho stipulations of the treaty were likely
to be. approved, Russia's reservation rela-
tive to their discussion would nevertheless
be open to most serious objections. Every
material stipulation of the treaty involves
departure from the treaty OF 1856, and
by the declaration signed in London in 1871
it is impossible for her Majesty's Govern
ment to acquiese In withdrawal from the
cognizance of the powers of the articles
which are notifications of existing trea-
ties. The combined effect of the stipula-
tions upon the interests of the powers also
furnishes o conclusive reason against the
separate discussion of any one portion OF
them. By the articles relative to New
Bulgaria, 9 strong Slsv State will be
created under the auspices and control OF
Russia, who will secure o prepcndeFatfBg
Black and Ggesn Seas. A considerable
Greek population, although it views the
prospect with alarm, will be merged into
Slav community alien to it.
The provisions by which Russia will
practically choose ruler for Bulgaria,
while Russian administrator frames and
Russian army controls the hrst workings
of its institutiOns, insuficiently indicate Of
what political system it will in the future
form part. The stipulations for the better
government Of Theessly and Epirus, In
themselves highly commendables are ac-
comranied by conditions the general ef-
feet of which will be to increase the power
of Russia to the prejudice of Greece and
every other country having intereats in
She Eastern Mediterranean. The terrific
rial severance of COnatantinople from the
European provinces still leftluDder its Gov
ernment will deprive the Porte of any
political strength which might have been
derived from their possession, and expose
their inhabitants to serious rick Of anarchy.
The acquisition of Bessarabia and Ba-
toum makes Russia dominant over all the
vicinity of the Black Sea, while the acqui-
sition of the Armenian stroDgholds secur es
her influence over the population of the
province aud enables her TO arrest trade
| between Europe and Persia. The indem-
nifty stipulated for iS evidently beyond
Turkish means, even not considering the
portion of revenue hyp0thecated to other
creditors. It's mode of payment being
vaguely stated, it may tEus be demanded
Immediately, or left to weigh down the
Porte's independence for many years,
committed for more territory, or be made
the means of entirely subordinatiDg Tur-
key to Russia's policy.
The combined effect of the treaty stipu-
lations is to deprsss almost to the point Of
entire subjection the political Independence
of the Porte. It cannot bo otherwise than
| q matter of great solicitUde to Great Britain
that Government whose formal jurisdic.
ton extends over geographical positions OF
the deepest interest TO her, should be so
closely pressed by the political Outposts Of
| q greatly superior power that its indepen.
dent action and even existence Is almost
impossible. Large changes will doubtless
be necessary in the hitherto existing trea-
| ties.
England earnestly desires good govern
ment and peace and freedom for the popu-
lation to whom those blessings have been
strange. She WouId willingly nayO 0nSoEsI
| q Congress in which the stipulatians could
he examined as q whole, but neither Brit
ish interests nor the well-being OF the
Turkish provinces would be consulted by
the assembling of Congress restricted by
/ Prince Gortschakof7s latest reservations"